Black-Capped Chickadee VS Carolina Chickadee

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The fourth annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Contest will feature black-capped and Carolina chickadees, which are common in Ohio and frequent backyard feeders.

The two species look nearly identical, but black-capped chickadees occupy the northern 1/3 of the state, and Carolina chickadees are found in the southern 2/3 of the state.

“We encourage Ohio residents to use their photography skills to showcase our native songbirds,” said James Zehringer, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). “This is a unique opportunity to share the beauty of our black-capped and Carolina chickadees.”

Entries will be accepted Aug. 13-31, and the photographer with the winning image will receive $500. The contest is open to Ohioans age 18 years and older, however, budding photographers, age 17 and younger, will be able to compete in the youth division. For complete contest rules, visit www.wildohiostamp.com.

Photographers submitted 58 images during last year’s contest. The winning salamander photograph was captured by Nina Harfmann of Pleasant Plain. Her photo of a spotted salamander will appear on the 2012 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and be available for purchase on March 1.

The inaugural Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, featuring a Baltimore oriole, went on sale March 1, 2010. Since then the stamp has raised more than $45,000. The collectible stamp and its companion photo contest are part of an innovative program intended to raise awareness and support for wildlife diversity.

It is important to note $14 out of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold is invested in Ohio’s Wildlife Diversity Fund. The fund supports habitat restoration, purchases and conservation easements, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts to restore and conserve endangered and threatened species.

Promotion and sale of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp has been a grassroots effort and found early success thanks to the dedication of conservation groups across Ohio. For a limited time only, stamp collectors and conservationists will be able to purchase the 2010 and 2011 stamps.

More information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and other wildlife-related topics can be found at www.wildohio.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Overlooked wildlife will be the focus of the 2012 Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference, which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus.

The conference, titled “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife and is open to the public.

“We hope many people are able to attend this conference to learn more about the interesting wildlife we have in Ohio,” said Director Jim Zehringer, director of ODNR.

The Wildlife Diversity Conference has steadily grown in popularity. The first conference, held in 1985, drew 40 people. Last year, 975 people attended the day-long gathering.

The keynote speaker this year, Cindy Hale of the University of Minnesota, will discuss earthworms and their impact to the environment in her presentation, “Dances with Worms: The Great Lakes Worm Watch.”

Other conference topics include discussions of freshwater mussel restoration, aquatic invasive species, a Lake Erie pelagic bird survey, terrestrial crayfish, wildlife orphans, wetland restoration, as well as beavers, porcupines and fishers in Ohio.

The third Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, which features the spotted salamander, will be available to conference attendees.

Proceeds from the sale of the stamp will be used to support:

• endangered and threatened native species;
• habitat restoration, land purchases and conservation easements; and
• educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts.

Anyone who pre-registers online for the conference may purchase this collectable stamp at a discounted price of $12, which is a 20 percent savings. Details about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp are available at wildohiostamp.com.

Representatives from a range of conservation and natural resource organizations, such as the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Columbus Audubon and Ohio Biological Survey, will present displays and be available to answer questions.

Doors open at 8 a.m. for registration on March 7. The conference begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 3:30 p.m.

For more information or to register for the conference online, go to http://bit.ly/WildlifeDiversityConference or call 800-WILDLIFE. The registration cost prior to Feb. 26 is $25. After that date, the admission cost is $35.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. For more information, visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio hunters took 90,282 white-tailed deer during the state’s popular, week-long deer-gun season, which ran November 28 through December 4, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. In 2010, hunters checked a total of 105,034 deer during the same time period.

“Hunters clearly took advantage of the weather as the week progressed. They trimmed the deficit from last season from 39% on opening day, to 14% by the close of the season on Sunday, “said Mike Tonkovich, ODNR, Division of Wildlife deer project leader. “While other factors may have been at work, it is clear that extreme weather – good or bad – on key harvest days can have a significant impact on the bottom line.”

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer brought to Ohio check stations last week included Coshocton-3,690, Muskingum-3,223, Tuscarawas-3,180, Guernsey-2,982, Harrison-2,772, Licking-2,678, Knox-2,480, Belmont-2,431, Carroll-2,252, and Washington-2,225.

Hunters must still report their deer harvest, but they are no longer required to take their deer to a check station for physical inspection. Instead, hunters have three options to complete the new automated game check:

On the Internet at wildohio.com.
By telephone at 1-877-TAG-ITOH (1-877-824-4864). This option is only available to those who are required to have a deer permit to hunt deer.
At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

All three check-in methods are being used during the deer-gun season, with 41 percent of hunters using the phone method. Hunters checking in via the Internet are second at 36 percent followed by those traveling to a license agent’s location (23 percent) to check in their game.

Hunters still have one weekend of deer-gun hunting, December 17-18, and nine weeks of archery hunting in Ohio. Archery season remains open until February 5, 2012. The statewide muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be held January 7-10, 2012.

Donations of extra venison are encouraged and will be accepted through the entire deer season, ending on February 5, 2012, to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year to www.wildohio.com.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Ohio’s first modern day deer-gun season opened in 1943 in three counties, when hunters harvested 168 deer. In 1956, deer hunting was allowed in all 88 counties and hunters killed 3,911 deer during that one-week season.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules is contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It may also be viewed online at www.wildohio.com.

EDITORS NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF DEER CHECKED AND TAGGED BY HUNTERS DURING THE 2011 DEER-GUN HUNTING SEASON. THE NUMBER TAKEN DURING THE 2010 SEASON IS MARKED IN ( ): 2011 (2010)

Adams –1,727(1,639); Allen –293(440); Ashland –1,096(1,350); Ashtabula –1,777(2,400); Athens –2,059(2,147); Auglaize –192(245); Belmont –2,431(2,736); Brown –1,229(1,423); Butler –345(401); Carroll –2,252(2,952); Champaign –554(613); Clark –276(295); Clermont –980(1,215); Clinton –373(391); Columbiana –1,738(2,391); Coshocton –3,690(4,288); Crawford –441(568); Cuyahoga –37(38); Darke –223(265); Defiance –725(910); Delaware –594(696); Erie –137(157); Fairfield –1,152(1,258); Fayette –104(114); Franklin –170(142); Fulton –302(438); Gallia –1,844(1,899); Geauga –623(738); Greene –287(293); Guernsey –2,982(3,309); Hamilton –298(306); Hancock –402(576); Hardin –354(567); Harrison –2,772(3,547); Henry –279(505); Highland –1,432(1,527); Hocking –2,184(2,138); Holmes –2,013(2,529); Huron –925(1,007); Jackson –1,515(1,742); Jefferson –2,044(2,564); Knox –2,480(3,141); Lake –185(178); Lawrence –1,574(1,449); Licking –2,678(3,003); Logan –760(845); Lorain –739(863); Lucas –129(164); Madison –167(185); Mahoning –563(672); Marion –320(428); Medina –556(633); Meigs –1,974(1,941); Mercer –203(248); Miami –194(212); Monroe –1,960(2,180); Montgomery –144(117); Morgan –1,804(1,962); Morrow –851(1,007); Muskingum –3,223(3,683); Noble –2,028(2,229); Ottawa –81(88); Paulding –416(610); Perry –1,832 (2,126); Pickaway –466(570); Pike –1,077(1,102); Portage –644(740); Preble –267(253); Putnam –238(364); Richland –1,714(2,169); Ross –1,723(1,792); Sandusky –195(214); Scioto –1,224(1,250); Seneca –603(849); Shelby –305(376); Stark –661(744); Summit –151(198); Trumbull –1,060(1,305); Tuscarawas –3,180(4,038); Union –354(391); Van Wert –194(358); Vinton –1,577(1,579); Warren –412(451); Washington –2,225(2,555); Wayne –644(869); Williams –787(1,001); Wood –208(305); Wyandot –661(838); Total –90,282(105,034)

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio’s popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 28, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail.

The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 17-18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 4 and December 17-18. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 750,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season, including many out-of-state hunters.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 4, a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (12 counties) and two deer in Zone B (38 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season.

Antlerless deer permits are not valid in Deer Zones A and B after November 27. The antlerless deer permit will be valid until December 4 only in Zone C.

Beginning on December 5, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 27.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.

Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit where valid.

They are also encouraged to donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2011-2012 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources Extends Hotline Hours During Deer-Gun Hunting Season

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Individuals seeking information about the upcoming youth gun and white-tailed deer hunting seasons, or to report violations of state wildlife laws, can take advantage of extended call center hours from November 19 to December 4, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) general hunting information hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, for the ninth annual youth deer-gun season.

Staff will also be available to answer calls prior to and during the regular deer-gun season, which begins Monday, November 28, and ends Sunday, December 4.

Special call center hours prior to and during the state’s popular deer-gun season are as follows:

• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 25
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 26-27
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, November 28-December 2
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18
• The hotline will be closed on Thanksgiving Day

The extremely popular deer gun season is a period when many of Ohio’s hunters have last-minute questions and the Division of Wildlife will be ready and available to assist them. Hunters are encouraged to contact the division with any question that may arise.

