Base to conduct controlled archery deer hunt Published Dec. 1, 2011 By Darryn Warner Natural Resources Program Manager WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- Wright-Patt will hold a proficiency test/lottery drawing on Dec. 7 to identify participants for the controlled archery deer hunt. Over the past few years the deer herd in the vicinity of the Twin Base Golf Course has been increasing, which has led to an increase in landscape damage to the course; an increased chance of deer-vehicle collisions; an increased potential to spread disease among the deer population; and the potential to reduce the habitat quality for both the deer population and other wildlife species. The WPAFB Natural Resources Working Group has been granted permission to utilize archery deer hunting in the woods immediately adjacent to the golf course as an ecological management tool in order to maintain a healthy and balanced deer population. The WPAFB Controlled Archery Deer hunt will begin on Dec. 17 and will conclude on Feb. 5. During this time, hunters will be allowed to hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until 9 a.m. for 1 week periods. The opening time of Twin Base Golf Course will be altered during this time to ensure hunting and golfing is not occurring at the same time. Hunters will have access to assigned hunting areas during morning hours only. During normal conditions, afternoon/evening hunting will not be allowed in the woods adjacent to the golf course. However, in the event the golf course is closed for an extended period of time due to inclement weather (snow), the option would exist to allow hunters full access to the hunting areas during the normal times set by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (30 minutes before sunrise, until 30 minutes after sunset). The WPAFB Controlled Archery Deer hunt will be conducted in much the same way Five Rivers MetroParks conducts their archery hunts. Hunters will be randomly drawn via a lottery, in which a $10, non-refundable lottery entry fee will be collected. Prior to entering the drawing, hunters must successfully pass a proficiency test of shooting 3 out of 4 arrows into an 8" target at 20 yards. The date for the proficiency test/lottery drawing has been set for Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at Bldg. 892, WPAFB Rod & Gun Club. Below is a list of general rules and conditions for implementing this controlled hunt. HUNTING RULES AND CONDITIONS 1. Hunting will only be permitted from tree-stands. No ground-blinds or ground shots will be permitted. This ensures that all shots will be taken at a downward angle and would reduce safety concerns. 2. All tree-stands must be located so that they are facing away from the open golf-course and must be a minimum of 20 yards away from the edge of the woods. 3. Tree-stands must be either hang-on, ladder, or tripod style. No screw-in steps or any other tree-damaging items are permitted. Safety harness/fall-restraint use is required as well. 4. Tree-stands must be marked with owners' information. 5. Hunters are required to harvest an antlerless deer prior to taking an antlered deer. 6. Deer harvests must be reported to the WPAFB Natural Resources Program Manager by calling 257-4857. 7. Each hunter will be assigned a hunting area and is required to stay within their respective hunting area, thus preventing intrusion on other hunters. 8. Hunting shall cease promptly at 9 a.m. All hunting areas shall be vacated by hunters by NLT 9:30 a.m. 9. Should conditions allow hunting to go beyond 9 a.m., hunters will be notified, in advance, by the Natural Resources Program Manager of the new hours. 10. Field dressing of harvested deer is not permitted on the golf course. Field dressing must occur discreetly within the woodlots. Should a deer collapse on the golf course hunters shall call TBGC maintenance superintendant at (937) 608-1889 for assistance. 11. On a daily basis hunters are required to remove all trash or debris generated while hunting. 12. Archery hunting on TBGC will only be open to the following personnel: military, retirees, and civil service. No guests and/or dependents will be allowed. 13. Hunters must pass a proficiency archery test prior to entry into the lottery drawing. The proficiency test requires 3 out of 4 arrows within an 8" diameter target set at 20 yards. 14. Ample parking areas along Hebble Creek Road, Marl Road and Battle Creek Road allow hunter access to the areas without having to cross/access any part of the golf course. 15. A WPAFB hunting permit, TBGC Access Permit, State of Ohio Hunting License, and a State of Ohio deer tag is required to be in possession of the hunter while hunting TBGC. 16. Baiting is legal in the State of Ohio and will be allowed in this program. Each hunter is permitted to have 1 bait station within their assigned hunting area. 17. Any violation of these conditions while archery hunting TBGC will result in the loss of base hunting privileges for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years. GENERAL TIMELINE Proficiency Test/Lottery Drawing: Wednesday, Dec 7, 3 p.m., Rod & Gun Club Group #1 hunting on TBGC will begin Saturday, Dec. 17, for a 1 week period. (Saturday to Saturday) -- 1st group of hunters can install tree stands on Friday, Dec. 16. Tree stands must be removed by Sunday, Dec. 25. Group #2 hunting on TBGC will begin Saturday, Dec. 31, for a 1 week period. (Saturday to Saturday) -- 2nd group of hunters can install tree stands on Friday, Dec. 30. Tree stands must be removed by Sunday, Jan. 8. Group #3 hunting on TBGC will begin Saturday, Jan. 14, for a 1 week period. (Saturday to Saturday) -- 3rd group of hunters can install tree stands on Friday, Jan. 13. Tree stands must be removed by Sunday, Jan. 22. Group #4 hunting on TBGC will begin Saturday, Jan. 28, for a 1 week period. (Saturday to Saturday) -- 4th group of hunters can install tree stands on Friday, Jan. 27. Tree stands must be removed by Sunday, Feb. 5. Additional information will be provided after the lottery drawing has been completed. Questions or comments should be directed to the WPAFB Natural Resources Program Manager by calling 257-4857.