ODNR Extends Hotline Hours During Deer-Gun Hunting Season

COLUMBUS, OH - 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 19 to December 4, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) general hunting information hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, for the ninth annual youth deer-gun season.

Staff will also be available to answer calls prior to and during the regular deer-gun season, which begins Monday, November 28, and ends Sunday, December 4. 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 25
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 26-27
8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, November28-December 2
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18

The hotline will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

The extremely popular deer gun season is a period when many of Ohio'shunters 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). 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 ayear, 24 hours a day.

Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash award and areurged to leave a message during closed hours with as much information about thesuspected violation as can be provided. Tips can also be submitted online at wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site atwww.ohiodnr.com.