Ohioans also are encouraged to help enforce state wildlife laws by reporting violations to the division’s Turn-in-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 1-800-POACHER (762-2437). Established in 1982, the TIP program allows individuals to anonymously call toll free from anywhere in the state to report wildlife violations. The 1-800-POACHER hotline is open for calls 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash award and are urged to leave a message during closed hours with as much information about the suspected violation as can be provided. Tips can also be submitted online at wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- More than 24,000 white-tailed deer have been checked through Ohio’s new automated game check system, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters must still report their deer harvest, but they are no longer required to take their deer to a check station for physical inspection. Instead, hunters have three options to complete the new automated game check:

On the Internet at wildohio.com.
By telephone at 1-877-TAG-ITOH (1-877-824-4864). This option is only available to those who are required to have a deer permit to hunt deer.
At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

All three check-in methods are being used, with 50 percent of hunters using the phone method. Hunters checking in via the Internet are second at 35 percent followed by those traveling to a license agent’s location (15 percent) to check in their game.

“The response to these new game check options has been really positive in both numbers and feedback we hear from the field,” said Dave Lane, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “Our goal is to offer hunters both traditional and convenient methods of checking deer and turkey, so they could choose the option that is best for them.”

Those hunters checking their deer on the Internet need to make sure they have access to a working printer so the game check receipt can be printed. Game check requires the hunter to print a receipt. If printing fails, the game check receipt is available at wildohio.com under the “Manage Your Customer Account” link. Hunters can use their customer identification numbers found at the top of hunting licenses and permits to access their account.

Hunters need to be aware that checking game on the Internet with a smart phone is available, but those hunters will eventually need to print out a game check receipt with a permanent tag number printed on it. The game check receipt is available at wildohio.com under the “Manage Your Customer Account” link.

Since the new automated game check system was built on a web-based platform making needed modifications to the system can be accomplished. Modifications were made prior to this fall’s hunting seasons. The Division of Wildlife will continue to monitor the game check system and make changes as needed for customer convenience.

Game-check transactions are available online and by telephone seven days a week and during holidays. License agents’ locations are available for turkey check-in during normal business hours. Please call the license agent for specific hours of operation. All deer must be checked in by 11:30 p.m. the day of harvest.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

ATHENS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- American Electric Power (AEP) is a long-standing partner in the effort to provide hunters with more access to lands on which they can pursue their pastime.

While approximately 90,000 acres of land are currently open to sportsmen and women, not all AEP properties are open to the public, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

“The name AEP has become synonymous with public land in southeastern Ohio, but not all the land they own is open for public hunting,” stated District Four Law Enforcement Supervisor Tom Donnelly. “Hunters need to confirm that the AEP property they plan to hunt is open. Hunting without permission on AEP’s private properties has rarely been enforced, but that will change this year.”

Many hunters have been using the private AEP properties for years with no repercussions, but that will no longer be the case. As a result of increased illegal activity on these private properties, AEP’s land management section has asked the Division of Wildlife to begin enforcing hunting without permission. Many of these private properties are in lease agreements with private hunting clubs, or with farmers for agricultural practices.

“AEP requires their lease holders to purchase liability insurance and enter into a written contract,” stated Brian Cox, a forester with AEP’s land management section. “This is a relatively new process, and local sportsmen who have accessed these properties in the past should consider them equivalent to any other piece of privately-owned property.”

None of the public AEP properties are affected by this increase in enforcement, and sportsmen and women who have been legally hunting these areas will not see any change. All persons interested in recreational activities on any public AEP properties must still obtain a free lifetime permit which can be found at various locations including the ODNR Division of Wildlife District 4 Office in Athens, or at www.aep.com/environmental/recreation. The AEP permit is valid at the following areas: The ReCreation Lands, Poston Plant lands, Avondale Wildlife Area, Gavin Wildlife Area, and Conesville Coal Lands. These properties total approximately 90,000 acres and spread through Athens, Coshocton, Gallia, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Perry Counties. ATV’s are not allowed on the areas, and many of the same rules apply as when hunting on ODNR owned lands.

In Ohio, hunting without permission is a misdemeanor of the third degree on the first offense, with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Any subsequent hunting without permission offenses would be charged as misdemeanors of the second degree with a maximum penalty of a $750 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Anyone observing or suspecting that wildlife violations are occurring may report illegal activity by calling the Turn-In-A-Poacher (TIP) hotline toll free at 1-800-POACHER.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio hunters should have good opportunities to take some of the most popular species of waterfowl, based on the findings of biologists at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The spring pond index for the prairie pothole region of North America (Kansas to central Saskatchewan) and breeding duck surveys indicate a better than average reproduction year for most duck species. Ponds are housing above normal numbers and good production has been noted from most of the primary breeding range.

Closer to home, the Upper Great Lakes states and eastern Canadian provinces showed good to excellent mallard nesting and brood rearing habitat conditions and breeding populations similar to 2010. The Upper Great Lakes are the primary breeding range for mallards harvested in Ohio. Mallards are Ohio’s most harvested duck and can be found throughout the state.

Wood ducks, which are the second most harvested duck in Ohio and the state’s number one breeding duck, appear to also have had a good production year.

Canada geese are overall the most harvested waterfowl in the Buckeye State and can be found in good numbers throughout Ohio. In-state giant Canada geese had the highest population estimate this spring and all indications are there was fair to good production across the state. Migrant interior populations (Southern James Bay and Mississippi Valley) of Canada geese have also had good production. With proper weather, the hunting outlook is good to very good.

With good habitat conditions, Ohio hunters will enjoy a liberal 60-day hunting season again this year. Pintail continued to increase in population which will allow a two-bird bag for the second year in a row. Scaup showed a slight increase in population, and will see a two-bird bag for the entire 60-day season. The canvasback population increased slightly, and there will be a full season in 2011.

The success of Ohio waterfowl hunters has more to do with weather conditions and local habitat conditions rather than continental ducks populations. State wildlife areas are in good condition with excellent fall food potential.

Details of the waterfowl and all other hunting seasons can be found in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and in Ohio Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Publication 5295. Hunters can also review seasons and regulations online at wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio’s youth hunters will have several opportunities to learn and sharpen their hunting skills this fall.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife offers many ways for families to hunt together and create lasting traditions in the state’s outdoors.

WATERFOWL: Youngsters age 15 and under wanting to pursue waterfowl may do so, statewide, on Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2.

SMALL GAME: Hunters age 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 22-23 and October 29-30. Quail also may be taken in 16 designated open counties.

Pheasant releases for young hunters will occur prior to these dates on the following state wildlife areas: Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdeer Plains, Camp Belden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Delaware, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville, Tiffin River, and Darke, as well as Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County and Ring Neck Ridge in Sandusky County. A permit is required to hunt the Ring Neck Ridge area. The free permit can be obtained from the Sandusky County Park Office by calling 419.334.4495 or the Sandusky County Park District Office at 419.637.2900

WHITE-TAILED DEER: A youth deer-gun season will be open statewide, November 19-20. Hunters age 17 and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult may take one deer of either sex during this season in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits.

WILD TURKEY: It is not too early to begin planning for the spring youth wild turkey hunting season for 2012. A statewide spring youth wild turkey season will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22. This hunt is open to youths age 17 and younger.

CONTROLLED HUNTS: The Division of Wildlife also offers several controlled hunts for young hunters throughout the season. Applications to participate in these hunts are accepted June 1 through July 31. Applications are available at the division’s five district offices and on the division’s web site, and may be completed by mail or online. There are controlled youth hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl.

To participate in the upcoming youth hunts, all young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and must abide by all regular hunting hours and bag limits. A valid 2011-12 youth hunting license, along with the appropriate permits, are required. For complete details on all of Ohio’s youth hunting seasons, refer to 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or go online to wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Approximately 345,000 bowhunters, representing more than half of all Ohioans who hunt deer, are expected to participate in the statewide archery deer hunting season that opens September 24, according the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

During last year’s four-month archery season, bowhunters killed 85,012 deer, a decrease of seven percent from the previous year. Crossbow hunters took 44,123 of that number and longbow hunters took 40,889 deer. Overall, archers accounted for 35 percent of 239,475 deer taken during Ohio’s combined 2010-11 archery, muzzleloader and gun seasons.

Licking County led the state in both the vertical bow and crossbow harvest. Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Ashtabula, and Holmes rounded out the top five counties in crossbow harvest, while Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Muskingum, and Knox completed the list of top five counties in vertical bow harvest.

“I expect both the pre-hunt deer population and the harvest to be near their three-year averages of 750,000 and 250,000 deer, respectively,” said Mike Tonkovich, Division of Wildlife deer project leader.

All hunters must still report their harvest of deer, but they are no longer required to take their deer to a check station for physical inspection. Hunters will have three options to complete the automated game check:

On the Internet at www.wildohio.com or www.ohiogamecheck.com
By telephone at 1-877-TAG-ITOH(1-877-824-4864). This option is only available to those who are required to purchase a turkey permit to hunt turkeys.
At all license agents

Game-check transactions will be available online and by telephone seven days a week and during holidays. Landowner hunters who are not required to purchase a deer permit must use the Internet or any license agent to check their deer. Hunters who tag their deer as a landowner harvest cannot use the phone-in method. All authorized license sales agents will also check in your game. A list of these agents can be found at www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/vendor.aspx or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The Division of Wildlife remains committed to reducing populations where needed. Through a combination of both regulatory and programmatic changes, progress toward reducing locally abundant herds can be expected.

