Hunting and farming: A symbiotic relationship

SENECA COUNTY — It's undeniable hunting and farming have shaped Ohio's landscape for generations, with each influencing the other in sustainable ways. In Seneca County, the relationship is no different: farmers rely on hunters to help manage deer populations that can damage crops, while hunters depend on the county's farmland for habitat and access. For generations now, Ohio farmland has served as a critical habitat for wildlife — especially white-tailed deer. Hunting, a long-standing cultural staple in nearly every corner of the state, has evolved from simple game and recreation into a key tool for managing populations, protecting crops, and fostering stewardship of the land. According to the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio is home to more than 13 million acres of farmland, with Seneca County's fields primarily producing corn and soybeans. These crops are vulnerable to deer overpopulation, which can devastate young plants and reduce yields. Per the ODNR Division of Wildlife's annual summary of Ohio's Deer Program, hunters harvested 238,137 deer statewide— including 100,766 bucks, 115,682 does, and 21,689 button bucks throughout the 2024-25 hunting season; a tangible effort to control populations and limit damage to farmland. Landowners themselves contributed 28% of the total deer harvest in 2024-25, an example of the vital role that private land plays in sustaining the state's wildlife management goals. Archery hunting accounted for 45% of the total harvest — a record high per ODNR, reflecting the growing popularity of patient, low-impact hunting methods. Population control is not just about the numbers, though, as disease and other factors can also be harmful to both wildlife and farmers. In December 2020, the Division of Wildlife received test results that a mature buck harvested in southern Wyandot County tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Once confirmed, a 15-township area surrounding the positive location was designated for additional surveillance where hunters were encouraged to submit deer for testing throughout the remainder of the deer season, particularly during the two-day bonus gun and muzzleloader seasons. Hunting programs, conservation initiatives and partnerships between farmers and hunters all contribute to maintaining balance on Ohio's rural landscapes. The Division of Wildlife helps to connect hunters and farmers through programs like OLHAP, which compensates landowners for opening their property to hunters. By encouraging responsible access, the program reduces deer-related crop damage while promoting safe, ethical hunting practices. For farmers, overpopulated deer herds can damage cornfields and soybean fields, damage fences and threaten other crops. The Ohio Farm Bureau emphasizes that hunting is a critical tool for controlling deer populations and mitigating crop loss. When farmers and hunters work together, both conservation goals and agricultural productivity benefit. Programs such as deer damage control permits provide additional flexibility for landowners who face significant wildlife-related losses, ensuring that Ohio's hunting traditions support (rather than conflict with) farming. Hunters also fund conservation through licenses and permits, which support research, habitat restoration, and disease monitoring. Hunting opportunities extend beyond private lands. The Seneca County Park District's Clary-Boulee McDonald Nature Preserve in Kansas will soon host a controlled-access hunting lottery, exclusive to county residents. Executive Director Sarah Betts explained that the property was acquired in part to expand hunting access and that the program will operate similarly to other Ohio Controlled Access Hunting Lotteries. Parking on the east side of Wolf Creek will be reserved for hunters during the season, ensuring safe and organized participation. Seneca Conservation District's Proving Ground Farm is one example of how hunting and farming coexist. The 80-acre farm features cropland, ponds, wetlands, and trails, open to the public for fishing, nature walks and educational programs. The farm hosts multiple hunting events: • Deer hunt for mobility-impaired hunters: Held during the Ohio deer-gun season in partnership with the Izaak Walton League since 1998. Hunters are chosen randomly through a lottery system. There are four hunting blinds positioned throughout the farm, and each blind has one hunter for each day. Volunteers from the Izaak Walton League participate by assisting hunters to and from their blinds and field dress the animal, if the hunter is successful. The league also provides meals during the experience. • Brian Wilkerson Memorial Youth Rabbit Hunt: This event occurs in December; Hunters are chosen randomly through a lottery system and must possess a valid Ohio youth hunting license. Hunters hunt with trained hunting beagles and experienced adult licensed hunters. All hunters must bring their own legal firearm. • Muzzleloader hunt: This event occurs in January; Hunters are chosen randomly through a lottery system, and each successfully drawn hunter and a guest will have access to the farm for one day. All applicants must have a valid hunter's license and deer tag. • Youth turkey hunt: In April, selected youth hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. "The farm is a beautiful space for visitors to explore nature and agriculture," said Morgan Metzger, district administrator. These programs not only manage wildlife populations but also teach stewardship, ethics, and respect for the land.