| OhioWaterfowler.com Division of Wildlife News |


| April 6, 2010 Generous Deer Hunters Double Venison Donations to Ohioans in Need 116,750 pounds of venison donated COLUMBUS, OH - 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 |
| April 7, 2010 Two New Members Appointed to the Ohio Wildlife Council Farmers from Brown and Carroll counties to serve on council COLUMBUS , OH – 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. |
| June 11, 2010 Perfect Your Skills Now, Hunters, For A Better Fall Season Division of Wildlife offers public ranges in northeast Ohio where hunters can improve shooting skills AKRON, OH- Public shooting ranges operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife are located statewide, allowing hunters to practice their shooting skills for the upcoming season. Six different counties including Harrison, Jefferson, Medina, Portage, Trumbull, and Wayne offer rifle, pistol, shotgun, or archery ranges. Ranges are classified by the type of facilities offered and whether they are supervised. A class “A” range requires a shooting range permit for all persons 18 years and older. Shooters age 17 and under are not required to purchase a permit, but must be accompanied by and directly monitored by an adult (age 18 years or older) holding a valid shooting range permit. This permit, available at all hunting and fishing license outlets, partially offsets the cost of the shooting range attendant, restroom facilities, maintenance, trash removal, and improvements. In northeast Ohio, only the Grand River Wildlife Area range in Trumbull County is a class “A” range. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Wednesday through Sunday. Hours of operation for other class “A” ranges may vary, however all are closed every Monday and Tuesday as well as the following dates: Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day (also closed all of January and February). The remaining ranges are class “B, C, and D” ranges. These ranges are open free-of-charge, no permit is required, and no range attendant or restroom facilities are provided. Archery ranges are open everyday except during holidays, sunrise to sunset. Harrison State Forest in Harrison County and Fernwood State Forest in Jefferson County both offer class “O” shooting ranges which are operated by the ODNR Division of Forestry. The annual shooting range permit is $24.00 and allows the permit holder to access Class “A” ranges throughout the year. A one-day shooting range permit is $5.00 and allows permit holder to access a Class “A” range for one visit (the permit is valid only once). These permits partially offset the cost of the shooting range attendant, restroom facilities, maintenance, trash removal, and improvements. Other ranges, owned and operated by a wide variety of organizations are also available throughout northeast Ohio. Contact Wildlife District Three at (330) 644-2293 for more information on other ranges in or near your county. NOTE: All ranges are subject to closing during inclement weather or flooding conditions. Range users are advised to contact the range number provided or call the District Three office at (330) 644-2293 for range conditions. For more information on public shooting ranges, visit www.wildohio.com CLASS PUBLIC AREA COUNTY RANGE TYPE PHONE NUMBER D Berlin Lake Wildlife Area Portage Archery Only 330-644-2293 C & O Fernwood State Forest Jefferson Rifle/Pistol, & Shotgun 330-339-2205 A & C Grand River Wildlife Area Trumbull Rifle/Pistol, & Shotgun 330-644-2293 O Harrison State Forest Harrison Rifle/Pistol 614-262-5671 C Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area Wayne Shotgun Only 330-644-2293 D Spencer Lake Wildlife Area Medina Archery Only 330-644-2293 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2010 Passport to Fishing Instructor Training Available in Akron AKRON, OH -- Any adult, group, or conservation club who has a sincere interest in taking kids fishing should consider becoming a certified Passport to Fishing instructor, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. A free workshop is available on Thursday, August 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will take place at Wildlife District Three, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron. Passport to Fishing is a one-day instructor training program that qualifies individuals to become Division of Wildlife certified fishing instructors, similar to a hunter education instructor. Passport to Fishing was developed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and adopted by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Workshops teach volunteers the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program with a fishing event. These instructors then go back to their communities, with a written curriculum and training aids, to teach youngsters and beginning anglers the basics of fishing. By becoming a certified instructor, you will not only be able to help in reconnecting students with the outdoors, but you will also have the skills and resources to help you do it in a more successful way. Resources available include grants, equipment, brochures, and training. To register for a workshop, please call 1-800-WILDLIFE or at (614)265-6539. For additional class information, visit www.wildohio.com. For Further Information Contact: Ken Fry, Wildlife Communication Specialist, Division of Wildlife 330.245. 3030 -or- Eric Postell, Outdoor Skills Admistrator, Division of Wildlife 614.265.6322 |
June 23, 2010 ODNR to Open 16 State Nature Preserves to Special Archery Hunts Permits to participate in controlled hunts will be awarded by lottery COLUMBUS, OH— An increasing deer population, resulting in negative impacts to native plant communities, has led the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to coordinate special archery deer hunts at 16 state nature preserves across the state. High quality habitats at these state nature preserves including Blackhand Gorge, Fowler Woods, Goll Woods and Lawrence Woods, have been negatively impacted by over-browsing deer. For example, large flowered trillium— Ohio ’s state wildflower—has nearly disappeared from several sites because of foraging deer. “Conducting special management hunts enables the division to protect native plant communities in Ohio’s best natural areas,” said Gary Obermiller, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves’ program administrator. “An added benefit is that Ohio’s hunters