2011-12 Hunting Regulations Proposed to Ohio Wildlife Council

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.