COLUMBUS, OH – Ohioans are invited to offer public comment regarding the proposed and future hunting, trapping and fishing regulations at open houses scheduled across the state. The open houses will be held on Saturday, March 7, between noon and 3 p. m., and online comments will be accepted through Sunday, March 8, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Open houses provide opportunities for anyone interested in sharing input and participating in Ohio's professional wildlife management process. ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists and law enforcement officers will be available to answer questions and receive comments. Those unable to attend an open house can provide comments online at wildohio.gov. All interested Ohioans are encouraged to participate.
Open house location information for March 7:
- Central Ohio: Wildlife District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus 43215; 614-644-3925;
- Northwest Ohio: Wildlife District Two office, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay 45840; 419-424-5000;
- Northeast Ohio: Wildlife District Three office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron 44319; 330-644-2293;
- Southeast Ohio: Wildlife District Four office, 360 E. State Street, Athens 45701; 740-589-9930;
- Southwest Ohio: Greene County Fish and Game, 1538 Union Road, Xenia 45385; 937-372-9261.
Directions to open houses can be found at wildohio.gov or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). Public input gathered at these open houses and online is critical and will be considered during the formation of future hunting and fishing regulations.
This year's open house attendees and online visitors will have an opportunity to learn about and comment on Ohio's 2015-2016 deer hunting proposals. Proposals include a reduction in bag limits and antlerless permit use, as well as a shift in the youth season. A statewide hearing on all of the proposed rules will be held at the ODNR Division of Wildlife's District One office on Thursday, March 19, at 9 a. m.
The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that approves all of the ODNR Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. The council will vote on the proposed rules and season dates during its meeting on Wednesday, April 8, after considering public input. Small game and wild turkey hunting season dates were proposed at the January council meeting and will also be voted on by the council on April 8.
Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals who want to provide comments on a topic that is currently being considered by council are asked to preregister at least two days prior to the meeting by calling 614-265-6304. All comments are required to be three minutes or less.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
For more information, contact:
Brian Plasters, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614-265-6357
Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860
