Ohio Deer Hunting Regulations Proposals Amended

COLUMBUS, OH – After considering public input and reviewing data, modifications were made to the 2014-2015 hunting regulations proposals that the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote

on at their next meeting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The amended proposal states that shotguns and pistol cartridge rifles used for white-tailed deer hunting be loaded with no more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined. The current hunting regulation states a shotgun must be plugged if it is capable of holding more than three shells. The initial proposal required a magazine plug or inert ammunition to limit capacity for pistol cartridge rifles.

Deer bag limit adjustments were proposed in five counties. The updated bag limit proposal would lower limits in Trumbull County to three deer and Mercer County to two deer. The antlerless permit was proposed to be removed from Hardin, Knox and Lawrence counties, where the bag limit remains three deer. Hunters may harvest only one antlered deer in Ohio, regardless of method of take or location.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations through a combination of regulatory and programmatic changes.

Proposals to reduce many county deer bag limits and allow pistol cartridge rifles for deer hunting were presented at the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting in February.

The Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on proposals at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 9. Go to wildohio.com for more information about deer and deer hunting.

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Ohio's deer-gun season opens with 22,620 deer harvested

Hunters checked 22,620 white-tailed deer on Monday, the opening day of Ohio’s deer-gun hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The deer-gun season remains open through Sunday, Dec. 8. Hunters are encouraged to take to the field to enjoy the six days remaining in the deer-gun season. Hunting is the best and most effective management tool for maintaining Ohio’s healthy deer population. About 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season. Find more information about deer hunting in the Ohio 2013-2014 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.com.

Read More

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Ohio Deer-Gun Season Opens Monday, Dec. 2, with More Hunting Time after Sunset

COLUMBUS, OH - Deer-gun season, one of Ohio’s most revered hunting traditions, begins Monday, Dec. 2, with 30 more minutes of prime hunting time each day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Ohio’s deer-gun season is open through Sunday, Dec. 8.

Hunting time is extended 30 minutes for all deer-gun seasons. Hunters were already allowed to hunt deer 30 minutes before sunrise, and this year an additional 30 minutes has been added after sunset for gun seasons.

“We are eager to increase opportunities for Ohio’s sportsmen and women,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “Ohio is a top 10 whitetail hunting destination, and the extra half-hour after sunset will give hunters more opportunities to bag a deer.”

Deer hunting in Ohio continues to be a popular activity for many who enjoy the outdoors. The ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 80,000-90,000 deer will be harvested during the weeklong hunt. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year's season, including many out-of-state hunters. Hunters checked 86,964 deer in the 2012 weeklong deer-gun season.

Deer can be hunted with a plugged shotgun capable of holding no more than three slugs, a muzzleloader .38 caliber or larger, a handgun .357 caliber or larger and bows during deer-gun week.

“Hunters are reminded to use safety precautions while hunting, including wearing required hunter orange clothing, using a safety harness while in a tree stand and safe handling of firearms,” said Scott Zody, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

Deer bag limits are now determined by county. The statewide bag limit is nine deer, but a hunter cannot exceed an individual county bag limit. Hunters may harvest only one antlered deer, regardless of hunting method or season. A valid deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Hunters must purchase an additional deer permit to hunt more than one deer. Antlerless deer permits will not be sold after Sunday, Dec. 1, and these permits are not valid after that date unless used for an ODNR Division of

Wildlife authorized controlled hunt.

A new tagging procedure administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife requires hunters to make their own game tag to attach to a deer. Game tags can be made of any material (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.) as long as it contains the hunter’s name, date, time and county of kill. Go to the Deer Hunting Resources page at wildohio.com for more information on changes to the game check process.

More deer hunting information can be found in the 2013-14 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and at wildohio.com. Hunters can share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.

Hunters are encouraged to harvest more antlerless deer in some areas of Ohio this season to help the needy in their area and also manage deer populations. The ODNR Division of Wildlife is working with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate a deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort is available. More information about this program can be found online at fhfh.org. Hunters can also donate venison through Safari Club International’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program by learning more at safariclubfoundation.org. Whitetails Unlimited chapters also use local funds for programs such as venison donation. Go to whitetailsunlimited.com to find a local chapter and make a donation.

Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication.

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Young Ohio Hunters Harvest more than 6,000 Deer during Youth-Gun Season

Young hunters checked 6,645 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s two-day youth gun season, Nov. 23-24, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Young hunters were challenged by below-average temperatures and windy conditions during the two-day season.

