Ohio Wildlife Council Hears 2010-11 Hunting Regulations Proposals

Regulations on white-tailed deer to be heard at February 3 meeting

Ohio sportsmen may notice a few changes in next year's hunting and trapping regulations, based on proposals presented January 6 to the Ohio Wildlife Council by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

September 1 is again proposed as the kick-off date for the state's fall hunting seasons--with the opening of squirrel and dove hunting. Other proposed hunting and trapping rules and season dates will be similar to those now in effect, with only slight changes to fall and spring hunting dates.
Young hunters age 17 and under should again be able to hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 16 -17 and 23 - 24. Spring youth turkey season is proposed for April 16 – 17, 2011.

The remainder of the proposals concerning Ohio's white-tailed deer hunting will be heard during a separate Wildlife Council meeting on February 3.

A statewide hearing on all the proposed rules will be held at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 4 at the wildlife division's District One Office, located at 1500 Dublin Road in Columbus.

Open houses will be held on Saturday, March 6 in each of the state's five wildlife districts to provide the public an opportunity to view and discuss proposed hunting and trapping regulations with state wildlife officials. Directions to the open houses can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or visiting wildohio.com on the Internet.

After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules and season dates during its April 7 meeting.

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.