Ohio hunters are also encouraged to kill more does again this season, using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit to help the needy in their area. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

All deer hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and a valid deer permit. The $15 antlerless deer permit will be valid September 24 through November 27 in Zones A and B. The $15 antlerless deer permit will be valid through December 4 in Zone C only. However, the $15 antlerless permit may be purchased only until November 27, 2011.

This year’s statewide archery season remains open from September 24 through February 5, 2012, including the week of deer-gun season November 28 through December 4. Deer-gun hunters will also be able to enjoy an additional weekend of hunting December 17 and 18. Archers may hunt one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset, except during the statewide gun, youth and muzzleloader seasons when they are one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Archers hunting during the statewide gun, youth or muzzleloader seasons must meet the hunter orange requirements of those seasons.

To hunt deer in Ohio, hunters must possess a deer permit in addition to a valid hunting license. State law allows hunters to take only one antlered buck per year, regardless the type of deer season, deer permit or weapon used for deer hunting.

A detailed listing of deer hunting rules is contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold, or may be viewed online at wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Hunters Asked to Help Spot Asian Longhorned Beetle

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio hunters are asked to be on the lookout for trees displaying signs and symptoms of Ohio’s newest, non-native invasive insect, the Asian longhorned beetle, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters pursuing game in Ohio’s woodlots, especially in southwestern Ohio, are encouraged to report sightings of any suspicious tree damage or beetles. While the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has only been found in Clermont County in Tate Township and parts of Monroe Township, hunters should be alert for this pest in trees across the state.

Trees affected by the ALB include all species of maple, birch, horse chestnut, poplar, willow, elm, ash, mimosa, mountain ash, London plane, and Ohio buckeye.

Hunters should look for trees displaying large, round exit holes with smooth edges, often oozing sap, as a strong indication of ALB activity. Frequently, piles of frass (insect waste and sawdust) are found at the base of infested trees and in branch crotches. Leaves of infested trees may also exhibit unseasonable yellowing or drooping.

Hunters can report suspicious tree damage or suspected ALBs by calling toll free at (855) 252-6450 or going online to www.BeetleBusters.info.

Hunters are also encouraged to buy firewood near their destination – BUY IT WHERE YOU BURN IT. Invasive species can “hitch-hike” to new wooded areas and cause infestations, impacting the landscapes that are enjoyed for hunting. There are several quarantines in Ohio that restrict the movement of firewood; protect our forests by not moving firewood.

The ALB already has caused tens of thousands of hardwood trees to be destroyed in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

This invasive beetle has no known natural predators and poses a threat to Ohio’s hardwood forests (more than $2.5 billion in standing maple timber) and the state’s $5 billion nursery industry, which employs nearly 240,000 people.

Ohio Hunters Asked to Help Spot Asian Longhorned Beetle

Learn more about the Asian longhorned beetle at agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/asianbeetle/.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Young peregrine falcons across Ohio have fledged, marking the end of the 2011 nesting season.

There were 39 sites with territorial pairs, of which 34 nests produced eggs. There were an additional five sites with single peregrines present.

This year there were 34 nest sites where an estimated 111 eggs were produced; 26 of those nests hatched young falcons and 24 sites fledged 67 juveniles successfully. The 2011 hatch rate was 70 percent, up slightly from 2010 (67 percent). Additionally, there were two new sites with territorial pairs across the state this year from the 37 pairs in 2010.

The first pair of peregrines nested in Ohio in 1988 at the Commodore Perry Hotel in Toledo. From 1989-1993, along with several other Midwestern states, the Ohio Division of Wildlife hacked 46 birds throughout the state. Peregrine falcons were delisted as a federal endangered species in 1999, and down-listed in Ohio to state threatened in 2008. Peregrines remain on the state threatened list and the Division of Wildlife continues to monitor the population.

Ohio’s peregrine falcon program is supported by the state income tax check-off program, donations to the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund, and sales of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, and the cardinal license plate. Individuals wanting to donate can also make an online contribution at wildohio.com.

Matching federal funds are provided through the State Wildlife Grant Program for this project and other wildlife diversity efforts of the Division of Wildlife that target species of greatest conservation need.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunt Cancelled

Ohio Department Natural Resources

OAK HARBOR, OH --(Ammoland.com)- An extensive restoration and enhancement project at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area will necessitate cancellation of the area’s controlled waterfowl hunt for the 2011-2012 waterfowl hunting season according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The temporary closure of the area will result in decades of improved wetland management capabilities on Magee Marsh and enhanced waterfowl hunting opportunities in the future. However, completing the restoration work will require the drawdown of water from the eastern and southern wetland units on a temporary basis. This project affects 392 acres of coastal wetlands on Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, securing the main water supply to 282 acres of hemi-marsh and semi-permanent wetlands by restoring the structural integrity of the main water supply channel levee. Another benefit of the effort is the restoration of wetland hydrology to three wetlands including a 60 acre forested wetland and 50 acres of emergent marsh habitats adjacent to the forested wetland.

This project is a cooperative effort between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ducks Unlimited, and is funded through a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection Grant and funds generated from the sale of the Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp.

Opportunities for sportsmen and women will still be available during the special teal and early Canada goose season in September. A drawing for these seasons is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, 2011 at the Lake Erie Waterfowler’s Festival.

Daily drawings for waterfowl hunting opportunities for the remainder of the 2011-2012 waterfowl hunting season will be held when the project is completed, but a completion date for this project has not been determined.

For information about Ohio’s wildlife, visit wildohio.com, find the Division of Wildlife on Facebook, or follow updates on Twitter.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Close to 10,000 wild turkeys have been checked through Ohio’s new automated game check system, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters must still report their turkey harvest, but they are no longer required to take their turkey to a check station for physical inspection. Instead, hunters have three options to complete the new automated game check:

• On the Internet at wildohio.com
• By telephone at 1-877-TAG-ITOH (1-877-824-4864). This option is only available to those who are required to have a turkey permit to hunt turkeys.
• At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com

All three check-in methods are being used, with 42-percent of hunters using the phone method. Hunters checking at a license agent location are second at 31-percent, followed closely by those using the Internet at 27-percent.

Those hunters checking their turkey on the Internet need to make sure they have access to a working printer so the game check receipt can be printed. Game check requires the hunter to open and print a receipt from a PDF file. Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.2 or better is required. Adobe’s Acrobat Reader is a free download.

Hunters need to be aware that checking game on the Internet with their smart phone is available, but those hunters will eventually need to print out a game check receipt with a permanent tag number printed on it. So hunters must save the game check receipt PDF file provided at the end of the transaction for later printing.

A new option available to hunters is the ability to access your customer account. Log onto wildohio.com and choose the “Manage Your Customer Account” link. The hunter can use his or her customer identification number to log in. Customer identification numbers can be found at the top of hunting licenses and permits. Information available through the customer account includes licenses and permits purchased, game check transactions, hunting and fishing lottery results and Wild Ohio Magazine subscriptions.

Since the new automated game check system is built on a web-based platform making needed modifications to the system can be accomplished. Last fall, a pilot test of the game check system was completed and a few modifications were made for this year’s spring turkey season. The Division of Wildlife will continue to monitor the game check system and make changes as need for customer convenience.

Game-check transactions are available online and by telephone seven days a week and during holidays. License agents’ locations are available for turkey check-in during normal business hours. Please call the license agent for specific hours of operation. All turkeys must be checked in by 11 p.m. the day of kill.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Blue Rock State Forest Hosts Special Turkey Hunt from left to right: Frank Wells, Brad Tollen, Doug Purdum)

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Twenty-one disabled hunters participated in a special hunt for wild turkeys at Blue Rock State Forest in Muskingum County on Saturday, April 9.

“This pre-season hunt provided an opportunity for disabled hunters to participate in a guided hunt,” said Robert Boyles, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Blue Rock State Forest provides an excellent venue for hunting wild turkeys because of harvesting practices and forest management techniques that have created an ideal habitat for the birds.”

The event was sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Wheelin’ Sportsmen program, which provides people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The ODNR Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife worked with the Y-Bridge Longbeards and other chapters of the NWTF to coordinate the event with donations and volunteer efforts from many local individuals and businesses.

Two or more guides were provided for each hunter. Hunters provided their own shotguns and ammunition, as well as the necessary licenses and permits.

Four turkeys were taken during the event, which had participants ranging in age from 20 to 80. Some of the hunters were in wheel chairs, while others walked with the assistance of canes or braces.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

BELLEFONTAINE, OH --(Ammoland.com)- A Logan County man pled guilty to three wildlife violations stemming from the illegal taking of a trophy white-tailed deer in the Bellefontaine Municipal Court on Monday, January 3.

As a result, he will be required to pay $23,816.59 in restitution, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

James C. Alspaugh, 39, of West Mansfield pled guilty to three charges including hunting by the aid of a motor vehicle, shooting from a roadway, and hunting without permission. The Honorable Judge John Ross presided over the case and ordered Alspaugh to pay $400 in fines, an additional $151.50 in court costs, and to forfeit the deer. Alspaugh was ordered to spend 48 hours in the Logan County Jail.

