ODNR FEUDS OVER LICENSE FEES - P.9 Turkey Season Opens Story inside page 10
A Passion for the Outdoors
Outdoor Times May 2017
OV Outdoor Times
Every now and then I meet people whose passion for the outdoors goes above and beyond. Robert Hepfner, Jr., is one of those people. Robert, 59, grew up in a hunting family By Ralph Scherder but didn’t get the itch Hunting Editor to hunt early on. “I was always afraid of getting shot,” he says, “but when my brother Dan started going, I wanted to go, too. I was probably 18 years old by the time I finally started hunting. Even before then, though, my dad would take us into the woods when we were kids and tell us about the different types of trees, or teach us to identify animal scat or tracks in the mud. We got the full experience.” His first year of deer hunting was unsuccessful, but his second year his dad sat with him in the treestand and Robert killed a nice 8-point near Marienville, PA. In 1987, Robert killed his first buck with a compound bow, and at one point killed a buck every year for 20 consecutive years. That passion still burns bright to this day, despite physical setbacks. “In 2005, I was diagnosed with M.S.,”
Ohio Valley
FR EE!
Turn To Passion Page 4
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Robert Hepfner, Jr.
A physical challenge has restricted Robert Hepfner, Jr. to hunting from a wheelchair but he and his family members work hard each season to keep his passion for hunting alive. And he’s had an impressive string of harvesting deer with guns and his crossbow.
INSIDE THIS MONTH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Tubing for River Walleyes
Outdoor Speaker Series Offered
Ohio Youth Hunters Find Success
Photo Showcase
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Jeff Knapp
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ODNR
ODNR Wrangling with Fee Increases
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Larry Claypool
Larry Claypool
OV Times Staff
Calendar of Events
Ohio Hunters Harvest 3100+ on Opening Day ODNR
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Spring Frogs in Focus
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday, 1 p.m. at Tri-State Coonhunters Club, 2601 Irish Ridge Road, East Liverpool, OH. $2 per round, shoot 10 rounds. $5 round at end. Any gun with open sights or scopes. Up to 640 choke. Call William Dalrymple at 330-385-8822. Trader’s Day Swap Meet & Gun Show - May 20 at Trumbull County Rod & Gun Club. Buy, sell, trade. Tables (indoor or outdoor) are $15. Food & drinks available. For info. call Jason Chamberlain at 330-307-0552. Spring Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday (10 a.m.) at Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club. Signups start at 9:30 a.m. Located on Gas Valley Rd., behind Green Valley Dairy, between WV Route 8 and PA Route 18. For info. call 330-383-1886, or 304-374-5587. Ohio River Catfish Tournaments - May 20, June 10, 24, July 8, 22 & Aug. 12. 21st year - sponsored by Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club. 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Entry $10. Open to all. Signups at Chaney’s Sunoco, Chester, WV or call 304-387-3982. Measuring at Chester City park marina. Boundaries are Pittsburgh to Wheeling.
Ohio Valley
Follow the bouncing ball. I guess the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has landed on a decision it’s going to live with — for now. The topic of whether to raise hunting and fishing license fees in Ohio By Larry Claypool has ruffled some feathers Editor the past few months. I’m hearing politics came into play, and that’s unfortunate. Apparently someone took a hard line to say no tax increases would be made in Ohio, and that apparently included ODNR and its divisions. That would include the Division of Wildlife, which handles hunting, fishing and trapping license fees, among many other things. It’s no secret the DOW has less funds to work with as hunting and fishing license sales have steadily dropped the past 25 years. Less participation — less income for the state. See my related article (ODNR Caught Wrangling with Fee Increases) on this subject on Page 9. With this substantial loss of revenue something had to give. So some programs have been cut and staffing changes have been made. I feel the Sportmen’s Alliance’s proposal (which was backed up by several of the top hunting and conservation groups in Ohio) is spot on. They’re calling for a minimal $3 increase in resident hunting and fishing licenses and larger fees for non-resident tags. The state’s proposal is to make increases only in the non-resident licenses side. And since the state proclaimed their ‘non-resident’ attack on the problem, several former (and most recent) ODNR Wildlife Chiefs have joined the sportmen
May 2017
group’s efforts by reaching out to Ohio Governor John Kasich. We’ll see if that effort gets anywhere with the Governor.