“Congratulations to all the young hunters who participated and enjoyed Ohio’s youth deer hunting weekend,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “I want to thank the parents and adults who took the time to make the weekend a memorable one for the next generation of hunters.”

The Ohio counties that reported the most checked deer during the 2013 youth gun season: Coshocton (248), Tuscarawas (220), Muskingum (212), Holmes (196), Knox (189), Licking (189), Guernsey (183), Belmont (165), Harrison (165) and Carroll (161).

Youth hunters could pursue deer with a legal shotgun, muzzleloader or handgun and were required to be accompanied by a non-hunting adult during the two-day season. The youth deer-gun season is one of four special youth-only hunting seasons designed to offer a safe and early hunting experience for young hunters. Youth hunting seasons are also set aside for small game, wild turkey and waterfowl.

Youth hunters can commemorate their hunt with a First Harvest certificate, available at wildohio.com. Participants can upload a photo and type in their information to personalize the certificate. Hunters can also share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.

Ohio offers many more opportunities for young hunters to pursue deer. The deer-gun season is Monday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 8. Deer-muzzleloader season is Saturday, Jan. 4, through Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Deer-archery season is open now through Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. Find complete details in the 2013-2014 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations or online at wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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New Antlerless Deer Muzzleloader Season a Success for Ohio Hunters

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio muzzleloader hunters enjoyed warm weather as they harvested 5,608 antlerless white-tailed deer during the new antlerless-only muzzleloader hunting weekend Oct. 12-13, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“Ohio’s first antlerless-only muzzleloader deer season was a success, and we are pleased so many hunters participated,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “We remain committed to providing Ohio’s sportsmen and women with some of the best hunting opportunities in the nation.”

The new antlerless muzzleloader weekend was the first opportunity to take advantage of Ohio’s new extended hunting hours. A half hour of golden opportunity hunting time after sunset was added to all of this year’s upcoming deer-gun hunting seasons.

The Ohio counties that reported the most checked deer during the 2013 antlerless-only muzzleloader season: Ashtabula (200), Licking (164), Guernsey (144), Muskingum (143), Knox (141), Coshocton (138), Adams (135), Columbiana (128), Carroll (120), Athens (117) and Trumbull (117).

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations through a combination of regulatory and programmatic changes. This new early muzzleloader season also serves to help manage the state’s deer herd. Progress toward reducing locally abundant herds can be expected, and strides have been made to reduce deer herds in many counties closer to target levels.

Ohio hunters are encouraged to hunt more does this season to help the needy in their area. The ODNR Division of Wildlife is working 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 fhfh.org.

Deer hunting in Ohio continues to be a popular activity for many who enjoy the outdoors. Ohio hunters checked 218,910 deer during the 2012-2013 season. Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication. Find more information about Ohio deer hunting at wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.


Editor’s Note: A list of all white-tailed deer checked by muzzleloader hunters during the 2013 antlerless muzzleloader hunting season, Oct. 12-13, is shown below. The antlerless muzzleloader harvest numbers do not include archery numbers.

Adams: 135; Allen: 46; Ashland: 111; Ashtabula: 200; Athens: 117; Auglaize: 39; Belmont: 99; Brown: 94; Butler: 57; Carroll: 120; Champaign: 36; Clark: 28; Clermont: 91; Clinton: 34; Columbiana: 128; Coshocton: 138; Crawford: 32; Cuyahoga: 5; Darke: 26; Defiance: 48; Delaware: 38; Erie: 25; Fairfield: 51; Fayette: 7; Franklin: 9; Fulton: 29; Gallia: 60; Geauga: 63; Greene: 26; Guernsey: 144; Hamilton: 18; Hancock: 31; Hardin: 43; Harrison: 115; Henry: 14; Highland: 79; Hocking: 103; Holmes: 89; Huron: 80; Jackson: 62; Jefferson: 82; Knox: 141; Lake: 18; Lawrence: 54; Licking: 164; Logan: 77; Lorain: 83; Lucas: 28; Madison: 19; Mahoning: 75; Marion: 27; Medina: 68; Meigs: 88; Mercer: 26; Miami: 20; Monroe: 68; Montgomery: 18; Morgan: 65; Morrow: 53; Muskingum: 143; Noble: 83; Ottawa: 10; Paulding: 56; Perry: 54; Pickaway: 18; Pike: 51; Portage: 64; Preble: 41; Putnam: 33; Richland: 105; Ross: 85; Sandusky: 27; Scioto: 64; Seneca: 69; Shelby: 63; Stark: 66; Summit: 9; Trumbull: 117; Tuscarawas: 115; Union: 32; Van Wert: 19; Vinton: 79; Warren: 39; Washington: 72; Wayne: 83; Williams: 93; Wood: 16 and Wyandot: 58. Total: 5,608.