Man Pleads Guilty to Poaching $23,000+ Trophy Buck

In addition, Alspaugh will lose his hunting privileges for two years. He will be entered into the Wildlife Violator’s Compact and most likely will lose hunting rights in 36 other states.

The Division of Wildlife is also imposing restitution for the deer in the amount of $23,816.95. This is in accordance with Ohio’s revised restitution law for illegal taking of white-tailed deer. The law went into effect March 2008 and allows the Division of Wildlife to seek an increased recovery value on all illegally harvested wildlife.

The non-typical trophy deer, scored according to Boone & Crockett (B&C) guidelines, netted an impressive 218 7/8.

A concerned citizen contacted Ohio wildlife officers Adam Smith and Jeff Tipton about the questionable shooting of the trophy deer in December 2010. Officers were able to recover the deer and determine that it was unlawfully taken.

The Division of Wildlife is encouraging citizens to report any illegal activity they observe by contacting the TIP line. Tips may be phoned anonymously to 1-800-POACHER.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Editor’s Note on Restitution: The recovery value for an individual white-tailed deer is derived from the formula listed in 1531.201 of the Ohio Revised Code. The value is determined by measuring the antlers and using the following formula plus the value derived for wildlife. The formula for white-tailed deer may be applied to all illegally taken deer whose gross antler score exceeds 125 Boone and Crockett (B&C) inches. The formula is:

Recovery Value = [(gross score - 100)2 x $1.65] + the value derived in the Wildlife Value Formula ($500 as of 3/08).

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Eight Ohioans recently received a combined $2,420 in rewards for reporting wildlife violations to the Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

As a result of these calls, 31 people were convicted of poaching wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, and fined a total of $20,621 by Ohio courts.

The TIP program encourages individuals to anonymously report wildlife violations by calling 1-800-POACHER (800-762-2437). This number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tips can also be sent via the Internet at ohiotip.com.

Since the program began in 1982, more than $128,993 has been awarded to callers who provided vital information about state wildlife violations. Those calls helped lead to the arrest and conviction of 1,560 poachers and the collection of $623,381 in fines and an additional $169,654 in restitution.

The average TIP call results in the conviction of two wildlife violators and a fine of $674 for those convicted, according to Division of Wildlife records. For each dollar paid in rewards, $6.20 has been returned to the Division of Wildlife for management and enforcement.

Turn In a Poacher Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that oversees the payment of rewards from calls generated from the public to 1-800 POACHER, which is administered through the Division of Wildlife. Program volunteers, representing the state’s five wildlife districts, meet on a regular basis to review tips received and determine award amounts based on the corporation’s bylaws.

Ohio’s TIP program continues to help curtail wildlife violations across the state. Citizens can help, not only by providing tips, but also by making a donation to the reward fund. Donations can be addressed to: TIP Headquarters, ODNR Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- For the ninth straight year, testing of Ohio’s deer herd has found no evidence of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a degenerative brain disease that affects elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife, state and federal agriculture and wildlife officials collected 588 samples last year from hunter-harvested deer from 44 counties, primarily during the deer-gun season that ran November 29 – December 5.

All CWD testing is performed at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Additional CWD samples are being taken from road-killed deer, but those test results are not yet available. Sampling continues through April.

In addition to CWD, all 588 samples of the hunter-harvested deer samples were also tested for bovine tuberculosis. Results found no evidence of this disease in Ohio deer.

Since 2002, the Division of Wildlife, in conjunction with ODA’s Division of Animal Industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife and Veterinary Services, has been conducting surveillance throughout the state for CWD and bovine tuberculosis. While CWD has never been found in Ohio’s deer herd, it had been diagnosed in wild and captive deer, moose or elk in 16 other states and two Canadian provinces. Since CWD was discovered in the western United States in the late 1960s, there has been no evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans.

The Division of Wildlife continues to carefully monitor the health of Ohio’s wild deer herd throughout the year. For the latest information on CWD, visit wildohio.com or the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance at cwd-info.org . To view individual test results, visit the ODA’s Web site at www.agri.ohio.gov.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011-12 hunting and trapping regulations proposals were presented January 19 to the Ohio Wildlife Council by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

September 1 is again proposed as the kick-off date for the state’s fall hunting seasons—with the opening of squirrel and dove hunting. Other proposed hunting and trapping rules and season dates will be similar to those now in effect, with only slight changes to fall and spring hunting dates.

Young hunters age 17 and under should again be able to hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 22-23 and 29-30. Spring youth turkey season is proposed for April 21–22, 2012.

The remainder of the proposals concerning Ohio’s white-tailed deer hunting will be heard during a separate Wildlife Council meeting on February 16.

Open houses will be held on Saturday, March 5 in each of the state’s five wildlife districts to provide the public an opportunity to view and discuss proposed hunting and trapping regulations with state wildlife officials. Directions to the open houses can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or visiting wildohio.com.

A statewide hearing on all of the proposed rules will be held at the Division of Wildlife’s District One office on Thursday, March 10 at 9 a.m. The office is located at 1500 Dublin Road in Columbus.

After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules and season dates during its April 6 meeting.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director David Mustine today announced the appointments of two new chiefs and the department’s legislative liaison, as well as five acting division chiefs.

“I am pleased to begin building a team of natural resource professionals who will work with me and Assistant Director Scott Zody to support Governor Kasich’s plan of bringing jobs to Ohio, while serving as dedicated stewards of our environment,” said Director Mustine.

David Payne will oversee the Division of Parks & Recreation. Mustine noted Payne’s solid experience in state government, which includes working in the offices of the Governor, Auditor of State, and Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Payne has a diverse management background and excels at marketing and strategic development. Payne said he prides himself on bringing people together and working productively with a broad base of constituents.

He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Payne is committed to the governor’s plan for getting Ohioback on track, which includes strengthening the Division of Parks & Recreation. He has a passion for Ohio’s award-winning state parks system and enjoys camping, hiking, and ice fishing. Payne lives in Franklin County with his wife and two daughters.

Laura Jones was appointed Chief of the Office of Communications. She brings to the position more than 25 years of experience in the media and public relations industry, said Mustine. Most recently, Jones was audio-visual production manager and Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp program administrator for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Previously, she served seven years in ODNR Director Sam Speck’s communications office, two years with Governor Bob Taft, and nearly 14 years with the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Statehouse bureau. A resident of Franklin County, Jones is an avid outdoors woman who likes to fish, hunt, hike, and camp.

Ben Pendery joins the ODNR administrative staff as its legislative liaison. Pendery most recently served with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Pendery lives in Franklin County and personal interests include fishing, boating and hunting.

Other appointments announced today by Director Mustine include:

• Bob Boyles as acting chief for the Division of Forestry. Boyles has been with the department for 28 years. For the past 11 years he has served as Southern District Forest Manager out of Chillicothe.
• Ted Lozier as acting chief for the Division of Soil & Water Resources. Lozier has been with the department for more than 24 years, and has served on several core management teams for division.
• Vicki Mountz as acting chief for the Division of Wildlife. Mountz began her career at ODNR as the department’s first commissioned female watercraft officer. As Wildlife’s executive administrator for Information and Education, she has a total of 25 years with the department.
• Carla Camp as acting chief for the Office of Budget & Finance. Camp spent her first 21 years of state service in the fiscal section of the Department of Youth services, and has been the assistant chief for ODNR.
• Assistant Director Scott Zody will temporarily oversee the Office of Human Resources.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

2011 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The gift of conservation has never been easier or closer to home, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Impress the wildlife enthusiasts in your life with an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp this holiday season.

When you purchase this attractive “made in Ohio” gift, $14 of each $15 stamp sold supports:

• habitat restoration, land purchases and conservation easements;
• keeping common species common;
• endangered and threatened native species;
• wildlife and habitat research projects; and
• educational product for students and wildlife enthusiasts, such as our popular field guides and CDs.

“The diversity of native plants and animals found in Ohio are part of the natural heritage that enriches all of our lives,” said Division of Wildlife Chief David M. Graham. “Giving an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp – or buying one for yourself – is another way to help ensure the future of our state’s wildlife and the habitat they call home.”

Each Legacy packet includes a collectible stamp, an attractive commemorative card suitable for framing and a window cling for the car or truck. You can buy the stamp online at wildohio.com or by mail.

Do something wild this holiday season, invest in an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and help “Keep the Wild in Ohio.” Learn more at wildohiostamp.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ringneck Phesasant Stocking

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- More than 15,000 ring-necked pheasants will be released on 28 public hunting areas across the state this fall, as part of a seasonal effort by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife to enhance hunting opportunities for this popular game bird.

Ring-necked pheasants will be released on the evenings (after shooting hours) of October 22 and 29 in anticipation of the weekend’s small-game season for youth hunters. Releases will also take place on the evenings of November 4 and 12. The final release of the fall is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, November 24, to increase pheasant hunting opportunities during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Although not listed in the 2010-2011 hunting regulations, pheasants will be released for the youth hunts on October 22 and 29 on Ringneck Ridge and Tiffin River wildlife areas. Hunters interested in hunting the Ringneck Ridge Area in Sandusky County will require a free permit from the Sandusky County Park District. For more information regarding the issuance of these free hunting permits, contact the Sandusky County Park Office at (419) 334-4495 or the Sandusky County Park District Ranger Office at (419) 637-2900.

