CCW for Hunters Proposal Submitted to Ohio Wildlife Council

Buckeye Firearms was the only statewide firearms group to have a leader in attendance at the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting on Tuesday, March 8. The Division of Wildlife reported on the comments from the March 4 open houses, formally submitted the proposals for consideration and answered questions from Wildlife Council Members.

In summarizing the comments from the open houses, Dave Risley noted that concealed carry comments were second only to the deer regulation comments at the open houses. Risley noted that Ohioans for Concealed Carry submitted a petition through ODNR Director Logan's office but did not mention the number of signatures.

Risley turned the floor to Law Enforcement Supervisor Jim Lehman to present the proposal. Lehman said that the Division is working to bring hunting regulations into line with Ohio's concealed carry law.

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The proposal will allow the carrying of concealed handgun for personal protection, which is the intent of Ohio's law. Lehman explained that any handgun used for hunting still must be visible.

Council member Lee Howley asked how Ohio compared to other states and have there been any issues. Lehman responded that other states that allow concealed carry for hunters generally do not allow the hunting handgun to be concealed. Lehman said he is not aware of any problems or issues regarding hunters and concealed carry. It was emphasized that the carrying of a concealed handgun is only permitted for individuals who have gone through the process, including the background check, to obtain a concealed handgun license. There was no additional comments or discussion.

Division of Wildlife Chief Gray noted in his closing comments that he appreciated the patience of Buckeye Firearms Association leaders while the Division worked through the law. He also thanked Buckeye Firearms Association volunteer Larry Moore for his support during the review process. Chief Gray included printouts from BuckeyeFirearms.org of our update following the open houses on March 4. The Chief also noted that the NRA Alert, provide by council member Dr. Mixon at the previous council meeting could also be responsible for some of the comments.

The proposals were again presented at the statewide public hearings on March 8. The next step will be the Wildlife Council meeting of April 4 where the proposal will be presented for council vote. If the council approves the proposals, the change will take effect on Sept 1, 2007.