CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Parks said bow hunting is set to begin Saturday, Sept. 28 in an effort to cut down on the deer population in the area. 

What You Need To Know

  • In a release, officials said white-tailed deer pose a challenge to the park system, due to overbrowsing of young tree saplings and spring wildflowers

  • Because of overpopulation, the city holds controlled bow hunting

  • All hunters who wish to take park in the bow hunting should have attended a mandatory archery skills test through the Cincinnati Parks qualification event, which was held in July
  • As bow hunting starts to commence, Cincinnati Parks warns residents who wish to hike around the parks to be aware of hunting maps, as to not be in the way and possibly be hurt
  • The hunting season will end on Feb. 2, 2025

Cincinnati Parks said in a release, that in partnership with the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, the goal is to protect and conserve the city's green infrastructure, which includes green spaces, forests and more. 

In a release, officials said white-tailed deer pose a challenge to the park system, due to overbrowsing of young tree saplings and spring wildflowers. 

"Left unmanaged, the lack of young trees in our forest will prevent them regenerating and being around for future generations. This not only impacts wildlife, but our own natural heritage as well," Cincinnati Parks wrote. 

Cincinnati Parks noted that the absence or overabundance of white-tailed deer could cause drastic changes to the ecosystem. Because of overpopulation, the city holds controlled bow hunting. The Cincinnati Park Board has been managing the deer herd since 2007. 

All hunters who wish to take part in the bow hunting should have attended a mandatory archery skills test through the Cincinnati Parks qualification event, which was held in July. All other rules and regulations can be found here.

As bow hunting starts to commence, Cincinnati Parks warns residents who wish to hike around the parks to be aware of hunting maps, as to not be in the way and possibly be hurt. 

Hunting maps can be found here.

The parks also gave the following tips:

  • Make sure you are seen by wearing bright colors all year round to improve visibility
  • Stay on the marked trails — all hunting zones are at least 30 feet away from those trails
  • Keep dogs on a 6-foot leash 

Bow hunting season will run until Feb. 2, 2025. In order to become a bow hunter for the next season, click here.