Pheasant hunting season opens Friday, November 5 and remains open through January 9, 2011, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. Statewide hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

(Editor’s Note – A list of pheasant release dates follows)

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The Ohio Wildlife Council’s summer and fall meeting dates will be rescheduled, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

All council meetings are set for 6:30 p.m. at the Division of Wildlife’s District One office, located at 1500 Dublin Road in Columbus. The new dates are July 14, August 11, September 8 and October 13, 2010. There are no meetings scheduled for November and December.

Ohio Wildlife Council meetings are open to public attendance, but there is no opportunity for public comment. Questions will be allowed and responded to once the meeting has adjourned.

Current Ohio Wildlife Council members include: Kim R. Davis – Carrollton, Charles E. Franks – Newark (Secretary), Lee C. Howley – Vermilion (Chairman), Horace W. Karr – Pomeroy, James R. Lynch – Upper Arlington, Dominic Marchese – Farmdale, Larry B. Mixon, Sr. – Columbus (Vice Chairman), and Timothy W. Ratliff – Winchester.

A statewide hearing on all the proposed rules will be held at 9 a.m., Thursday, September 9 at the Division of Wildlife’s District One office, located at 1500 Dublin Road in Columbus. This hearing is open to the public and input is permitted within specific time limits.

After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules and season dates during its October 13 meeting. Directions to the council meeting and state hearing can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or visiting the division’s Web site at wildohio.com .

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters wanting to participate in Ohio’s fall controlled deer and waterfowl hunts have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a random drawing according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. These special hunts are held on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities.

Hunters can save time and money by submitting their applications online at wildohio.com. The online application fee is $3 per hunt. Mail-in applications are $5 per hunt. Application fees are non-refundable. Since the online application process became available, more hunters have taken advantage of the option. Last year, 94 percent of applicants applied online.

In addition to online submissions, paper applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). Hunters will be selected at random from submitted applications and notified by U.S. mail in September. Only those selected will be notified.

Special deer hunts are also slated for the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Lucas County), NASA/Plumbrook Station (Erie County), Ravenna Training & Logistics Site (Portage County), as well as Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County) and Old Woman Creek (Erie County) state wildlife areas.

Waterfowl hunts will be conducted at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Lucas County), Magee Marsh (Ottawa County), Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County) and Mercer (Mercer County) state wildlife areas.

More specific information about hunt dates and locations, including opportunities dedicated to youth, women and mobility-impaired hunters, can be found at wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- With an increasing number of Ohioans enjoying the state’s waterways, trails and campgrounds, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is promoting outdoor recreational opportunities at PaddlePalooza—Ohio’s Outdoors Expo. The event is open April 30 from 4-8 p.m. and May 1, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking and biking enthusiasts from across the state will converge in the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building for PaddlePalooza, which will feature displays from ODNR’s Division of Watercraft and Ohio State Parks, located at booths 512-515. ODNR staff will be on hand to promote Ohio’s great trails, paddling and camping opportunities.

As an added convenience for event goers who purchase a canoe or kayak at the show, the Division of Watercraft is offering on-site sales of watercraft registrations and alternative registration at their PaddlePalooza booth.

PaddlePalooza will also feature an indoor kayak demonstration pool and certified instructors from Columbus Outdoor Pursuits and a number of ongoing seminars on subjects including car-topping equipment and techniques, rigging kayaks for fishing, selecting the right mountain bike or camping tent, and new product introductions and reviews.

Exhibits will feature the latest in canoes, kayaks and paddle gear, mountain bikes, camping equipment from local retailers. Canoe rental liveries and guides will share what they have to offer Ohioans seeking an outdoor water adventure. A number of local paddling, hiking and biking clubs will be on hand to answer outdoor-related questions.

Admission to PaddlePalooza is $10 for adults; $5 for children age 16 and younger; kids under age 5 admitted free of charge. Discount coupons will be available at select local outdoor retailers. Visit www.paddlepalooza.net for more information.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com for additional information on outdoors recreation programs and facilities.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- The proposal to eliminate requirement that hunters must first purchase a regular deer permit before purchasing antlerless deer permits was passed by the Ohio Wildlife Council at the April 7 meeting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Also, hunters in nine northwest Ohio counties will be given a higher deer bag limit.

The change to the deer zones includes moving nine northwest Ohio counties from Deer Zone A to Zone B. The counties are Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Williams.

Hunters can again buy antlerless deer permits at reduced prices for hunting in an urban zone, participating in a Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunt or hunting during the September 25 to November 28 portion of the deer season. The sale of reduced priced antlerless permits will cease after November 28, so hunters need to commit early to buying and using the extra reduced-cost permits to take full advantage of this opportunity. The deadline for using the antlerless permit will be extended to December 5 for those hunting in Deer Zone C. Cost of the antlerless deer permit remains $15.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone A is two. Prior to November 29, hunters may take up to two deer in Zone A, one of which may be on a $15 antlerless deer permit. Beginning November 29, hunters may take only one deer in Zone A and antlerless permits may not be used.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone B is four. Prior to November 29, hunters may take up to four deer in Zone B, two of which may be on $15 antlerless deer permits. Beginning November 29, hunters may take only two deer in Zone B and antlerless permits may not be used.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone C is six. Prior to December 6, hunters may take up to six deer in Zone C, three of which may be on $15 antlerless deer permits. Beginning December 6, hunters may take only three deer in Zone C and antlerless permits may not be used.

Those hunting in urban zones and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will again have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit.

Either a $15 antlerless deer permit and a valid hunting license or $24 deer permit and a valid hunting license are required to hunt deer in Ohio. A hunter may take only one antlered deer in Ohio, regardless of zone, hunting method or season.

2010-11 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Dates

• Archery season – September 25 through February 6, 2011
• Special area muzzleloader hunts – October 18-23
• Youth deer-gun season – November 20-21
• Statewide deer-gun season – November 29 through December 5 and December 18-19
• Statewide muzzleloader season – January 8-11, 2011
• During the December 18-19 portion of the deer-gun season, hunters will be allowed to hunt other legal game species in season as long as hunters meet specified requirements, such as the hunter orange requirement for deer-gun season.

During the 2009-2010 season hunters killed a total of 261,314 deer. Approximately 475,000 people hunt white-tailed deer in Ohio.

Hunting seasons for rabbit, pheasant, quail, squirrel, crow, and wild turkey were approved as proposed. So were trapping seasons for beaver, mink, muskrat, and river otter, along with the hunting and trapping seasons for beaver, fox, raccoon, skunk, and weasel.

2010-11 Hunting and /or Trapping Seasons and Dates

• Squirrel – September 1 through January 31, 2011
• Ruffed grouse – October 9 through January 31, 2011
• Fall Wild Turkey – October 9 – November 28, in specified counties
• Youth upland season – October 16 – 17 and October 23 – 24
• Cottontail rabbit – November 5 through February 28, 2011
• Ring-necked Pheasant – November 5 through January 9, 2011
• Bobwhite Quail – November 5 – 28, in specified counties
• Fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, and weasel – November 10 through January 31, 2011
• Mink and muskrat – November 10 through February 28, 2011
• Mink, muskrat, raccoon, skunk, opossum, and weasel (Lake Erie Marsh area) – November 10 through March 15, 2011
• Beaver – December 26 through February 28, 2011
• River Otter – December 26 through February 28, 2011
• Youth Spring Wild Turkey Season – April 16 and 17, 2011
• Spring Wild Turkey – April 18, 2011 through May 15, 2011
• Crow (Fri, Sat, Sun only) – June 4, 2010 through March 13, 2011 and June 3, 2011 through March 12, 2012
• Coyote and woodchuck – No closed season

Rules and season dates for migratory birds including mourning dove, Canada goose, rail, moorhen, snipe, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting will be set in August, in compliance with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s 2010-11 framework.

All hunting and trapping season dates and rules can be found at wildohio.com.

The Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Kim R. Davis, Carrollton, and Timothy W. Ratliff, Winchester, were appointed by Governor Strickland to a four-year term to the Ohio Wildlife Council, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Both Davis and Ratliff will serve until 2014. Davis replaces Gary Grant of Continental. Ratliff replaced the retiring Howard L. Calhoun of Akron.

Davis is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Animal Science. She is a state trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau, representing District 13 which includes Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties. She also serves on the American Farm Bureau Association’s Beef Commodity Advisory Committee. Davis and her husband Todd operate Cattlecreek Farm in Carroll County, raising feeder cattle and hay. The Davis’ have three children and the family enjoys being outdoors and showing livestock in local, state and national shows.

Ratliff is a Brown County farmer raising beef cattle, swine, grain crops, tobacco, sunflowers, hay and freshwater shrimp. He is a member of the Brown County Farm Bureau and has served on the boards of the Brown County Fair, Brown County Pork Producers and the National Wild Turkey Federations’ Ohio River Longbeards Chapter. He served on the Farm Services Agency State Committee for eight years. Ratliff and his wife Betty Jo have four children and one grandson. Ratliff and his family enjoy camping along with deer and turkey hunting.

