ODNR Extends Hotline Hours During Deer-Gun Hunting Season

Ohioans encouraged to report wildlife violations, illegal activity

Individuals seeking information about the upcoming youth gun and white-tailed deer hunting seasons, or to report violations of state wildlife laws, can take advantage of extended call center hours from November 20 to December 5, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) general hunting information hotline will be available to answer calls prior to and during the regular deer-gun season, which begins Monday, November 29, and ends Sunday, December 5. Special call center hours prior to and during the state's popular deer-gun season are as follows:

• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.on Friday, November 26
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.on Saturday and Sunday, November 27-28
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, November 29-December 3
• 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturday and Sunday, December 4-5
• The hotline will be closed on Thanksgiving Day

The extremely popular deer gun season is a period when many of Ohio's hunters have last-minute questions and the Division of Wildlife will be ready and available to assist them. Hunters are encouraged to contact the division with any question that may arise.

Ohioans also are encouraged to help enforce state wildlife laws by reporting violations to the division's Turn-in-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 1-800-POACHER (762-2437). The TIP hotline will also be open extended hours during the upcoming hunting seasons. Established in 1982, the TIP program allows individuals to anonymously call toll free from anywhere in the state to report wildlife violations. The 1-800-POACHER hotline is open for calls 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash award and are urged to leave a message during closed hours with as much information about the suspected violation as can be provided. Tips can also be submitted 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.