Ticks be Gone I’ve heard several reports that say it will be a bad year for ticks in this region. So, we should be prepared. American dog ticks, blacklegged ticks, and lone star ticks can all pose a threat to outdoorsmen and women. Take the time to learn about Ohio’s tick species and how to protect yourself. There are a few different ways to remove an imbedded tick. First off, do not panic. Many people suggest to use tweezers, carefully pulling the tick by its head, making sure to get all of its parts removed. I’ve found a much easier method to remove ticks, that works every time, and it’s safe to use on pets too. I learned this method from one of our outdoor writers who made a visit to a hospital emergency room to have a healthy-sized tick removed. This method takes a small amount of liquid Dreft laundry detergent (I understand liquid dish soap works too). Pour a healthy amount of soap onto a Q-tip and gently rub in a counter-clockwise circle around the tick, focusing on its head. I do this for 1020 seconds, stop and wait 20-30 seconds, then apply a little more Dreft to the Q-tip and continue rubbing the tick until it releases its grip. It really works! If it’s a larger tick it may take a little longer to remove. The Dreft soap irritates the tick and it’s forced to retreat. I’ve used this method to remove ticks from myself and both my dogs. I usually pour a small amount of iodine solution around the wound of my dog and gently massage with another Q-tip. Keep checking the affected area for a few days to make sure it doesn’t get infected.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243
Outdoor Times May 2017
A Taxing Problem
OV Outdoor Times
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VOL. 9, NO. 5
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine©
Offices located at
210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Sales Consultant, Tracy Bissell tbissell@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Contributing Editors
Ralph Scherder, Hunting Editor Jeff Knapp, Fishing Editor Brian Miller, Field Editor
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times is all about its readers. We’d love to hear from you. Send us something at ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
May 2017
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Passion From Page 1
says Robert. “I’ve had multiple back surgeries and my mobility is very restricted, especially the use of my left arm, which is why I use a crossbow now. I just don’t have the strength that I used to have.” Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves of the central nervous system. Although the disease has rendered Robert wheelchair-bound, it has not taken away his love of hunting. The main difference now is the amount of time it takes him to get ready to go out into the woods, which he does with the aid of his son Jon. “Years ago, I got my got my son involved in hunting,” says Robert. “Deep down, I thought that maybe he could help me when I got older.” Little did he know exactly how much he would come to depend on his son. “We’ve kind of developed a system,” says Jon. “We start getting everything ready days in advance. The ground blind gets set up. I pack his backpack and get all his gear ready. The whole family helps out. My grandfather and uncles all help my dad get into the woods.” In fact, in one season alone, Robert Sr. helped his son climb into a treestand 22 times during one archery season. “Even-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
tually we stopped doing that,” Robert Sr. says, “because it got too scary. So we started setting up ground blinds.” Because it takes so long to get ready, Robert Jr. is restricted to mostly evening hunts during archery season. Two hours before they want to head out, Jon starts getting things in order. He then loads his dad, with hunting gear, and uses a Kawasaki Mule to transport him to the hunting spot. After his dad is situated in the blind, Jon then drives back to get his own gear and go to his own spot. At the end of the hunt, Jon walks back to get the Mule and pick up his dad. “It seems like I’m always waiting in the blind a long time after dark for someone to come get me,” Robert says, although he doesn’t seem to mind. “One year a bear came by right before dark and I yelled at it to try and scare it off but it just kept circling me. Finally, I screamed at it and it took off crashing down through the woods. It didn’t dawn on me until afterwards that the bear probably didn’t know what was happening. I was in the blind and it couldn’t see or smell me. Either way, when they came to get me with the Mule that night, I was sitting there in the dark with a knife!” Turn To Passion Page 5
May 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Robert Hepfner, Jr.
Robert Hepfner, Jr. with is best archery buck to date, a 7-pointer taken in 2010. Hepfner has harvested 40 bucks in his lifetime, including several from his wheelchair.
