Ohio Governor To Hold Second Annual Youth Turkey Hunt

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Saturday, May 2 marks the second annual Youth Turkey Hunt hosted by Gov. Ted Strickland, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

"Ohio has a rich outdoor heritage and seeks to motivate seasoned sportsmen to pass on the traditions to the next generation," said Sean Logan, director of the ODNR. "Governor Strickland's youth turkey hunt will pair young people from across the state with hunting mentors in a manner inspired by Ohio's apprentice hunter program."

Gov. Strickland has invited sports celebrities to partner with nationally known hunting guides in taking 10 Ohio youth spring turkey hunting. The event dovetails with a statewide effort to promote youth and outdoor recreation, as well as highlight Ohio's premiere wild turkey hunting opportunities.

The 10 youth selected to participate were the top finishers in a statewide essay contest answering the question, "What makes a good hunter?" The following communities will have a youth representative: Alliance, Ashville, Carrolton, Cincinnati, Fort Loramie, Georgetown, Marysville, Monclova, Newark, and Wapakoneta.

The Eastern wild turkey is Ohio's largest game bird. Spring wild turkey hunting is open in all 88 Ohio counties for a four-week season. Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon daily. Ohio's wild turkey population was estimated at 200,000 prior to the start of the spring season.

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.