First Shot: Mentored Hunting Program

Welcome to First Shot: Mentored Hunting Program brought to you by Black Swamp Bucks Unlimited.

As a direct result of the BSBU Community support, BSBU is very excited to roll out a brand-new program that helps complete an important part of our mission – Preserve the Hunting Traditions for Future Generations.

Here at BSBU we are often asked where and how to get started in hunting. We do our best through individual relationships to share our own hunting properties with new hunters, but as we have grown the demand for opportunities has also grown.

Winning Participants will be assigned a designated Hunting Weekend and Location. Each Hunter will be accompanied by a BSBU Guide and a Mentor. BSBU will offer Elevated and Ground Blind Hunting Options.

Each Successful Drawing Participant only incurs the cost of their Hunting License, Transportation to and from the Hunting Area, Game Processing, and their Gear. BSBU will supply the Weapon that fits the season of the participant. The Participant must be able to show competent use the selected weapon – Cross Bow, Rifle, Shot Gun, etc via Target Practice at the BSBU Field Day.

· Who may apply?

Any youth hunter, apprentice hunter or unsuccessful hunter. A unsuccessful hunter is one who has held a Ohio hunting license in the past, but has not successfully harvest an animal with that license.

· How do I apply?

Please visit www.blackswampbucks.com and fill out the First Shot Application. Then Head on over to the ODNR Website and Purchase the correct hunting license. Lottery winners will receive an email and phone call no later than August 5th with hunt details.

· When does the lottery open and close?

The 2023 First Shot Program is open now – April 15th and the application process and drawing will take place July 28th.

· Is this a mentored hunt?

Yes, this is not a “do-it-yourself” hunt. All participants will supply their own gear and be expected to have the necessary hunting license from the State of Ohio. BSBU will supply the weapon, hunting blind, and hunting area. You will also be accompanied by a BSBU Mentor and your sponsor during your hunt.

· Can I bring a parent or friend?

The registered mentor may accompany the selected participant, but only the individual chosen in the lottery is able to carry and use a firearm or cross bow.

· How will I be notified if I am selected?

Selected applicants will listed at www.blackswampbucks.com the week after the selection. Lottery winners will receive an email and phone call no later than August 5th with hunt details.

· Who may I contact if I have additional questions?

You may contact info@blackswampbucks.com for any additional questions or concerns.

Selection Procedure
Participants will be selected at random from all eligible applicants. Any youth (junior) hunter, apprentice hunter or unsuccessful hunter. An unsuccessful hunter is one who has held an Ohio hunting license in the past but has not successfully harvest an animal with that license. The deadline to apply to participate in First Shot is July 27th at Midnight.

Register Here!