The Ohio Department of Natural Resources hosted 12 disabled American veterans for a guided archery hunt at Zaleski State Forest over the Oct. 9-11 weekend. The ODNR divisions of Forestry and Wildlife partnered with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and volunteer groups to provide this opportunity for Ohio’s veterans to hunt white-tailed deer.

“This is an opportunity that ODNR is honored to be able to support for the men and women that have proudly served our country,” said Robert Boyles, ODNR deputy director and state forester. “We are proud to partner with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee for our Ohio veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.”

Numerous volunteers assisted the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to help the veterans with their hunt and provide meals, lodging and equipment. Veterans made advance application for the hunt, and there was no cost to the veterans for participating.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. This hunt provided an opportunity to effectively manage the damage white-tailed deer cause to the forest ecosystem tree seedlings and herbaceous plants in a specific area of Zaleski State Forest.

For more information about the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee, contact Paul Haller, chair, at [email protected] or contact Courtney Cawood with the ODNR Division of Forestry at [email protected].

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.