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Hunters Have More Opportunity to Hunt Public Land in Central Ohio

 The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife is pleased to announce that

central Ohio hunters will have additional public land hunting opportunities at the Big Island Wildlife Area in Marion County this fall.

The Division of Wildlife recently took possession of two properties totaling 100 acres adjacent to the Big Island Wildlife Area.  The previous landowners had enrolled both properties in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) prior to acquisition.  The properties came to the Division of Wildlife with 26 acres of wetlands and 65 acres of warm season grassland already established.  This addition brings the total acreage of the Big Island Wildlife Area to 5,972 acres.

The Big Island Wildlife Area is located five miles west of Marion on State Route 95 and lies within the former Sandusky Plains, one of the larger prairies that existed in Ohio at the time of settlement.  Most of the once expansive tall grass prairie was converted to farmland.  The Division of Wildlife began purchasing land for the Big Island Wildlife Area in 1958 and since then has restored grasslands and wetlands in an effort to improve the area for the wildlife species that depend on these habitats for survival.

The wealth of wildlife found in the abundant wetlands and grasslands at Big Island Wildlife Area make it a popular place for hunters and wildlife watchers alike.

Visit the ODNR Division of Wildlife website at willdohio.com to find a map of the Big Island Wildlife Area or to find more public hunting opportunities in your area.

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ODNR Offers New Antlerless-Only Deer Muzzleloader Hunt Oct. 12-13

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio hunters may participate in a new antlerless-only deer muzzleloader season

Oct. 12-13, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“October is a great time to hunt deer in Ohio. This new antlerless muzzleloader weekend is a chance for Ohio hunters to enjoy the outdoors and help manage the state’s deer herd,” said Scott Zody, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “Hunters should be aware that no antlered deer may be killed during this weekend, regardless of hunting implement.”

In addition to this added antlerless season, an extra half hour of prime hunting time after sunset was added to all gun seasons this year to give hunters more golden opportunities in the field. Hunting hours are now 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

It is legal to hunt antlerless deer statewide with a muzzleloader or bow during this two-day season. No antlered deer may be harvested regardless of hunting implement. Antlerless deer include deer without antlers and deer with antlers less than three inches in length. All hunters, excluding waterfowl hunters, are required to wear a vest, coat, jacket or coveralls that are either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange.

Hunters will be able to use antlerless permits and either-sex permits during this two-day season.  A new tagging procedure administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife requires hunters to make their own game tag to attach to a deer. Game tags can be made of any material (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.) as long as it contains the hunter’s name, date, time and county of the kill. Go to the Deer Hunting Resources page at wildohio.com for more information on changes to the game check process.

All hunters must report their deer harvest using the automated game-check system. Hunters have three options to complete the game check:

• Online at ohiogamecheck.com;
• Call 877-TAG-ITOH (824-4864);
• Visit a license agent. A list of agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE.

Game-check transactions are available online seven days a week, including holidays. Landowners exempt from purchasing a deer permit, and other people not required to purchase a deer permit, cannot use the 877-TAG-ITOH option.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations through a combination of regulatory and programmatic changes. Progress toward reducing locally abundant herds can be expected. Strides have been made to reduce deer herds in many counties closer to target levels.

Ohio hunters are encouraged to hunt more does this season to help the needy in their area. The ODNR Division of Wildlife is working 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 fhfh.org.

Deer hunting in Ohio continues to be a popular activity for many who enjoy the outdoors. Ohio hunters checked 218,910 deer during the 2012-2013 season. Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication.

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Whitetails Unlimited Names Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year

COLUMBUS, OH – Wade Dunlap, Tuscarawas County state wildlife officer, has been named the Ohio 2012 Wildlife Officer of the Year by Whitetails Unlimited, according to the Ohio Department of Natural

Resources (ODNR). Whitetails Unlimited is a national conservation organization dedicated to the betterment of white-tailed deer.

