The Village has adopted a Wildlife Management Program to address problems related to the high numbers of deer in several Village neighborhoods. The Wildlife Management Program was adopted to make the Village habitat less attractive for deer, to reduce the damage to landscaping and other plantings, and to minimize the other negative impacts of deer.

The Wildlife Management Program also allows the limited hunting of deer within the Village. Bow hunting is authorized in selective areas to reduce the size of the herd. The bow hunting program is controlled and regulated by the Village and is designed to be unobtrusive. Hunting may be allowed on public property as well as private properties that have been offered for hunting by the property owners.  Hunters are selected by the Village based upon specific qualifications, including total years of hunting experience, prior urban deer hunting participation, and/or a law enforcement background.  Hunters are expected to follow all Ohio hunting regulations as well as regulations established by the Village.

Property owners who wish to offer their properties for inclusion in the bow hunting program can contact the Granville Police Department at 740.587.1234 or fill out the Land Owner Permission Form, as well as the Waiver Form.

Hunters who would like to participate in the Granville bow hunting program must abide by the Hunter’s Agreement and follow these steps in order to apply for a permit:

1. The hunter must purchase all necessary State of Ohio hunting licenses, tags, and provide a copy of that license.

2. The hunter must complete the Archery Proficiency Test at the locations indicated on the proficiency section, using the specifications as directed by the Village of Granville. Out-of-state applicants should contact the Administrator to have an archery range approved. Completed form must be submitted when applying.

3. The hunter must provide the Village with proof of completion of the ODNR Hunter’s Safety Program or other state’s hunter safety program. Hunters may contact ODNR at 1-800-Wildlife to obtain a copy of the card they received after completion of the program.

4. Ohio hunters must complete a state (Ohio BCI) or federal background check (FBI). For individuals who have not lived in the State of Ohio continuously for the past five years, a federal background check is required. This service is provided by the Granville Police Department for a fee of $40.00. Out-of-state hunters must pass the federal (FBI) background check.

5. Once Steps 1-4 are completed, along with a notarized signature acknowledging the Hunter’s Agreement, applicants can APPLY HERE.