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Ohio Landowners/Hunters Access Program | OHUB News
Ohio is an interesting—maybe strange—state (and as an Ohioan, I can say that!). Ohio has a cultural identity crisis. It is largely considered a Midwestern state (and for those who disagree, look up the Northwest Ordinance of 1787), but it combines aspects of Eastern and Appalachian cultures. The topography varies, featuring a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, wetlands, and wide-open land that was cleared by prehistoric glaciers. For hunters, the land-locked nature of the state, with some public land, makes hunting difficult unless you own land. However, land prices have soared. Even leasing land has become expensive. For Ohio hunters, another option exists—the Ohio Landowner/Hunter Access Partnership Program.
What is it?
OLHAP (the government acronym) offers a new way for Ohio hunters to access private lands, which helps reduce overcrowding on public hunting lands. The program incentivizes landowners with annual payments. Ohio received $1,831,500 through the 2018 Farm Bill to implement the new OLHAP program. The program directs a portion of those funds to compensate landowners for allowing hunters to access their property.
“Landowners can receive annual payments ranging from $2 per acre for crop land to $30 per acre for perennial wildlife habitats such as grasslands, wetlands, and forests. Additionally, landowners may receive a bonus payment if they allow white-tailed deer gun hunting.”
Enrolled lands are accessible between September and June with a free daily access permit. These permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters receive a list of rules for the property, while owners get notified when hunters access their property. All hunting opportunities are allowed except deer gun hunting. To access OLHAP, download the app here.
Zooming Out
OLHAP is designed to give hunters access to more land. Public lands, especially during peak seasons, often become overcrowded and overhunted. The program allows many hunters to access private land without incurring the steep costs associated with ownership or leasing.
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Sources:
- https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/hunting-trapping/OLHAPflyer.pdf
- https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting-resources/ohio-landowner-hunter-access
- https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/enrollment-now-open-for-ohio-landowner-hunter-access-partnership
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