Dunlap has been a wildlife officer for 11 years, serving Tuscarawas County the last four. Dunlap has significantly increased the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s presence within the Tuscarawas County community, local law enforcement agencies and court system. Dunlap’s investigations have led to a number of successful outcomes and convictions, many involving taking deer illegally. He has partnered with local conservation clubs to host annual youth events, and he is an active instructor in youth shooting sports programs.

Nominations are based on deer enforcement performance during the previous deer season. The criteria for the award includes, number of wildlife arrests, cases involving unusual circumstances related to deer, cases involving trophy bucks, professional work ethic and dedication.

Whitetails Unlimited was founded in 1982 and raises money to support its mission of conservation, education and the preservation of the hunting tradition. For information about establishing a Whitetails Unlimited chapter, call Tim Schlater at 937-403-5811 (western Ohio) or Denny Malloy at 330-507-9489 (eastern Ohio).

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

South Dakota Deer Hunting Seasons Finalized

The Game, Fish and Parks Commission has finalized all 2013 South Dakota deer

hunting seasons.

The online application process for the hunting seasons will open in mid-June. A new paper application including all deer seasons will be available later this month. Deadline dates for submission of applications will vary and are specified within the application.

East River Deer season dates are Nov. 23-Dec. 8 for all tags, and Dec. 29-Jan. 5 for antlerless tags only. The deadline for license lottery applications is Aug. 30.

The West River Deer season will run from Nov. 16-Dec. 1 for all tags; except Gregory and Mellette counties will run from Nov. 2-5 and Nov. 18-24, and Dewey, Ziebach and Corson counties will run from Nov. 2-24. The season will be open in all areas Dec. 29-Jan. 5 for antlerless tags only. Deadline for license lottery applications is July 19.

Additional seasons, season dates and application deadlines are as follows:

• Black Hills Deer, Nov. 1-30 for all tags, application deadline July 19
• Custer State Park Deer, Nov. 2-15, application deadline July 19

The Archery Deer season will run from Sept. 28-Dec. 31 for all tags. In addition, antlerless tags will be valid from Jan. 1-15.

The Muzzleloader Deer season will run from Dec. 1-31 for all tags. In addition, antlerless tags will be valid from Jan. 1-15. Deadline for license lottery application for the limited Any Deer tags available is Aug. 30.

The National Wildlife Refuge Deer seasons have various starting dates within each refuge. Deadline for license lottery applications is Aug. 30.

The Youth Deer season will run from Sept. 14-Jan. 15.

Application information for these deer hunting seasons will be available online through the GFP website at www.gfp.sd.gov beginning in mid-June.

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Adjustments Proposed to Ohio Deer Hunting Opportunities for 2013-2014 Season

 The Ohio Wildlife Council will consider white-tailed deer hunting proposals on Wednesday, May 15, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The following are adjustments to the proposals that were voted on and approved during the April 17 Ohio Wildlife Council meeting. These proposals address public input requesting an increase in recreational opportunities.

The Ohio Wildlife Council will consider rescheduling two days of deer-gun hunting on Jan. 3-4, 2014. Deer can be pursued with all legal hunting equipment, including shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader and bow from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The statewide muzzleloader season is Jan. 5-7, 2014.

“We are proposing to add a day to the existing muzzleloader season, for a total of five days of January gun hunting,” said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Scott Zody. “The first two days will be open to all legal firearms, while the last three days will be restricted to muzzleloaders.”

The Ohio Wildlife Council will also consider a proposal to adjust the bag limits in Hocking, Perry and Ross counties to four deer. The bag limit in these counties was initially proposed as three deer.

The council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215. This meeting is open to the public and comments on the proposed rules will be accepted.

Individuals who want to provide comments to the council must preregister at least two days prior by calling 614-265-6304. The deadline to preregister will be 5 p.m. on Monday, May 13. All comments are required to be three minutes or less. Emailed or written comments will not be presented at this meeting, but will continue to be an important mechanism for input in regularly scheduled wildlife open houses.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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Ohio Game Check Procedure Updated for 2013 Deer and Turkey Hunting

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) encourages hunters to educate themselves about Ohio’s new game tagging and checking procedure for the 2013-2014 hunting seasons. These changes provide a more consistent tagging process between exempt landowners and those using a

permit. The new game check process applies to spring turkey, fall turkey and white-tailed deer hunting seasons.

