HOWLAND Trumbull Metroparks has announced the date for its annual lottery for the 2025-26 deer hunting season.

 Zachary Svette, executive director of Trumbull Metroparks, announced in a news release that the lottery will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. at the park office in Howland. Hunters do not have to be present for the drawing.

The lottery is mandatory for all hunters who wish to participate in the upcoming deer season on designated park properties. To be eligible, hunters must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and submit a completed private property hunting form, which can be found online or at the park office.

Forms must be submitted by Aug. 31 to the Trumbull Metroparks office at 3983 N. River Road NE, Warren, OH 44484. The submission must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The lottery will give priority to Trumbull County residents, followed by non-county residents. The public is welcome to attend the drawing at the park office.

Hunting is permitted at West Branch Wetlands Nature Preserve, Eagle Creek Nature Preserve, Lockwood Hunting Preserve, and Trock Forest. Hunting will be allowed from the start of the bow deer season until Feb. 28, 2026.

All participants must adhere to all Trumbull Metroparks regulations and all regulations set by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.