May 2017
Passion From Page 4
Last year, 2016, was an especially good year for Robert. He killed a 7-point in Clarion County, PA, on his father’s old homestead, as well as a solid Ohio buck. “The Pennsylvania buck was a challenge,” says Jon. “We tried everything we could to get him a buck but nothing was working, so we finally decided to switch things up and try a morning hunt. We got up early. I put him in the blind and I climbed the treestand next to him figuring I would do some calling and kind of be his guide. I sprayed Doc’s doe urine everywhere. I just finished a calling sequence and I happened to look up and see a 7-point coming straight at us. I actually watched my dad shoot the buck, which was really cool.” The Ohio buck was taken at the Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area as part of a special permit hunt. Tags are issued via lottery to women and mobility-impaired adults. “Odds are about 1 in 35 of drawing a permit,” says Robert, “and I was fortunate enough to draw one.” “I had to get him up and moving by 3:00 a.m. in order to get to the check-in by five,” says Jon. “We got to the hunting location and he was afraid I was going to get his wheelchair stuck in the cornfield.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
It was perfect, though. They had the corn cut about waist high so that he blended right in. We saw about 70 deer but we were waiting for a buck.” Shortly after noon, that buck showed up 317 yards away, and Robert dropped it with a single shot from a lever action .444 Marlin. The special bond this father and son share in the outdoors is quite evident. Robert is proud to tell you of the nice bucks his son has gotten over the years, and Jon is eager to tell you about his dad’s passion for hunting. Indeed, you have to truly love something to go through so much preparation in order to do it, but they seem to take it all in stride. “Nowadays, he’s the one who pushes me to go out,” Robert says of his son. “He runs trail cameras all year and comes back with pictures of all these big bucks. I’d like to hunt for them, but I’ll take what I can get. To me, that’s what it’s all about. I like the anticipation of what’s going to happen next. The smell of the air, the leaves. There’s something magical about it. Sometimes you don’t see anything, but it’s just good to be out in the woods.”
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Draft Plan to Stop Asian Carp Expected
ANN ARBOR, MI — On May 1 Congress approved a 2017 fiscal year budget, which — in addition to restoring funding for core Great Lakes programs — included language that it “expects” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release its draft study on options to add protections to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Illinois, a key chokepoint for preventing the spread of Asian carp toward Lake Michigan. The Trump administration unexpectedly delayed the release of the plan in February, prompting conservationists and a bipartisan Congressional delegation from Great Lakes states to call for its release. Included in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies section of the Appropriations Act of 2017, Congress included the following language: “In lieu of House direction on Asian Carp and Senate direction on Aquatic Nuisance Species, the Corps is expected to release the draft Great Lakes and Mississippi River lnterbasin Study (GLMRIS) Brandon Road Study consistent with the urgency of its previous actions. The Corps is directed to adhere to a public and
agency review process that is open and transparent. Further, the Corps is directed to provide quarterly updates to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the progress and status of efforts to prevent the further spread of the carp as we as the location and density of Asian Carp populations, including the use of emergency procedures.” Marc Smith, regional conservation director for the National Wildlife Federation, said: “We appreciate the continued bipartisan support from Congress in calling for the release of the draft Brandon Road study,” said Marc Smith, regional conservation director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. “After many years of stakeholder input and discussion, what is the U.S. Army Corps waiting for? The longer we wait for action, the closer Asian carp swim to our Great Lakes.” The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly-changing world.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Tubing for River Walleyes OV Outdoor Times
For many of the region’s anglers, May means fishing for inland walleyes. And much of the time, rivers will be a prime destination. It’s well accepted that river walleyes take up residence in slack- By Jeff Knapp water pools during late Fishing Editor fall and remain there until the spring spawn stimulates a movement to acceptable habitat for reproduction. What isn’t as well understood is the frequency in which fish using these lowcurrent sanctuaries migrate to the shallow fringes of such places to feed. This is particularly true of larger walleyes. Likely it’s a pecking order thing, where larger, more dominant walleyes get the best seat at the dinner table. Shallow water feeding lies coexist with major slackwater pools. Common examples include wingdams and gravel bars, structures that create downriver (and in some cases upriver) pools and eddies. The presence of a larger incoming tributary often provides shallow feeding lies.