A new feature this year is that hunters will need to make their own game tag to attach to the turkey or deer. Game tags can be made of any material (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.) as long as it contains the hunter’s name, date, time and county of kill. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has a blank game tag available at wildohio.com, which is suitable for the tagging and checking process.

Follow these steps when tagging wildlife during the upcoming spring hunting seasons:

1. Protect permits and game tags from the elements by placing them in a plastic bag or protective pouch before hunting.
2. Landowners and permit holders must complete a game tag immediately upon harvest and prior to moving the animal. The game tag must include the hunter’s full name, date, time and county of kill. Hunters need to make their own tag from any material they choose, and write legibly with an ink pen or permanent marker.
3. Attach the game tag to the animal immediately upon harvest and prior to moving it.
4. Permit holders must complete the spring turkey permit with the date, time and county of kill. Those exempt from purchasing a permit can ignore this step.
5. Complete the automated game check process and receive an 18-digit confirmation number. Permit holders must record this number on the permit.
6. The 18-digit confirmation number must also be attached to the animal. Hunters may also choose to write the number on the game tag.

All hunters must report their turkey harvest using the automated game check system. Hunters have three options to complete the game check:
• Online at wildohio.com or ohiogamecheck.com;
• By telephone at 877-TAG-ITOH (877-824-4864). This option is only available to those who are required to have a permit to hunt turkeys; and
• At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com.

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

Landowners exempt from purchasing a turkey permit, and any other person not required to purchase a turkey permit, cannot use the phone-in option.

More information, including a pamphlet explaining the process, is available at wildohio.com. Hunters with questions can also call 800-WILDLIFE (800-945-3543).

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Wildlife Officer in Ross County Named Ohio Bowhunters Association Officer of the Year

 Bob Nelson, State Wildlife Officer assigned to Ross County, has been named Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Ohio Bowhunters Association, according to the Ohio Department of Natural

Courtesy ODNR

Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The Ohio Bowhunters Association honored Officer Nelson for his tireless work implementing the City of Chillicothe’s archery deer hunt, and for his overall dedication to the sportsmen of Ross County.  This is the second time that Nelson has been recognized by the group, as he was also named Wildlife Officer of the Year in 2009.

“Bob does an outstanding job in Ross County,” said Bud James, representative of the Ross County Bowhunters Club who nominated Officer Nelson.  “He attends meetings throughout the county and provides information to everyone.  He always returns phone calls, and we just think he goes above and beyond what is expected of him as an officer.”

Nelson has been a State Wildlife Officer for eight years, and prior to that, he worked at the Division of Wildlife’s Woodbury Wildlife Area at the shooting range.  He is a native of New Lexington and a graduate of Hocking College with an associate’s degree in fish and wildlife management.

“Officer Nelson is a dedicated officer, a team player, and an asset to Ross County and the Division of Wildlife,” said Lee Van Allen, Field Supervisor in the Division of Wildlife’s southeast Ohio district.  “He goes the extra mile to investigate a poaching case, and follows through to the end.  He is always willing and available to help a fellow officer, wildlife or fish management, or another law enforcement officer in Ross County.”

The purpose of the Ohio Bowhunters Association is to foster, expand, and improve bowhunting in the state of Ohio by creating a spirit of fellowship within the bowhunting community, educating youths in proper archery methods, and working with resource agencies and conservation organizations to conserve wildlife and its habitat.

Officer Nelson resides in Ross County with his wife Beverly and daughter Briana.  He is an avid turkey hunter and angler, with a special passion for bowhunting.

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Hunters Harvest Nearly 219,000 White-Tailed Deer in Ohio in 2012-2013

Deer-archery season ended Feb. 3, bringing the white-tailed deer season to a close. Hunters harvested 218,910 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s 2012-2013 hunting seasons for all implements, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hunters checked 219,748 deer in 2011-2012, a difference of less than 1,000 deer this season.

“Ohio has become one of the nation’s top destinations for hunting white-tailed deer,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “We would like to thank the nearly 500,000 outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen that participated during this hunting season. It is their efforts in the field that help us provide some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the country.”

