Ohio Sportsman Survey

The purpose of this survey is to determine public opinion about including pistol caliber rifles on the list of acceptable firearms for deer hunting in Ohio.

Current regulations allow the use of various handgun calibers that can also be found in rifles. While these calibers ARE legal to hunt with during deer gun season in a pistol, they are NOT legal to use in a gun with a butt stock and 11” longer barrel.

Performance issues, cosmetics, safety, along with many other concerns, have been addressed during multiple meetings with the Division of Wildlife. The main hurdles now seem to be a genuine desire from the hunting public for this change, its impact on the deer herd, along with effects on hunter recruitment and retention.

Sportsmen across Ohio enjoy a great deer hunting experience every season, right here in the Buckeye state. However, if an Ohio hunter wants to add “rifle” to his list of deer harvests, it has to be done elsewhere. This sends our sportsman’s dollars to our neighboring states (who all have some provision for rifle hunting) and denies us the use of a perfectly fine choice for harvesting deer.

Please complete the survey above. We would love to hear your thoughts. Also consider attending your local wildlife district’s open house meeting in March. You can speak directly to your wildlife officers, managers, and other ODNR representatives at these meetings. See what is being proposed for upcoming regulatory changes, seasons, bag limits, etc.

You can express your concerns, make suggestions, or show some appreciation for things you feel are on the right track. We have a unique opportunity here in Ohio that many other states do not enjoy. Take advantage of it, and let your voice be heard at your District Office open house.