are given an opportunity to explore high-quality areas and assist ODNR with critical land management activities.” There will be four (4) two-week archery hunt sessions and one (1) week-long archery hunt session beginning September 25 through November 27, 2009. Each special archery hunt permit will be good for two hunters for two weeks, with the exception of the last one week session. Hunters will be required to harvest an antlerless deer first. Participating hunters in Zone A will be allowed to harvest two deer under state hunting rules—one on a $15 antlerless tag and one on a $24 either-sex tag. The Zone B limit is two on the antlerless tag and two on the either-sex tag. Similarly, the Zone C limit is six, three on antlerless tag and three on either-sex tag. To apply for the special archery hunt lotteries, applicants must send in a 3x5 card with their name, address, daytime phone number and the hunt name (such as Goll Woods Archery Hunt), along with a $5 processing fee for each entry. You may apply for multiple sites, however, you will only be drawn once per site. Please mark each entry card with the appropriate hunt location. Do not send multiple payments—one check equaling $5 per card is sufficient. Do not send cash—checks and money orders must be made out to Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Processing fees are non-refundable. Mail entries to the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, 2045 Morse Road , Bldg. C-2, Columbus , OH 43229 . Lottery entries must be received by August 15, 2010. The archery drawing will be held on August 16 at 10 a.m. at the ODNR Fountain Square Complex located at 2045 Morse Road , Building E-1 West, Columbus , Ohio 43229 . Applicants do not need to be present at the drawing to be awarded a permit. Successful archery hunt applicants will be notified by phone, and are required to attend one of two orientation meetings set for September 11 and 12 at various locations. Visit ohiodnr.com/dnap for a full listing of lottery rules and special hunt details. 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. |
| June 3, 2010 Photo Competition to Determine Winning Image on 2011 Wildlife Stamp Photos accepted by mail between August 1-22, 2010 COLUMBUS , OH –The 2nd Annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp photo contest is underway, challenging resident photographers to enter their best snapshots of a native dragonfly or damsel fly. The winning photograph will be featured on the second Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp to be issued March 1, 2011 , according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The contest is open to Ohio residents, ages 18 years and older; one cash prize will be awarded to the winning photographer. Young photographers, age 17 and under, also are encouraged to submit their photographs of these winged jewels. The winner in this category will receive Web and print recognition. The $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp will be available for purchase online beginning March 1, 2011 at wildohio.com. By purchasing the stamp, you will be supporting restoration of endangered and threatened wildlife species, research projects, land purchases and conservation easements, and educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts. “The Legacy Stamp is a great way for anyone who supports wildlife causes to make a direct investment in the future of Ohio ’s diverse wildlife population,” said Jim Marshall, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Each year, a collectible stamp depicting a different animal will be issued to highlight the diversity of Ohio ’s natural world. Last year, Russell Reynolds from Lima won the inaugural contest with his photograph of a male Baltimore oriole. Discover more about the stamp by visiting or calling 1-800-WILDLIFE. Contest details: · Open to Ohio residents, ages 18 years and older.* · One cash prize totaling $500 will be awarded to the winning photographer. · Youths up to 17 years of age may submit photos for Web and magazine recognition. · Photos must be submitted by mail to be eligible— electronic images will not be accepted. Photo submissions will be accepted by mail between August 1 and August 22, 2010. · Each photo must be accompanied by a completed entry form and $12 submission fee. · Complete contest rules are available at wildohiostamp.com. *Employees of the ODNR and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. Help Keep the Wild in Ohio and enter your best photo of a native dragonfly or damselfly in this year’s Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp photo contest. For more information, contact: Laura Jones, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6811 Tim Daniel, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6537 |
July 15, 2010 Ohio Wildlife Council Approves Early Migratory Bird Season Dates Ohio’s hunting season opens September 1 COLUMBUS , OH - The Ohio Wildlife Council has approved the state's early migratory bird hunting seasons for this fall with September 1 kicking off the state's hunting seasons with the opening of dove, Canada goose, rail, moorhen and snipe, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Ohio 's dove hunting season runs September 1 through October 24 and December 6-21, with a daily limit of 15 birds and a possession limit of 30 birds. Controlled dove hunts will be offered at Fallsville, Rush Run, Spring Valley , Indian Creek and Bott state wildlife areas. These controlled hunts will take place Wednesday, September 1 and Thursday, September 2; hunting hours will be noon to sunset. Controlled dove hunts will also be offered at St. Marys Fish Hatchery on September 1, 4, 7, 11, 14 and 18. Youth will be given priority on September 1, 4 and 7. Opening day drawings for all of these hunts will take place at noon , Saturday, August 28, at the respective public area headquarters. Drawings for the other hunts will be held the day of the hunt at noon . Maps and details are available at wildohio.com. Questions about any of these hunts should be directed to the Division of Wildlife’s Southwest District office at (937) 372-9261. Canada geese may be hunted statewide September 1-15, during the special early season, with a daily limit of four birds and possession limit of eight birds after the first day. The Mercer Goose Zone will not be open during the early Canada goose season. The early teal hunting season will open September 4 and end September 