The Ohio counties that reported the most checked deer for all implements during the 2012-2013 season: Coshocton (7,413), Licking (6,928), Tuscarawas (6,813), Muskingum (6,457), Guernsey (6,151), Harrison (5,365), Knox (5,288), Ashtabula (4,974), Carroll (4,825) and Belmont (4,731). The top seven counties remained unchanged from last season.

Hunters continue to support alternate methods to report deer kills. Since the deer season began on Sept. 29, 2012, 44 percent of hunters phoned in their report, 40 percent reported online and 16 percent traveled to a license agent’s location.

Ohio's first modern day deer-gun season opened in 1943 in three counties, and hunters checked 168 deer. Deer hunting was allowed in all 88 counties in 1956, and hunters harvested 3,911 deer during the one-week season.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio and is frequently pursued by generations of hunters. 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 and more. For more information on deer and deer hunting, visit wildohio.com.

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

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Editor’s Note: A list of all white-tailed deer checked by hunters during the 2012-2013 hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2013, and the 2012 numbers are in parentheses.

Adams: 4,111 (4,208); Allen: 1,110 (1,037); Ashland: 3,149 (2,894); Ashtabula: 4,974 (4,645); Athens: 4,387 (4,385); Auglaize: 986 (731); Belmont: 4,731 (4,785); Brown: 2,933 (3,086); Butler: 1,498 (1,583); Carroll: 4,825 (4,751); Champaign: 1,453 (1,614); Clark: 862 (930); Clermont: 3,141 (3,304); Clinton: 1,007 (1,015); Columbiana: 3,893 (3,843); Coshocton: 7,413 (7,972); Crawford: 1,236 (1,110); Cuyahoga: 713 (692); Darke: 1,004 (819); Defiance: 1,911 (1,757); Delaware: 1,901 (1,943); Erie: 719 (689); Fairfield: 2,608 (2,741); Fayette: 302 (282); Franklin: 879 (846); Fulton: 980 (846); Gallia: 3,370 (3,435); Geauga: 2,131 (2,422); Greene: 1,105 (1,073); Guernsey: 6,151 (6,432); Hamilton: 2,175 (2,256); Hancock: 1,338 (1,189); Hardin: 1,306 (1,145); Harrison: 5,365 (5,717); Henry: 750 (723); Highland: 3,250 (3,304); Hocking: 4,206 (4,348); Holmes: 4,565 (4,747); Huron: 2,298 (2,200); Jackson: 3,440 (3,233); Jefferson: 4,161 (4,119); Knox: 5,288 (5,374); Lake: 1,004 (836); Lawrence: 2,672 (2,959); Licking: 6,928 (7,276); Logan: 2,094 (2,284); Lorain: 2,460 (2,424); Lucas: 677 (707); Madison: 452 (550); Mahoning: 2,034 (1,890); Marion: 901 (830); Medina: 1,978 (2,031); Meigs: 3,832 (4,000); Mercer: 804 (625); Miami: 961 (827); Monroe: 3,478 (3,727); Montgomery: 804 (676); Morgan: 3,597 (3,513); Morrow: 1,936 (1,898); Muskingum: 6,457 (6,631); Noble: 3,513 (3,936); Ottawa: 379 (416); Paulding: 1,194 (1,127); Perry: 3,477 (3,553); Pickaway: 1,044 (1,049); Pike: 2,262 (2,367); Portage: 2,280 (2,702); Preble: 1,205 (999); Putnam: 786 (733); Richland: 3,878 (4,038); Ross: 3,559 (3,742); Sandusky: 794 (766); Scioto: 2,821 (2,887); Seneca: 1,923 (1,609); Shelby: 1,294 (1,009); Stark: 2,597 (2,181); Summit: 1,417 (1,494); Trumbull: 3,553 (3,310); Tuscarawas: 6,813 (6,953); Union: 961 (996); Van Wert: 638 (646); Vinton: 3,395 (3,177); Warren: 1,605 (1,634); Washington: 4,091 (4,223); Wayne: 2,108 (1,948); Williams: 2,096 (2,099); Wood: 863 (705) and Wyandot: 1,670 (1540). Total: 218,910 (219,748).

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Hunters Harvest Nearly 219,000 White-Tailed Deer in Ohio in 2012-2013

COLUMBUS, OH – Deer-archery season ended Feb. 3, bringing the white-tailed deer season to a close. Hunters harvested 218,910 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s 2012-2013 hunting seasons for all implements, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hunters checked 219,748 deer in 2011-2012, a difference of less than 1,000 deer this season.