The force of the main current scours the edge of the delta formed at the mouth of the feeder water. Inactive walleyes hold in the deeper river area, moving up to the shallow, soft-bottomed delta to feed on the abundant food found there when they become active. Besides these familiar feeding zones there are other shallow locations where active walleyes can be found. Shallow rock/gravel/sand flats that rim the shoreline edge of a deep wintering hole will experience and influx of feeding walleyes, particularly when the water is up. Shallow flats located downriver of a key walleye hole will also hold fish, more so when water levels are normal or low. Higher water tends to bring too high a current level for walleye use at this time. Relatively light tube jigs can be used to effectively work these shallow water feeding areas. Walleyes find the shape and fall of a light tube appealing; the angler need not worry about the force of the cast ripping the bait free of a minnowtipped jig. A slow descent and turtle-paced retrieve can be a key in triggering bites from walleyes, even feeding walleyes, in
cold water. So go light on the jighead. Eighth and three-sixteenth ounce with a quality light-wire hook ensure a proper presentation as well as hooksets that bite. The light leadhead will allow the tube to fall slowly, which is often the mechanism that prompts the strike. Fish that don’t respond to the initial fall of the bait will often do so if it dragged along the bottom. Again, the use of a light jig makes certain that you work the bait slowly to keep it on the bottom. Light tubes are most effective around rock/gravel bars when the river is on the low side. Walleyes often move up on such bars/shoals toward evening and during dark days. Now’s the time to break out the anchor. I like to position the boat so it hangs right in the current seam just downriver of the tip of the structure. It may take a couple anchor sets to get it right, so if it’s not correct the first time, reposition until it is. Cast the tube out into the deeper water, on the slackwater side of the current edge, slowly dragging it toward the boat (and shallower water). After you’ve caught a couple of fish you get a feel for that perfect sweet spot and will know where to target your next cast. Anchoring is also a good device for Turn To Tubing Page 7
May 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Better known as bass lure, tube jigs also excel at catching river walleyes like this one taken by Don Gariglio.
May 2017
Tubing From Page 6
holding the boat in the correct position off a river/creek mouth. Spike the boat back off of the delta edge 20 feet or so. Walleyes will travel along the corridor as they move up to the creek mouth. Cast a tube jig up on the mudflat and work it back to the boat. If the fish police allow, it often pays to fish an additional deadstick rod in a rod holder, with the bait a few inches off the bottom. Flats found below river holes frequently attract feeding walleyes. The lip of the hole, where it transitions from deep to shallow, often serves as a holding area for fish. Tubes pitched up on the flat, and pulled down over the ledge, will often be bit by the fish found there. Position the boat a pitch-length above the lip. Slip along the edge with the motor as you work the structure. If you find the spot-on-thestop use an anchor to nail the boat to that spot.
Enjoy the outdoors.... Take a kid hunting or fishing Join your local Sportsman’s Club, You’ll be glad you did!
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Research: More Hunters Are Hunting for the Meat
By Responsive Management HARRISONBURG, VA – Survey research shows that American hunters most often name the meat as their most important reason for hunting, and that the percentage of hunters who hunt mainly for the meat continues to grow. Responsive Management, which has tracked hunting participation for almost three decades, recently released the latest results of a survey question put to U.S. hunters since 2008. Asked to choose their single, most important reason for hunting from a list that included for a trophy, to be close to nature, to be with family and friends, for the sport or recreation, or for the meat, about two in five hunters nationwide selected the latter reason — by far the most popular answer. (While research shows that hunters hunt for numerous reasons, this question was designed to identify their top reason.) Rather than any new development, this finding is instead the latest data point in a continuing trend. Whereas the sport or recreation was the most popular reason for hunting roughly a decade ago (when about one in three hunters gave
this answer), hunters beginning in 2013 have most often named the meat as their primary motivation for going afield. And while the percentages of hunters naming one of the other three reasons have declined or remained flat over the past decade, the proportion of hunters who say they hunt mostly for the meat has almost doubled. The reasons for this emphasis on game meat as a primary motivator for hunting participation range from the economic to the sociocultural — the shift cannot be attributed to a single reason alone. An important benefit of hunting is its potential as a source of food that hunters can acquire themselves in a cost-effective manner. During times of economic downturn, such as the recession that gripped the country for much of the last decade, hunting is an attractive option for putting food on the table. Certainly, this perspective is represented to some degree within the substantial percentages of individuals who, over the last several years, hunted primarily for the meat. Another reason for the uptick in hunters who went out mostly for the