19, with a daily bag limit of four birds and possession limit of eight after the first day. Waterfowl hunters must have a valid hunting license in addition to a state wetlands habitat stamp endorsement, a federal duck stamp and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. Anyone who intends to hunt migratory game birds must obtain a new HIP certification each year. Sora rails, Virginia rails and moorhens can be hunted September 1 through November 9, with a daily limit of 25 rails and 15 moorhens. Hunting season for snipe will be September 1 through November 28 and December 6-23, with a daily bag limit of eight. The woodcock hunting season is open October 9 through November 22, with a daily bag limit of three birds and a possession limit of six birds. Hunting hours during the seasons for rails, moorhens, snipe, woodcock, teal, doves and Canada geese are sunrise to sunset. The only exceptions will be on wildlife areas that have specially posted hunting times for doves. The 2010-11 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2010 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure can be found on line at wildohio.com. The 2010 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure will be available by late August at license outlets, Division of Wildlife district offices, or by calling 1-800- WILDLIFE. 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 |
| July 9, 2010 Controlled Teal and Early Goose Hunt Drawing at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area FINDLAY, OH – Interested waterfowl hunters are invited to participate in a controlled hunt drawing for the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for the 2010 teal and early goose season. The drawing will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in conjunction with the Lake Erie Waterfowlers Festival. Registration for interested hunters will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Division of Wildlife Display Tent located near the boardwalk / wildlife beach parking area. The drawing will be held on the deck at the west entrance of the boardwalk. This hunt will be conducted during the Teal Season only. Applicants need to present a 2009 or 2010 hunting license or wetland stamp in order to register. Additional controlled hunting opportunities at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area or other state wildlife areas are available online or by calling 1(800) WILDLIFE. For More Information, Contact: Wildlife Management, District Two 419.424.5000 -or- Magee Marsh Wildlife Area 419.419.898.0960 ext. 30 |
| July 8, 2010 Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Opportunities at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area Findlay, OH -- Interested waterfowl hunters are invited to participate in several controlled hunting opportunities at the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area. The first is a lottery card drawing for the first two Hunt days of the Teal/Early Goose season. The opening day morning drawing and both the morning and afternoon drawings of the second day will be for all applicants. The opening day afternoon drawing will be Youth Only. Interested applicants need to mail in a 4x6 inch index card with the applicant’s name, address and phone number. The drawing in which the card is to be entered should be designated at the top (Youth Teal or Adult Teal). Postcards need to be postmarked by August 12, 2010 to be eligible. The permits are not transferable. There will also be a lottery card drawing for the opening day of the regular waterfowl season. The morning drawing will be for all applicants. The afternoon drawing will be Youth Only. Interested applicants need to mail in a 4x6 inch index card with the applicant’s name, address and phone number. The drawing in which the card is to be entered should be designated at the top (Youth Waterfowl or Adult Waterfowl). Postcards need to be postmarked by September 16, 2010 to be eligible. The permits are not transferable. There is a limit of one card per drawing. Youth hunters are age 17 and younger. Successful applicants will receive their permit in the mail along with additional information. Adult hunt results will be posted on the Division of Wildlife website. Youth hunt results will be available by calling the Wildlife District Two Office at 419.424.5000. Results for the Teal hunt drawings will be available after August 22nd. Results for the Waterfowl hunt drawings will be available after September 27th. Additional controlled waterfowl hunting opportunities will be available through a daily drawing at the Pickerel Creek Check Station. Hunt days will be every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the waterfowl seasons as well as both Saturday and Sunday of the statewide youth season. Morning hunt drawings will be held at 5:15 am and afternoon hunt drawings will be held at 11:00 am. All permits not used in the drawings will be available through a self-serve system. Procedures will be posted at the check station. For Further Information, Contact: Wildlife Management Section, District Two Office 419.424.5000 -or- Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area 419.547.6007 |
| July 8, 2010 Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Drawings for Pipe Creek Wildlife Area and the East Sandusky Bay Metro Park FINDLAY, OH - Interested waterfowl hunters are invited to participate in a controlled waterfowl hunt drawing for the Pipe Creek Wildlife Area. A separate drawing will take place for the East Sandusky Bay Metro Park immediately following the Pipe Creek drawing. East Sandusky Bay Metro Park is a layout style hunt. The drawing will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 19, 2010 . The drawings will be conducted at the Osborn Metro Park located at 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron, OH 44839. Interested participants should plan to arrive around 6:00 pm to register. The drawings will be for the entire waterfowl season including Teal / Early Goose and the statewide youth seasons. Adult participants are required to present a 2009 or 2010 Ohio Wetland Stamp or Resident Hunting License. Youth Hunters are required to bring their 2009 or 2010 Resident Youth Hunting License to be eligible to participate in the drawings. The permits are transferable. For More Information, Contact: District Two Wildlife Management Section 419.424.5000 -or- Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area 419.547.6007 |