The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that approves all ODNR Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Appointed by the Governor, no more than four members may be of the same political party and two of the council members must represent agriculture. Each term of office is four years.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 116,750 pounds of venison to local food banks through the 2009-10 deer hunting season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 116,750 pounds of venison equals approximately 467,000 meals for Ohioans in need. Last year, FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison throughout the season. A total of 2,336 deer was donated this deer hunting season compared to 1,096 in 2008-09 and 418 in 2007-08.

“With the dedication of FHFH local coordinators and Ohio hunters’ generosity, this deer donation program has grown every year,” said Jim Marshall, assistant chief of the Division of Wildlife. “I expect next year’s donation numbers to be even better.”

The Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry for the last three years in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A subsidy grant was provided in allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by local Ohio FHFH chapters. The division subsidizes this program as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.

Venison that is donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are currently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.

Currently, there are 30 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the “Local FHFH” page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties that they serve.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Red-Breasted Merganser By Joel Rogers

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- The artwork of a red-breasted merganser by Hudson resident Joel Rogers won first place in this year’s Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Design Competition, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Joel Rogers’ painting will appear on the Ohio wetlands habitat stamp issued in the fall of 2011.

The winning entry was selected from a field of 23 original paintings submitted by artists from 12 states, including 11 entries from Ohio. The competition was held on February 20 at the Ohio Ducks Unlimited annual banquet in Sandusky.

“I’ve always thought that the red-breasted merganser was an unusual type of waterfowl and interesting to observe.” said Rogers.

Mike Brown of Georgia took second place in this year’s state competition for his rendering of an American widgeon; third place went to Douglas Walpus of Tennessee for his entry of hooded mergansers. Four other Ohio artists placed in the top 10 in this year’s competition.

Last year’s winner, North Dakota resident Jeffery Hoff, will see his painting of ruddy ducks appear on the 2010 wetlands habitat stamp.

Approximately 25,000 Ohio wetland habitat stamps were purchased last year, according to the Division of Wildlife. Proceeds from stamp sales help fund vital wetland habitat restoration projects in Ohio. Such habitats are important to many resident wildlife species including state-endangered trumpeter swans, wetland birds, amphibians and numerous migratory species.

The judges for this year’s event included Mona Rutger of Back to the Wild Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; Robert Sweeney, wetlands conservationist; Dawn Zinc of Zinc Calls; Jeff Basting, illustrator with the Toledo Blade, and Larry Mixon, Ohio Wildlife Council member.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters in seven northwest Ohio counties will be given a higher deer bag limit if the proposed regulation is accepted by the Ohio Wildlife Council in April, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

A proposed change to the deer zones includes moving seven northwest Ohio counties from Deer Zone A to Zone B. The counties are Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Van Wert and Williams.

A proposal to eliminate the requirement that hunters must purchase a regular deer permit before purchasing antlerless deer permits was heard. The sale of reduced priced antlerless permits would cease after November 28, so hunters need to commit early to buying and using the extra reduced-cost permits to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Under the proposal, hunters could again buy antlerless deer permits at reduced prices for hunting in an urban zone, participating in a Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunt or hunting during the September 25 to November 28 portion of the deer season. The division is again proposing the deadline for using the antlerless permit be extended to December 5 for those hunting in Deer Zone C. Cost of the antlerless deer permit remains $15.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone A is two. Prior to November 29, hunters may take up to two deer in Zone A, one of which may be on a $15 antlerless deer permit. Beginning November 29, hunters may take only one deer in Zone A and antlerless permits may not be used.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone B is four. Prior to November 29, hunters may take up to four deer in Zone B, two of which may be on $15 antlerless deer permits. Beginning November 29, hunters may take only two deer in Zone B and antlerless permits may not be used.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone C is six. Prior to December 6, hunters may take up to six deer in Zone C, three of which may be on $15 antlerless deer permits. Beginning December 6, hunters may take only three deer in Zone C and antlerless permits may not be used.

Those hunting in urban zones and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts would again have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer would not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit.

Either a $15 antlerless deer permit or $24 deer permit and a valid hunting license are required to hunt deer in Ohio. A hunter may take only one buck in Ohio, regardless of zone, hunting method or season.

Seasons and Dates

• Archery season – September 25 through February 6, 2011
• Special area muzzleloader hunts – October 18-23
• Youth deer-gun season – November 20-21
• Statewide deer-gun season – November 29 through December 5 and December 18-19
• Statewide muzzleloader season – January 8-11, 2011

A proposed change during the December 18-19 portion of the deer-gun season would allow other legal game species in season to be pursued by hunters meeting specified requirements, such as the hunter orange requirement for deer-gun season.

During the 2009-2010 season, which concludes February 7, hunters are expected to bag a record total of about 260,000 deer. Approximately 475,000 people hunted white-tailed deer in Ohio this year.

Open houses will be held on Saturday, March 6 in each of the state’s five wildlife districts to provide the public an opportunity to view and discuss proposed hunting and trapping regulations with state wildlife officials. For directions to the open houses, please call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com on the Internet.

A statewide hearing on all the proposed rules will be held at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 4 at the Division of Wildlife’s District One Office, located at 1500 Dublin Road in Columbus. After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules and season dates during its April 7 meeting.

Proposed Deer Hunting Zones
(FOR THE 2010-11 SEASON: Those counties proposed to move from Deer Zone A to Zone B are bolded)

• Zone A — The zone includes 13 counties: Allen, Auglaize, Darke, Erie, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Ottawa, Preble, Putnam, Sandusky, Shelby and Wood.
• Zone B — The zone includes 37 counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Fayette, Fulton, Geauga, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lake, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Paulding, Portage, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Union, Van Wert, Warren, Wayne, Williams and Wyandot.
• Zone C — The zone includes 38 counties: Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Clermont, Columbiana, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hamilton, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Richland, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio youth turkey hunters can enter to win a dream hunt with Governor Ted Strickland or nationally-known hunting guides during the Governor’s Celebrity and Youth Turkey Hunt according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

To enter the contest, Ohio youth hunters must write an essay on the topic, “My Best Hunt Ever.” The essay must be typed and limited to 300 words. Youth hunters between the ages of 14 to 17 years old before March 1, 2010 are eligible to participate. All entries must be sent to the Division of Wildlife via the electronic submission form available at wildohio.com. Email entries will not be accepted. Past essay winners are not eligible to participate. Entries must be submitted by March 15.

Nine lucky Ohio youth hunters will be able to participate in this annual turkey hunt on May 8. The specific location of the hunt will be announced later. A parent or guardian must accompany the young hunter for the overnight trip, but will not be a participant of the hunt.

Winning entrants will be notified by April 16. Three alternate winners will be selected in case of cancellations. A 2010 youth hunting license and turkey permit will be required for all winning entrants.

Judges will be selected by the Division of Wildlife, and the judges’ decision will be final. All essays become the property of the Ohio Division of Wildlife and may be published in Wild Ohio Magazine or other publications.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Dave Scott, a 21-year veteran with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, has been named executive administrator for the department’s wildlife management programs. He replaces Dave Risley who retired in August 2009.

Scott will coordinate all aspects of the Division of Wildlife’s Wildlife Management Group’s efforts, which includes responsibility for 190,000 acres of state wildlife areas. In addition, he will supervise research, surveying and monitoring of Ohio’s native wildlife species.

Scott started with the division in 1989 as wildlife biologist at the Olentangy Wildlife Research Station in Delaware County; he served as project leader for Upland Wildlife Research from 1992-2003. Most recently he served as assistant administrator for wildlife research. His past work experience included positions with the ODNR Division of Reclamation (now the Division of Mineral Resources Management) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

He is a longtime member and current president of the Ohio Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Scott is currently a fellow in Cohort 4 of the National Conservation Leadership Institute.

Scott grew up in north-central Ohio near Mansfield and graduated from Mansfield Christian High School. He was an honors program graduate from The Ohio State University (wildlife management major) and earned a master of science degree in wildlife management from Pennsylvania State University.

He resides in Dublin with his wife, Laurie.

The Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters killed 19,900 deer on December 19-20, during the weekend of gun hunting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The extra weekend of gun hunting was first offered in 2006 in response to hunters’ request for additional weekend days to pursue white-tailed deer, the state’s number one big game animal. In 2008, hunters took 16,382 deer during those two days.

Counties leading the state in deer killed over the weekend included: Tuscarawas – 1,164; Harrison – 725; Licking – 663; Ashtabula – 589; Holmes – 567; Columbiana – 543; Coshocton – 503; Knox – 488; Stark – 487; and Guernsey – 474.

A total of 198,297 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the adult and youth gun seasons, early muzzleloader season and the first nine weeks of the archery season. Hunters took a total of 252,017 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

Hunters can continue to enjoy deer hunting January 9–12, 2010, during the statewide muzzleloader season, and through February 7, 2010 as the archery season continues.

The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Donations of extra deer will be accepted through the entire deer season. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and while funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year to wildohio.com.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules is contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It may also be viewed online at wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

NOTE: Following is a list of deer killed by hunters during the deer-gun hunting weekend, December 19-20. Numbers in parentheses are 2008 figures.

