OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters and fishers across the state can apply for special spring access through the end of the month. 

The opportunities include wild turkey hunting and rainbow trout with applications being accepted through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. The access will be determined via a random, computer-based lottery system. 

What You Need To Know

  • The opportunities include wild turkey hunting and rainbow trout with applications being accepted through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or through the HuntFish OH mobile app

  • The access will be determined via a random, computer-based lottery system

  • Applications cost $3 and applicants need all required permits and licenses prior to submitting

  • Mail-in applications will not be accepted, but applicants can also call 1-866-703-1928 to apply with an additional service fee of $5.50

Applications cost $3, and applicants need all required permits and licenses prior to submitting. While mail-in applications will not be accepted, applicants can also call 1-866-703-1928 to apply with an additional service fee of $5.50.

Spring youth wild turkey hunts are held at six wildlife areas: Eagle Creek, Killbuck Marsh, Killdeer Plains, Lake La Su An, Mosquito Creek and Woodland Trails. 

Hunters are required to have a a valid Ohio hunting license and wild turkey permit prior to applying and must be 17 years old or younger, accompanied by a nonhunting adult. The licenses and permits are availlable at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, or at any license vendor.

New hunters are eligible for the controlled hunts if they have not harvested a wild turkey in the past five years. Learners and mentors can both harvest a turkey during mentor-style hunts so long as the learner harvests first.

For more information on the hunts, click here.

Fishing opportunities will be held at Cold Creek in Erie County, one of the states most productive waterways. A half-mile section of the creek at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery will be open to lottery winners on certain dates from May 1 through Nov. 29.

One season will be available for adult fishers and another for youth ages 4 to 15, There are up to 99 adult permits and 86 youth permits available and individuals selected can bring two adults and three children under age 16, no more than six people total. All anglers age 16 and older are required to have an Ohio fishing license. 

Lotteries will be drawn during the week after the application period ends.

Winners will be notified via email, or can check heir customer account in the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or the HuntFish OH mobile app for their status in the lottery.

For more information on controlled fishing opportunities, click here.