Deer archery season begins Sept. 24 > Wright

A white-tailed deer grazes in a field off Skeel Avenue near the 12th-hole tee box Sept. 14, 2022, on Prairie Trace Golf Course at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. A 2020 aerial survey of the base revealed 157 deer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matthew Clouse)

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — As the calendar turns to autumn and the weather gets cooler, hunters are excited for another season.

The hard part can be finding land to hunt, but eligible individuals can purchase a permit at www.wpafb.isportsman.net for $20 to hunt animals such as deer, pheasant and rabbit on base.

"Hunting is a valuable management tool that aids in keeping population numbers in check," said Darryn Warner, the 88th Civil Engineer Group's Natural Resources program manager. "A 2020 aerial deer survey of the base was conducted and revealed 157 deer. CE Natural Resources routinely conducts nighttime deer surveys to count deer in specific areas to better manage the population."

A valid Ohio hunting license is also needed on base, except for active-duty military on annual leave. People eligible to hunt on base include:

Deer archery season begins Sept. 24. The hunting season schedule for all game can be found on the iSportsman website.

Officials said guns will not be allowed this deer-hunting season at WPAFB.

"Normally, there are one or two very nice bucks harvested each year on base," Warner added. "The largest buck I am aware of was taken at WPAFB illegally by a poacher. The 178-inch rack is on display at the Rod & Gun Club, and the poacher was charged and prosecuted with assistance from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife."

Warner says hunters can avoid trouble by reviewing and following the rules and regulations on the iSportsman website prior to heading out, or call 88 CEG's Natural Resources Office at 937- 257-4857 for any questions.