Adams – 273 (203); Allen – 119 (71); Ashland – 471 (288); Ashtabula – 589 (426); Athens – 336 (338); Auglaize – 66 (33); Belmont – 435 (389); Brown – 230 (277); Butler – 107 (87); Carroll – 312 (281); Champaign – 165 (129); Clark – 74 (41); Clermont – 318 (247); Clinton – 114 (78); Columbiana – 543 (378); Coshocton – 503 (514); Crawford – 226 (138); Cuyahoga – 16 (23); Darke – 57 (40); Defiance – 182 (93); Delaware – 161 (120); Erie – 112 (101); Fairfield – 349 (241); Fayette – 47 (23); Franklin – 77 (50); Fulton – 64 (61); Gallia – 169 (230); Geauga – 128 (118); Greene -36 (27); Guernsey – 474 (534); Hamilton – 86 (74); Hancock – 91 (42); Hardin – 132 (70); Harrison – 725 (724); Henry – 47 (19); Highland – 430 (268); Hocking – 324 (276); Holmes – 567 (522); Huron – 279 (163); Jackson – 306 (278); Jefferson – 398 (394); Knox – 488 (320); Lake – 58 (62); Lawrence – 149 (209); Licking – 663 (594); Logan – 214 (121); Lorain – 253 (145 ); Lucas – 58 (48); Madison – 45 (38); Mahoning – 206 (167); Marion – 93 (48); Medina – 220 (140); Meigs – 255 (285); Mercer – 32 (17); Miami – 27 (26); Monroe – 257 (279); Montgomery – 49 (32); Morgan – 151 (190); Morrow – 251 (157); Muskingum – 220 (357); Noble – 272 (296); Ottawa – 26 (25); Paulding – 85 (45); Perry – 299 (303); Pickaway – 131 (84); Pike – 147 (161); Portage – 169 (99); Preble – 83 (48); Putnam – 118 (49); Richland – 206 (166); Ross – 345 (309); Sandusky – 60 (50); Scioto – 241 (237); Seneca – 264 (122); Shelby – 110 (64); Stark – 484 (306); Summit – 128 (101); Trumbull – 342 (304); Tuscarawas – 1,164 (868); Union – 106 (54); Van Wert – 55 (44); Vinton – 188 (127); Warren -141 (86); Washington – 396 (426); Wayne – 139 (153); Williams – 91 (70); Wood – 101 (52); Wyandot – 128 (89); Total – 19,900 (16,382)

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 95,500 pounds of venison to local food banks so far this deer season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The 95,500 pounds equals approximately 382,000 meals for needy Ohioans. To date, 1,910 deer have been donated with plenty of deer hunting opportunity left in the 2009-10 season. Last year at this time, 671 deer had been donated representing 33,550 pounds of venison.

Last year FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison from 1,096 deer through the entire season, from September 2008 to February 1, 2009.

“I applaud Ohio hunters for their generosity and continue to encourage them to donate what they can so Ohio’s food pantries will receive the nutritious red meat they so desperately need,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife.

Hunters still have a weekend of deer-gun hunting, December 19-20, and eight weeks of archery hunting; the archery season remains open until February 7, 2010. The statewide muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be held January 9-12, 2010.

FHFH.org

The Division of Wildlife collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A $100,000 subsidy grant was provided in two $50,000 allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by FHFH. The division subsidized this year’s FHFH operation as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.

Venison donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are presently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.

Currently there are 33 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the “Local FHFH” page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties they serve.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s popular deer-gun season will run an additional weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The extra weekend days were added beginning in 2006 in response to comments received from hunters for more weekend time to hunt. Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise until sunset on December 19-20. Ohio’s pre-hunting season population was estimated at 650,000 white-tailed deer.

So far this season, 178,633 deer have taken. A total of 53,959 deer was killed during the first six weeks of the statewide archery season, which began September 26 and continues through February 7, 2010. The special youth season, held November 21-22, resulted in young hunters bagging 9,331 deer. Hunters checked 114,633 deer during the statewide deer-gun season, November 30 – December 6. Another 474 deer were taken during the early muzzleloader deer season held in October at Shawnee, Salt Fork and Wolf Creek state wildlife areas.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. After November 29, a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (20 counties) and two deer in Zone B (30 counties). Beginning on December 7, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits are no longer available and must have been purchased prior to November 29.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Hunter orange is required. Only deer, coyote and waterfowl can be hunted during the extra deer-gun weekend.

Donations of extra deer will be accepted through the entire deer season which ends on February 7, 2010. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are listed in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Ohio hunters and birdwatchers are reminded that they will need to be aware of one another as the pursue deer and birds on this shared weekend. Hunters need to remember that there may be other people—both hunters and non-hunters— in the woods. Birders are also reminded that hunters are allowed to hunt wherever they have written permission to hunt. And, while hunters are required to wear hunter orange in the field, birders should also give consideration to wearing a hunter orange vest or hat during the deer-gun weekend.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio hunters took 114,633 white-tailed deer during the state’s popular, weeklong deer-gun season, which ran November 30 through December 6, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. In 2008, hunters killed a preliminary total of 116,798 deer during the same time period.

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer brought to Ohio check stations last week included Tuscarawas-5,901; Harrison-4,310; Guernsey-4,289; Licking-3,734; Coshocton-3,680; Washington-3,589; Holmes-3,265; Belmont-3,238; Athens-3,049; and Knox-3,046.

A total of 178,397 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the adult and youth gun seasons, early muzzleloader season, and the first six weeks of the archery season. That compares to a total of 179,194 killed last year during the same time period. Hunters took a total of 252,017 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

The statewide deer population was estimated to be 650,000 in late September, prior to the start of the hunting season. Approximately 420,000 hunters were expected to participate in the statewide deer-gun season.

Hunters still have a weekend of deer-gun hunting, December 19-20, and nine weeks of archery hunting in Ohio. Archery season remains open until February 7, 2010. The statewide muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be held January 9-12, 2010.

Saturday, December 5 was designated as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Day. Although Chief Dave Graham was unable to fill his tag that day, many other hunters did and donated. Totals for deer donated though the FHFH program will be available next week.

Donations of extra deer will be accepted through the entire deer season which ends on February 7, 2010. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year to www.wildohio.com.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Ohio’s first modern day deer-gun season opened in 1943 in three counties, when hunters harvested 168 deer. In 1956, deer hunting was allowed in all 88 counties and hunters killed 3,911 deer during that one-week season.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules is contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It may also be viewed online at www.wildohio.com.

NOTE: The Following Is A List Of Deer Checked And Tagged By Hunters During The 2009 Deer-Gun Hunting Season. The Number Taken During The 2008 Season Is Marked In ( ): 2009 (2008)

Adams –1,790 (1,333); Allen –567 (431); Ashland –2,239 (2,168); Ashtabula –2,084 (2,776); Athens –3,049 (3,068); Auglaize –221 (357); Belmont –3,238 (2,407); Brown –1,096 (1,643); Butler –411 (364); Carroll –1,715 (2,174); Champaign –737 (743); Clark –338 (321); Clermont –1,166 (1,211); Clinton –558 (502); Columbiana –2,186 (2,384); Coshocton –3,680 (4,043); Crawford –1,002 (1,013); Cuyahoga –107 (88); Darke –309 (195); Defiance –762 (1,027); Delaware –652 (804); Erie –332 (320); Fairfield –1,964 (1,681); Fayette –221 (165); Franklin –263 (264); Fulton –377 (380); Gallia –1,766 (2,110); Geauga –509 (1,008); Greene –221 (242); Guernsey –4,289 (4,017); Hamilton –377 (331); Hancock –449 (394); Hardin –655 (571); Harrison –4,310 (4,136); Henry –264 (299); Highland –1,695 (1,694); Hocking –2,594 (2,337); Holmes –3,265 (3,138); Huron –1,142 (1,138); Jackson –2,577 (2,159); Jefferson –2,699 (2,840); Knox –3,046 (3,067); Lake –282 (363); Lawrence –1,510 (1,570); Licking –3,734 (3,597); Logan –815 (723); Lorain –808 (685); Lucas –273 (290); Madison –193 (189); Mahoning –694 (723); Marion –308 (315); Medina –639 (712); Meigs –2,203 (2,465); Mercer –231 (211); Miami –126 (145); Monroe –2,521 (2,807); Montgomery –177 (154); Morgan –1,887 (1,910); Morrow –957 (1,043); Muskingum –2,829 (2,452); Noble –2,561 (2,636); Ottawa –65 (55); Paulding –472 (424); Perry – 2,046(2,108); Pickaway -635 (604); Pike –1,254 (1,212); Portage –544 (658); Preble –229 (237); Putnam –624 (542); Richland –1,438 (2,384); Ross –2,355 (2,340); Sandusky –217 (229); Scioto –1,420 (1,673); Seneca –1,012 (953); Shelby –448 (434); Stark –1,615 (1,718); Summit –381 (435); Trumbull –1,474 (1,738); Tuscarawas –5,901 (5,862); Union –478 (407); Van Wert –245 (251); Vinton –1,829 (1,538); Warren –462 (510); Washington –3,589 (3,753); Wayne –618 (825); Williams –615 (578); Wood –402 (391); Wyandot –595 (606); Total –114,633 (116,798)

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s fall wild turkey season ended November 29 with 2,180 birds killed during the seven-week season. Tuscarawas County led the state with 135 birds taken, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Last year, 2,012 birds were taken.

