Hello Ohio Division of Wildlife?
Editor's Note: The Ohio news media are reporting that Governor-elect Ted Strickland has appointed Sean Logan, an ex-Ohio legislator and current county board of commissioners president, to run the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. From 1990 to 2000, Logan was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. Buckeye Firearms Association looks forward to working with Mr. Logan to advance the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen in Ohio.
By John Salyers
Once again Ohio is far behind when compared to other states in the concealed carry arena. Recently, Pennsylvania's Governor (a Democrat no less) signed into law a bill allowing hunters with a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a concealed handgun while hunting.
When news such as this hits the wires, one has to wonder exactly why officials in Ohio think we are any different than our neighbors. The progress of surrounding states continues to fall upon deaf ears in some Columbus offices. While we are making great strides and 2007 could be a turn around year for gun owners in Ohio, we still have a long way to go.
As we close out the year we have a lot to be proud of. 2006 has been a year for the record books for Ohio gun owners. Grassroots efforts have proven once again to be the most effective means for accomplishing our goals. Our voices have been heard and an overwhelming bi-partisan majority of our legislature is finally listening.
Concealed carry while hunting is illegal in Ohio with perhaps a few unproven exceptions. This is the case despite the requests of the Division of Wildlife for hunters to shoot the wild boar roaming our woods or the increasing number of bear sightings in Ohio. Not to mention the increasing number of reports of drug dealers and meth addicts setting up shop on our public hunting areas.
Earlier in this year's archery season the Ohio State Highway Patrol issued warnings for hunters to be on the look out for a Ross County individual who had escaped from the Ross County jail. This individual was originally in custody for the shooting of a police officer. While the individual was captured in Chillicothe without incident, an encounter between an archery hunter and an escaped person charged with a felony would most certainly not be pleasant for the hunter armed with a bow and arrow.
In other areas, the Ohio Division of Wildlife clearly is a leader when compared to other states. Ohio was well ahead early on in the doe permit/harvest of deer for management purposes, well ahead of Pennsylvania in that aspect of deer herd management. Pennsylvania was number one and Ohio number 2 in the Apprentice Hunting License --- Families Afield program - which this PAC supported.
It is time for Ohio DOW to move forward with ccw for hunters and stop denying the background checked CHL holder their right to self-defense. Why does the DOW think the right of self-defense stops just because the hunter steps out of the city and into the woods?
Still, we can't entirely blame the Division. Open houses are held every year in March and unfortunately hunters are not turning out to voice their opinions and ask for changes to be made. It appears that apathy has taken over on this issue. Other gun owners are proving that grassroots works when it comes to our right to self defense. When will Ohio hunters follow suit?
Stay tuned to this website for information on the upcoming 2007 Division of Wildlife Open Houses.
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