By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

FRANKLIN, Ohio — Those at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife say that hunting is vital for those in agriculture because harvesting of game helps keep animal populations in check.

As a way of enlisting more young hunters, the ODNR has added several opportunities for them to learn and practice their hunting skills this fall.

“What I’m seeing is older parents getting more involved with hunting because of their kids,” said renowned hunter and outdoor columnist Sonny Lewis. “I think these parents get excited watching these kids hunt because they hunted when they were little.”

According to Lewis, the number of registered hunters in Ohio has decreased steadily the past several years. “Ohio is still losing tags each season, but the youth hunting will revitalize things a bit,” he said. “It’s like farming or anything else – if we don’t get young people involved it may die out.”

Specific dates have been announced for youth hunting waterfowl, small game, whitetail deer, pheasant and wild turkey.

Hunters 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 or older.

Quail may be taken only in those counties which are open to quail hunting. Pheasant releases will occur for these hunts on the following wildlife areas: Delaware, Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdear Plains, Camp Bolden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville, Darke and Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County.

A youth deer gun season for whitetail deer will be open statewide Nov. 21-22. Youths aged 17 and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult may take one deer of either sex during the season. The ODNR will conduct several controlled deer hunts for youth. The application period is June 1-July 31.

The ODNR will hold a spring youth wild turkey hunting season April 17-18, 2010, for ages 17 and under. This will be held immediately prior to the regular wild turkey season. Only shotguns using shot, crossbows and longbows are permitted.

Special youth wild turkey hunts will be held at Lake La Su Ann, Killbuck Marsh, Mosquito Creek, Hueston Woods and Paint Creek State Park. Lake La Su An Wildlife Area will also hold controlled hunts during the statewide youth-only season.

Applications to participate in any of these hunts are accepted through July 31, 2010. Applications may be obtained at any of the five district offices or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Published on Oct. 7, 2009