Ohio's Young Hunters Enjoy Special Two-Day Deer Hunt

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Young hunters across Ohio again enjoyed success during the sixth annual Youth Deer-Gun Season, held Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23.

Hunters age 17 and under killed 9,852 deer during the special two-day season, aimed at providing a high-quality hunting experience for younger Ohioans. Last year's youth hunt saw a deer harvest of 10,515.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife estimated 40,000 young hunters took to the state's fields and forests during the two-day season. Counties reporting the greatest number of deer killed were Tuscarawas-454, Holmes-422, Harrison-353, Licking-346, Guernsey-339, Knox-303, Washington-296, Muskingum-273, Jefferson-213, and Athens-209.

The youth deer-gun season was open in all 88 counties. Young hunters could take one deer of either sex, in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits. All participants were required to wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and special deer permit, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

The youth deer-gun season is one of four special youth only hunting seasons designed to provide a safe and excellent early hunting experience for young hunters. Special days are also set aside for upland game, wild turkey, and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Youngsters and all other hunters will have a chance at taking a whitetail during next week's statewide deer-gun season, which runs Monday through Sunday, December 1-7.

Details on youth hunting opportunities and all Ohio deer hunting seasons can be found in the 2008-2009 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It can 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.