Apprenticeship hunting licenses help continue Ohio's sporting traditions

By Jon Husted

Like many hunters this season, I continued a tradition I started as a youth - deer hunting. Breathing the crisp, cool air and being in nature provides a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the Statehouse. While my work as an elected official is important, it is always nice to take a few hours to enjoy the challenge and practice the discipline of deer hunting.

Recently, I have spoken with several people who were able to start new outdoor traditions with their sons and daughters thanks to Ohio's Apprenticeship Hunting program. The program was created by House Bill 296 during my time as Speaker of the House. I thought it important to give young Ohioans who are accompanied by a fully-licensed mentor, 21 years or older, the opportunity to hunt. With the passage of the measure, the door has been opened to new outdoor sportsmen and women, and allows a time-honored tradition to be more easily passed on to future generations.

Ohio's Apprenticeship Hunting program has become a national leader as states across the country are working to offset declining numbers of hunters. Wisconsin's governor signed into law a program similar to Ohio's. Wisconsin is the 29th state to eliminate barriers preventing new hunters from entering the field.

If Ohio's success is any indication, Wisconsin will see great results from their newly implemented program. Our state's youth hunting numbers have steadily increased since passage of the Apprenticeship Hunting program in 2006. In fact, the number of apprenticeship youth licenses issued has increased from 8,637 in the first year of the program, to 13,214 last year. Specifically, for the 16 to 17 year old age group the numbers have grown, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) issuing more than 16,000 licenses last year.

Further empowering a new generation of Ohio hunters, we have also created youth hunting seasons. Ohio's youth deer gun season, held in November, is open only to hunters age 17 and under. In addition to the November youth season, special days are also set aside for upland game, wild turkey and waterfowl hunting.

Hunting is not only an important part of our state's heritage; it is an important part of our economy as well. According to ODNR, Ohio ranks eighth nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of hunting-related industry jobs. In Ohio, hunting has an annual economic impact of $859 million through equipment, fuel, food and lodging. You can find more information about hunting in Ohio at ODNR's website: www.dnr.state.oh.us.

Throughout my time in the legislature I have worked to support efforts that promote the great traditions embraced by sportsmen and women across this state. Through efforts such as Ohio's Apprenticeship Hunting Program and the youth hunting season, we can continue to preserve Ohio's strong hunting tradition.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, thoughts or concerns. You can write me, Jon Husted, 148 Sherbrooke Dr., Kettering, OH 45429 or contact me by email at [email protected].

Jon Husted is currently a Senator, representing Ohio's 6th Senate District in suburban Montgomery County. Sen. Husted is also a candidate for Secretary of State. More information regarding Husted can be found at www.hustedforohio.com.