With temperatures in the 90s several days and heat indexes reaching to 100 and above, it may not seem quite the time to be thinking of hunting season. However, hunters have been able to apply for Ohio’s controlled public land hunting opportunities since the beginning of the month. The application period runs through July 31.
These hunts, which provide special chances for hunters to pursue deer, waterfowl, doves, squirrels, etc., are held on select areas in Ohio. The Ohio Division of Wildlife (DOW) and the Division of Parks and Watercraft (DPW) make these hunts available. The DOW offers hunts for adults, youth, mobility impaired, and mentors with apprentices. Firearm and archery options are available.
Hunters have two options to apply for these hunts — using Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System or via phone by calling 800-703-1928. Those using the phone option will be charged a $5.50 service fee. Each hunt requires payment of a non-refundable $3 application fee. Customers may apply for more than one hunt but can only apply to each hunt once per year.
Applicants, both youth and adult, are required to possess a valid Ohio hunting license and meet age requirements. Youth hunters must be under 18 at the time of the hunt to participate. Adults must be 18 or older at the time of the application. Those applying for deer hunts will also need a valid deer permit to apply. Find more information at wildohio.gov on the controlled hunt page.
Participants may use a deer management permit during controlled deer hunts. Deer management permits cost $15 and can be used to harvest antlerless deer only. Deer management permits are valid on private land and select public hunting areas until Nov. 27. They are also valid during authorized controlled hunts between Sept. 10, 2022, and Feb. 5, 2023.
Hunters, who are randomly drawn from the applications, will be notified and provided additional hunt information by Aug. 8, including a permit, rules, and hunting area map.
The DOW says each controlled hunt opportunity is unique, and applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review all site-specific information, including rules and requirements, prior to applying. Application statuses can be viewed through Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System.
Applicants can find detailed information about each hunting area, its habitats, and its species through the Find a Destination webpage at ohiodnr.gov.
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A new Ohio record fish was recently certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio (OWO) State Record Fish Committee.
A Greater Redhorse that weighed 12.16 pounds and was caught by Jonathan Hay of Bellevue broke a 45-year old record for a sucker (other than Buffalo). Hay’s catch measured 30.75 inches long and was 18.25 inches in girth. Ohio’s record fish are determined on the basis of weight only. The fish was identified by the Ohio Division of Wildlife (DOW).
Hay’s fish was caught using spinning tackle in the Huron River at the Milan Wildlife Area on April 29. It replaces the previous state record Sucker (other than buffalo) which was caught at Leesville Lake by Wayne Gleason on April 3, 1977, and weighed 9.25 pounds and measured 27-1/2 inches long.
Ohio’s state record fish are certified by the OWO’s State Record Fish Committee with assistance from fishery biologists with the DOW. Fishery biologists Eric Wiemer, Zak Slagle and Brian Schmidt from the DOW’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Station confirmed the identification of Hay’s catch as a Greater Redhorse.
For more information on Ohio’s state record fish program contact Fred Snyder, Chairman, OWO State Record Fish Committee, 754 County Road 126, Fremont, 43420, phone 419-332-0777, email [email protected], www.outdoorwritersofohio.org
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Registration is underway for the eighth annual Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventures (OWOA) weekend, which will be held at Hueston Woods State Park and Lodge, Sept. 16-18. There are 95 spots open for this year’s event.
The weekend of activities that introduces women to a variety of outdoor skills is hosted by divisions of Parks and Watercraft, Forestry and Wildlife.
The program introduces women to outdoor skills in three “theme” categories — water, land, and nature. Among activities are kayaking, disc golf, sailing, standup paddle boarding, fishing, dutch oven cooking, hiking, gun basics, and more.
The program is open to women 16 years and older (minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Due to the program’s popularity and focus on beginner-level programs, priority is given to first-time participants.
Guests will have access to the indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant and lounge, and professional golf course.
The cost is $350 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes lodging, five meals, a T-shirt, transportation between venues, and evening activities. Interested persons may register by going to ohiodnr.gov and searching for OWOA.
OWOA offers four education sessions during the weekend (one session Friday, two Saturday, and one Sunday). Due to class size limitations, popular sessions will be offered more than once, and some may require an additional fee (based on cost of materials). All sessions are subject to change or cancellation.
Registrants are asked to choose three options under each of three “theme” categories — water, land and nature. Sessions will be filled on a “first come, first served” basis.
Registrants will receive weekend itineraries about two weeks before the event. Any questions or concerns, email [email protected] or call 614-265-6520.