“Ohio has become one of the nation’s top destinations for hunting white-tailed deer,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “We would like to thank the nearly 500,000 outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen that participated during this hunting season. It is their efforts in the field that help us provide some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the country.”

The Ohio counties that reported the most checked deer for all implements during the 2012-2013 season: Coshocton (7,413), Licking (6,928), Tuscarawas (6,813), Muskingum (6,457), Guernsey (6,151), Harrison (5,365), Knox (5,288), Ashtabula (4,974), Carroll (4,825) and Belmont (4,731). The top seven counties remained unchanged from last season.

Hunters continue to support alternate methods to report deer kills. Since the deer season began on Sept. 29, 2012, 44 percent of hunters phoned in their report, 40 percent reported online and 16 percent traveled to a license agent’s location.

Ohio's first modern day deer-gun season opened in 1943 in three counties, and hunters checked 168 deer. Deer hunting was allowed in all 88 counties in 1956, and hunters harvested 3,911 deer during the one-week season.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio and is frequently pursued by generations of hunters. 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 and more. For more information on deer and deer hunting, visit wildohio.com.

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

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Public Invited to Comment on 2013-2014 Hunting Season Proposals

Input also accepted online at wildohio.com 

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will seek public comments regarding the 2013-2014 hunting seasons. During these sessions, which will be held Saturday, March 2, from 12-3 p.m., input concerning proposed hunting season dates, bag limits and rule changes will be accepted. Comments dealing with white-tailed deer and wild turkey seasons will also be welcomed.

These events are open to the public. Anyone interested in providing input and participating in Ohio’s professional wildlife management process is welcome. ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists and law enforcement officers will be available to answer questions and receive comments.

People who are not able to attend an open house at one of the seven locations can provide input online. Comments are accepted through March 2 at wildohio.com. Click on Open House Comments to submit a response.

Public input gathered at these open houses and through the online form will be considered during the formulation of regulations. For more information or directions to the open houses, visit wildohio.com or call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Open house location information for March 2:
• Central Ohio: Wildlife District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus 43215; 614-644-3925;
• Northwest Ohio: Wildlife District Two office, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay 45840; 419-424-5000;
• Northeast Ohio: Wildlife District Three office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron 44319; 330-644-2293;
• Southeast Ohio: Wildlife District Four office, 360 E. State Street, Athens 45701; 740-589-9930;
• Southwest Ohio: Greene County Fish and Game, 1538 Union Road, Xenia 45385; 937-372-9261;
• Lake Erie (east): Fairport Fisheries office, 1190 High Street, Fairport Harbor 44077; 440-352-4199; and
• Lake Erie (west): Old Woman Creek office, 2514 Cleveland Road E., Huron 44839; 419-433-7599.

A statewide hearing on proposed rules will be held on Thursday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s District One office. This hearing is open to the public, and comments on the proposed rules will be accepted.

After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules during its April 17 meeting. Council meetings are open to the public, but there is no opportunity on the agenda for public comment. Questions will be allowed and responded to once the meeting adjourns.

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

Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon - Apply Now!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

COLUMBUS, OH - 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. These special hunts are held on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities for Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts.
All applicants, youth and adult, must possess a current hunting license and meet the age requirements in order to apply for a controlled hunt.

Hunters can apply for the controlled hunts by completing the application process online using the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-5433) and requesting a mail-in application. There is a non-refundable application fee of $3 per hunt.
Hunters will be randomly drawn from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified and provided additional hunt information by U.S. mail and email. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com to view the status of their application and if selected, print their controlled hunt permit.
More specific information about hunt dates and locations, including opportunities dedicated to youth, women and mobility-impaired hunters, can be found at www.wildohio.com.

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Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon

COLUMBUS, OH - 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. These special hunts are held on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities for Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts.
All applicants, youth and adult, must possess a current hunting license and meet the age requirements in order to apply for a controlled hunt.
Hunters can apply for the controlled hunts by completing the application process online using the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-5433) and requesting a mail-in application. There is a non-refundable application fee of $3 per hunt.
Hunters will be randomly drawn from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified and provided additional hunt information by U.S. mail and email. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com to view the status of their application and if selected, print their controlled hunt permit.
More specific information about hunt dates and locations, including opportunities dedicated to youth, women and mobility-impaired hunters, can be found at www.wildohio.com.

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