ODNR Offers Many Youth Hunting Opportunities This Fall

COLUMBUS, OH – Crisp fall air and brilliant fall foliage signal the start of Ohio's world-class hunting seasons and family traditions that can be carried on for generations. Ohio's young hunters have many opportunities to learn and improve their outdoors skills during several special youth hunting seasons, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

"Ohio offers great hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women of all ages," said ODNR Director James Zehringer. "Our youth hunts provide parents a chance to share with their children the excitement of their first hunt."

Waterfowl: Hunters age 15 and younger may hunt waterfowl statewide on Oct. 5-6, and they must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 years or older (no more than two youths per adult). More details regarding waterfowl zones, bag limits and licensing requirements can be found in the 2013-2014 Ohio Waterfowl Hunting Seasons publication and on the 2013-2014 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons page at wildohio.com.

Small game: Hunters age 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27. Quail also may be hunted in 16 designated open counties.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife will release pheasants prior to these weekend dates on the following state wildlife areas: Berlin, Caesar Creek, Camp Belden, Darke, Delaware, Dillon, Fallsville, Grand River, Killdeer Plains, Oxbow, Resthaven, Rush Run, Spencer, Tiffin River and Wellington, and Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County and Ringneck Ridge Area in Sandusky County. A permit is required to hunt the Ringneck Ridge Area. The free permit can be obtained from the Sandusky County Park District by calling 419-334-4495.

White-tailed deer: A youth deer-gun season will be open statewide Nov. 23-24 for hunters age 17 and younger. Hunters holding a valid youth hunting license and youth deer permit may harvest deer of either sex during this season in accordance with existing bag limits. Young hunters, regardless of age, must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 18 years or older, when hunting during this season.

Wild turkey: It is not too early to begin planning for the 2014 spring youth wild turkey hunting season. A statewide spring youth wild turkey season will be offered April 19-20, 2014. This hunt is open to youth age 17 and younger.

To participate in a youth hunt, all young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult and must abide by all regular hunting hours and bag limits. Accompany means to go along with another person while staying within a distance from the person which enables uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory communications.

A valid 2013-14 youth hunting license, along with appropriate permits, is required. For complete details on all of Ohio's youth hunting seasons, refer to the 2013-2014 Ohio Hunting Regulations, call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or go to wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.