The bow hunting of white tailed deer has begun in the city. To date, 80 permits have been issued, three of which are deer damage control permits, according to the North Royalton Police Chief’s office. That is almost double the 41 permits that were issued at this time last year.
At the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, 187 deer were taken in North Royalton, with the following breakdown: Ward 1, eight deer with a deer damage permit, 77 deer with a hunting permit for a total of 85; Ward 2, deer with a deer damage permit, 13 deer with a hunting permit for a total of 13; Ward 3, no deer with a deer damage permit, ten deer with a hunting permit for a total of ten; Ward 4, no deer with a deer damage permit, nine deer with a hunting permit for a total of nine; Ward 5, no deer with a deer damage permit, 27 deer with a hunting permit for a total of 27; Ward 6, no deer with a deer damage permit, 43 deer with a hunting permit for a total of 43. Twenty two permits were issued in Ward 1, five in Ward 2, four in Ward 3, four in Ward 4, 12 in Ward 5 and 18 and Ward 6.
Two ordinances pertaining to the hunting of white tailed deer by bow hunting in North Royalton,were unanimously adopted last June, following the passage of the measure at the 2016 Primary, where six communities all passed the measure, in an effort to address the deer population problem on a more regional level. The first ordinance permits the hunting of white tailed deer by long bow or short bow during hunting season or during the rest of the year through the use of the nuisance abatement process. Either way, the hunter would need to abide by certain criteria that is set forth in the ordinance. The proposed Ohio Deer Hunting Season for 2017-2018, for archery is September 30, 2017 through February 4, 2018, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Two separate permits are required. A permit through the city and a permit through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The ODNR permit will either be a hunting permit, unless one is hunting on their own property during hunting season, or a nuisance permit, for those hunting at a time which does not fall during the bow hunting season.
Basically, the process is straightforward. In order to bow hunt deer, you mush have five contiguous acres, unless otherwise determined by the Chief of Police or his designee. Hunters will need to have the following in order to apply for a city permit:
-Municipal Deer Control Permit Application
-Property Owner Permission and Agreement Form for each property owner involved
-Registration fee of $150
-Legible photocopy of State of Ohio hunting license and deer permit
– Legible photocopy of applicant’s driver’s license or state ID card
-Copy of the declaration page of homeowner/renter insurance policy indicating personal liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000
-Signed and approved archery proficiency certification from Gander Mountain*
-Map of property with boundaries outlined and GPS coordinates of approved platform
Once all of this is submitted, North Royalton Police Officials will visit the property to determine that hunting with archery equipment can be safely conducted therein and to inspect and approve the elevated platform from which hunting is to be conducted. In addition, the Chief of Police may impose any other requirement, condition or restriction deemed necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the residents.
Once the permit is issued, it is valid only to the named permit holders. Hunting should only take place during daylight hours and from the approved elevated platforms. Notifications to adjoining property owners, as well as possible sign postings will be required. Notification of harvesting to the ODNR is also necessary within 24 hours, as well as a harvested deer check form to the North Royalton Police Department. The permit holder is responsible for removing the remains from the hunting site.
It has been noted that once a deer has been shot, permission by the property owner needs to be gained before setting foot on their property. Those entering other’s property would be viewed as trespassing, which is a misdemeanor offense, with up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine, according to North Royalton Assistant Law Director, Donna Vozar. It was recommended that if a deer wanders onto a property where permission is not granted, that police should be called to retrieve the deer. It was noted that it would be a good idea to notify all property owners that surround the five plus acres that are being hunted upon, and asking permission beforehand.
The full list of rules, regulations and forms can be found on the city’s website, www.northroyalton.org, Click on Municipal Deer Control Permit Packet – Ord. 16-83, under the Important Information section. Questions should be directed to the office of the Chief of Police at 440-582-6216, extension 2200.
*To confirm availability of personnel to administer the archer proficiency test, contact:
Great Hunt Outfitters, 1375 Ridge Road, Hinckley, OH 44233 (330) 278-7522
Fin, Feather, and Fur Outfitters, 18030 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (440) 243-9400.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer