2026-2027 Application

Purpose

The goal of the City of Oxford’s Deer Management Program is to maintain deer populations at sustainable levels that: 

  • Protect the health of the local ecosystem.
  • Prevent the spread of disease.
  • Reduce deer-vehicle collisions. 
  • Limit damage to vegetation and habitats.

For the 2026–2027 hunting season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has set the Butler County bag limit at three (3) deer per hunter. Deer may be harvested using either-sex permits, deer management permits, or a combination of both. 

City of Oxford Deer Management Program runs September 26, 2026 – February 7, 2027. 

Regulations and Guidelines

  • All ODNR hunting rules and regulations, as outlined in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2026–27, apply.
  • Hunters must hold a valid Ohio hunting license and meet hunter education requirements through ODNR. 
  • Bow hunting only is permitted. 
  • All new hunters to the City’s program must attend a proficiency test about Oxford’s Deer Management Program. New hunters can select a test date on their application.
  • Hunters must report each harvested deer to the City within 24 hours of the harvest. Deer can be reported to deer@cityofoxford.org. In your report, include: 
    • Confirmation number from ODNR
    • Photo
    • Age and sex of the deer harvested
  • Hunters must keep a paper or digital copy of your Oxford permit on you at all times while hunting. No additional adults or children may be present, other than those with written permission. 
  • Only bows legal under ODNR’s Legal Deer Hunting Equipment regulations are permitted. 
  • All hunting must be from an elevated position, such as a tree stand or elevated blind. Elevated positions from vehicles are not permitted. If you install a tree stand or elevated blind, you must:
    • Display your name and phone number.
    • Not use permanent or screw-type stands.
    • Remove all equipment by the last day of your permitted session.
  • Hunters must wear hunter orange (vest, coat, jacket, or coveralls - solid or camouflage).
Image demonstrating what qualifies as Hunter Orange and what does not
  • Land owned by the City of Oxford is not considered Public Hunting Lands by ODNR standards, therefore baiting is allowable. If you are hunting on private property, you must get permission from the property owner to bait. 
  • Field-dressing waste must be removed and disposed of in a manner that does not create a public nuisance. The following city dumpsters may be used for disposal. However, they are not available 24/7.
    • Oxford City Garage, 945 S Main St.

Incentives

  • Hunters who harvest two antlerless deer will automatically be selected for the following year's season if they submit a complete application within the application period.
  • Hunters are encouraged to donate harvested deer to the Community Meal Center (Hamilton, Ohio). Oxford will reimburse the cost of the Deer Permit for donated deer. Reimbursement requests must be submitted within two weeks of harvest. 

Deer donations must go to the Community Meal Center through: 
H & M Processing 

7532 Cincinnati-Brookville Road 

Okeana, OH 45053 

(513) 907–7367 

The Chop Shop Deer Processing 

7030 State Route 128 

Cleves, OH 45002 

(513) 353-3337 

Call ahead to arrange delivery. 

  • All deer must be legally tagged and checked via a certified station or ODNR’s automated system. 

Special Note: For Oxford-designated properties adjacent to Miami University land, if a wounded deer enters MU Natural Areas, notify Ms. Nancy Feakes, MU Natural Areas Field Manager, immediately at (513) 524-2197 or feakesn@miamioh.edu. She will coordinate with MU Police. 

ODNR Archery Rules Summary 

License & Permits 

  • A valid Ohio Hunting License and Deer Permit are required. 
  • It is illegal to attach a temporary tag to a deer taken by another person. 

Bow/Longbow

  • Minimum draw weight: 40 lbs.
  • Arrow tip: minimum two cutting edges (exposed or unexposed), minimum width ¾ inch. 
  • Expandable/mechanical broadheads are legal; poisoned/explosive arrows are prohibited. 

Crossbow 

  • Minimum draw weight: 75 lbs. 
  • Same arrow tip requirements as bows. 

Tree Stand Regulations 

  • Permanent-type stands and screw-in steps are prohibited on public hunting lands. 
  • Landowner permission is required for such modifications on private property. 

Deer Checking 

  • Only the harvester may check the deer utilizing one of the methods below:
  • MOBILE APP: HuntFishOH
  • ONLINE: ohiogamecheck.com
  •  CALL (automated): 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (1-877-824-4864) 
  •  IN-PERSON: Visit any authorized license sales agent
  • Some check stations in proximity to Oxford: 
Walmart #2275 
5720 College Corner Pike 
Oxford, OH 45056 
(513) 524-4122 
Gillman’s Home Center 
5745 College Corner Pike 
Oxford, Ohio 45056 
(513) 524-9030 
Baker Hardware 
6550 Hamilton Scipio Rd
Okeana, OH 45053 
(513) 756-9700