The fall turkey season which ran October 10 through November 29, allowed hunters the choice of pursuing a bird with a shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, bow or crossbow. Hunters had 48 counties in which to pursue a wild turkey of either sex, which for the first time included Defiance and Williams counties.

Before the start of this fall’s hunting season, Ohio’s estimated wild turkey population was around 200,000. As many as 20,000 people, not counting private landowners hunting on their own property, enjoyed Ohio’s fall wild turkey season.

The top 10 counties for fall turkey harvest were:

• Tuscarawas-135
• Ashtabula-127
• Jackson-91
• Trumbull-73
• Guernsey-72
• Coshocton-70
• Hocking-68
• Medina-67
• Ross-65
• Knox-63

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the turkey they killed this year to wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

NOTE: The following is a list of wild turkeys checked and tagged through November 29. The number taken during the 2008 fall turkey season is marked in ( ): 2009 (2008); counties marked (NA) had no fall season in 2008.

Adams –56 (67); Ashland –41 (50); Ashtabula –127 (130); Athens –42 (20); Belmont –22 (31); Brown –59 (91); Carroll –25 (21); Clermont –56 (83); Columbiana –53 (62); Coshocton –70 (83); Cuyahoga –1 (12); Defiance-51 (NA); Gallia –29 (37); Geauga –58 (22); Guernsey –72 (60); Harrison –57 (96); Highland –18 (79); Hocking –68 (23); Holmes –23 (25); Jackson –91 (52); Jefferson –25 (32); Knox –63 (57); Lake –23 (17); Lawrence –40 (31); Licking –53 (53); Lorain –39 (34); Mahoning –33 (17); Medina –67 (33); Meigs –42 (26); Monroe –34 (28); Morgan –24 (14); Morrow –20 (25); Muskingum-23 (13); Noble –32 (11); Perry –57 (30); Pike –17 (20); Portage –24 (21); Richland –29 (54); Ross –65 (47); Scioto –46(51); Stark –43 (35); Summit –17 (17); Trumbull –73 (82); Tuscarawas –135 (112); Vinton –40 (35); Washington –61 (67); Wayne –5 (6) and Williams-31 (NA). Preliminary totals –2,180 (2,012).

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio hunters had near ideal weather for the opening day of deer-gun season. Hunters took 33,607 white-tailed deer on Monday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The deer-gun season remains open through Sunday, December 6, and then reopens for two days on Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20

The preliminary figures from deer check stations throughout the state show a slight increase of 1.7 percent from last year’s opening day total of 33,034.

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer checked on Monday included Tuscarawas-1,763, Harrison-1,374, Coshocton-1,353, Guernsey-1,284, Licking-1,182, Holmes-1,165, Washington-1,010, Athens-925, Ashtabula-836, and Muskingum-799.

Combining the results of Monday’s harvest with those from the early muzzleloader season, the first six weeks of archery season and the recent youth deer-gun season, a preliminary total of 97,371 deer have been killed so far this deer hunting season. That number compares to 95,074 harvested last year at this time. In all, hunters took a total of 252,017 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in the statewide deer-gun season. Ohio’s deer population was estimated to be 650,000 prior to the start of the fall hunting seasons.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham challenges all deer hunters to make this year special for Ohio’s hungry by labeling Saturday, December 5, as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) Day. Last year, hunters showed they cared by donating nearly 220,000 meals to Ohioans in need.

Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year for publication on the Division of Wildlife’s Web page.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules is contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available wherever licenses are sold, and online at wildohio.com.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

NOTE: The following is a list of the number of deer checked and tagged by hunters during the first day of deer-gun hunting season. The number taken during the 2008 season is marked in ( ): 2009 (2008)

Adams –481 (377); Allen –118 (130); Ashland –619 (577); Ashtabula –836 (1,089); Athens –925 (828); Auglaize –80 (102); Belmont –640 (612); Brown –240 (336); Butler –89 (55); Carroll –691 (625); Champaign –232 (193); Clark –87 (67); Clermont –297 (236); Clinton –186 (109); Columbiana –628 (722); Coshocton –1,353(1,307); Crawford –288 (265); Cuyahoga –25 (32); Darke –55(50); Defiance –293 (323); Delaware –179 (188); Erie –112 (82); Fairfield –609 (452); Fayette –74 (50); Franklin –68 (81); Fulton –123 (150); Gallia –455 (501); Geauga –188 (326); Greene –63 (54); Guernsey –1,284 (1,202); Hamilton –72 (40); Hancock –153 (83); Hardin –169 (133); Harrison –1,374 (1,286); Henry –88 (108); Highland –543 (409); Hocking –793 (683); Holmes –1,165 (1,088); Huron –367 (288); Jackson –776 (648); Jefferson –767 (771); Knox –761 (954); Lake –63 (113); Lawrence –320 (343); Licking –1,182 (1,134); Logan –255 (169); Lorain –210 (165); Lucas –76 (75); Madison –42 (53); Mahoning –238 (198); Marion –96 (74); Medina –146 (158); Meigs –569 (702); Mercer –79 (63); Miami –35 (38); Monroe –670 (672); Montgomery –37 (27); Morgan –579 (556); Morrow –260 (308); Muskingum –799 (670); Noble –745 (645); Ottawa –12 (9); Paulding –140 (139); Perry –631 (580); Pickaway –188 (161); Pike –300 (261); Portage –122 (164); Preble –39 (43); Putnam –196 (157); Richland –404 (364); Ross –638 (597); Sandusky –67 (54); Scioto –249 (380); Seneca –255 (242); Shelby –141 (123); Stark –487 (440); Summit –62 (79); Trumbull –572 (657); Tuscarawas –1,763 (1,821); Union –125 (125); Van Wert –55 (74); Vinton –548 (497); Warren –117 (102); Washington –1,010 (1,456); Wayne –220 (186); Williams –253 (264); Wood –99 (108); Wyandot –167 (176); TOTAL: 33,607 (33,034)

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Sunday before deer-gun season in Ohio is traditionally the peak day of the year for hunting license sales according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Last year, Ohio sold 49,748 licenses on November 30.

Hunting license and permit sales are strong the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, with the day before archery season being the second highest hunting license sales day with 47,807 sold in 2008.

Fishing license sales are also seasonal in nature with a traditional spike in buying just prior to the Memorial Day holiday. The highest sales day for fishing licenses is generally a good weather weekend in April with last year’s best sales day on April 18 at 33,769.

Ohio had 1,270 license sales locations in 2008. The location with the highest numbers of licenses sold should be no surprise to many. The ease and convenience of purchasing on the Internet has made it the single most popular outlet, with 166,008 sold in the 2008-09 license year. This is 5 percent of total license sales. This percentage has grown since Internet licenses were first available in Ohio in 2004.

Following behind the Internet are national or regional chain stores. The top corporate sales outlets include the Walmart in New Philadelphia with 16,901 licenses sold to rank it second. The Walmart locations in Marietta and Port Clinton followed behind with 14,843 and 13,283, respectively. The fifth highest sales outlet was Gander Mountain in Warren with 13,243.

Bass Pro Shop’s Outdoor World in Cincinnati was sixth with 12,780 sold. The Cambridge Walmart sold 12,743 for seventh highest license numbers. Gander Mountain locations in Canton and Mentor follow with 12,732 and 12,654, respectively. Ranking 10th on the list with 12,398 is the Mt. Vernon Walmart.

Buckeye Outdoors in Hebron is the 11th ranked outlet in sales and the highest entry of the non-national or regional chain stores. Other top non-corporate outlets include Ashland’s Fin Feather Fur Outfitters (10,130) ranking 21st overall followed by 39th ranked Kame’s Sport Center in North Canton with 8,375 licenses sold. Norton Sporting Goods of Waldo sold 8,156 and is ranked 41st. Middlefield’s Great Lakes Outdoor Supply comes in at 57th with 7,254 licenses sold in 2008-09.

In 2008, 448,807 hunting licenses and 886,479 fishing licenses were sold. Ohio ranks fourth nationally for the number of resident sportsmen with 1.5 million anglers and hunters spending $5.3 million dollars a day with total annual spending estimated at 1.9 billion.

Ohio ranks eighth nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging, etc.

Sport fishing in Ohio generates $1.1 billion of economic impact annually Estimates from 2006 put the number of Ohio jobs related to sport fishing at 20,000 ranking Ohio 11th nationally. Ohio ranks 13th in retail sales of sport fishing related items in the U.S. with nearly $500 million in sales annually.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is the authority on Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources and uses no state or federal taxpayer dollars in fulfilling its mission. Instead, fishing and hunting license and permit fees support fish and wildlife programs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also provides millions of dollars each year to Ohio’s wildlife fund in the form of federal aid reimbursement. These funds come from an excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment including rods, reels, guns, ammunition, and bows.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 30, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail. The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 6 and December 19-20. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 650,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season, including many out-of-state hunters.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 6 a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (20 counties) and two deer in Zone B (30 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season. The antlerless deer permit will be valid for deer-gun week only in Zone C.

Beginning on December 7, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 29.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.

Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit and donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.