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meat is the locavore movement, a growing national trend reflecting interest in eating locally and taking a more active role in the acquisition of food, especially organic, free-range, chemical- and hormone-free meat. Through the locavore movement, individuals from nontraditional hunting backgrounds have flocked to lessons and seminars offering instruction on how to hunt and process game meat. Locavore hunters are often educated millennials who hail from urban and suburban areas; lacking traditional hunting mentors, they nonetheless have been moved to take up hunting as adults for reasons of self-sufficiency, health, sustainability, or a desire to reconnect with nature. The growing popularity of the locavore movement is perhaps best exemplified by the fact that Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook and an icon of the millennial generation, has taken up hunting as a means of procuring his own meat (Zuckerberg was recently quoted as saying that food “tastes doubly better when you’ve hunted the animal yourself”). The locavore movement has grown to the point that fish and wildlife agencies are beginning to take seriously the reTurn To Meat Page 15
How to Contact US
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
• E-mail: lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Write: “Dear OVTimes” at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 • Please include your full name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Youth Hunters Find Success
COLUMBUS, OH — Many young hunters found success during Ohio’s 2017 youth spring wild turkey season after 1,895 birds were harvested, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hunters age 17 and under were eligible to participate in the two-day season, April 22-23. The total harvest was an increase from 2016, when 1,564 wild turkeys were checked. All participants were required to possess a valid Ohio youth hunting license, a spring turkey permit and be accompanied by a nonhunting adult. The youth turkey season was open statewide, with the exception of Lake La Su An State Wildlife Area in Williams County, which required a special hunting permit. The youth spring turkey season is one of four special youth-only hunting seasons designed by the ODNR Division of Wildlife to offer a safe and productive early hunting experience for young hunters. Special seasons are also set aside for upland game, white-tailed deer and waterfowl hunting opportunities. New for the 2017 season, the state has been divided into two zones for spring
turkey hunting: a south zone, which is open to hunters from April 24, through May 21, and a northeast zone, which is open to hunters from May 1, to May 28. The spring turkey season is open statewide except for Lake La Su An Wildlife Area. Hunters can view the 2017 spring turkey season zone map and harvest regulations at wildohio.gov. Ohio’s first modern day wild turkey season opened in 1966 in nine counties, and hunters checked 12 birds. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov. A list of the top counties of wild turkeys checked by hunters during the youth season. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2017, 2016 in parentheses: Adams: 35 (34); Ashtabula: 50 (44); Carroll: 40 (25); Columbiana: 26 (38); Coshocton: 63 (34); Gallia: 46 (31); Guernsey: 46 (38); Harrison: 58 (39); Highland: 34 (36); Jackson: 44 (34) ; Lawrence: 44 (24); Licking: 35 (16); Mahoning: 15 (18); Muskingum: 82 (33); Noble: 55 (55); Trumbull: 42 (46); Tuscarawas: 56 (44); Washington: 58 (52). Total: 1,895 (1,564).
May 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Rod Mayle
Connor Mayle harvested this nice 19lb spring turkey in Trumbull County, OH during the recent Ohio youth season. The tom had a 9’ beard and 1’ spurs. This was Connor’s first turkey that he called in on his own using a Marlin Watkins box call.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
May 2017
ODNR Caught Wrangling with Fee Increases OV Outdoor Times
Twisting and turning, clarifying and reclarifying has been the norm lately for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources leadership. The topic that’s causing all of the wrangling — whether to increase By Larry Claypool fees for hunting and Editor fishing licenses in the state. A prominent national conservation group, Sportsmen’s Alliance, which happens to be based in Ohio, called out the state recently on the subject with the backing of nearly every major outdoor group and organization with connections to Ohio. Those groups included: the Ohio Conservation Federation; Ohio Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation; Ducks Unlimited Ohio; Pheasants Forever; Buckeye Big Buck Club; Ohio State Trappers Association; Lake Erie
Charter Boat Association; Ohio Bowhunters Association; Ohio Bass Federation; Ohio Husky Musky Club; League of Ohio Sportsmen; Trout Unlimited; Ruffed Grouse Society and many more. An article in the April 14 issue of Ohio Outdoor News, titled ‘Ohio Groups Push on for License Hike’, apparently also pushed state officials to react and respond. And not the way the Alliance had hoped. Some of the responses from the state were internal at first and officials began squirming and funneling media requests for information to a central source. A double-down tactic for sure. Then — after more media pressure — the state realized it needed to respond. So, on April 25, 2017, ODNR Director James Zehringer did respond in an eight paragraph release, that offered the state’s reasoning to hold tight on resident license fees at this time. Which left an opening for the state to appease some by offering to raise non-resident hunting
and fishing license fees, leaving resident fees intact. Outdoor groups and writers then started publishing the numbers of past resident and non-resident licenses sold to show what type of income could be netted from such fee increases. Simply put, the numbers are not even close. Part of the Sportsmen’s Alliance letter to the ODNR explains their funding plan in a “two step” approach. It read: “The Sportsmen’s Alliance, along with 22 other conservation organizations are asking the legislature to address the issue by taking two steps. First, by addressing the cost of non-resident deer hunting in Ohio, which is the lowest of any quality whitetail deer hunting state in the country at $149 for a license and tag. The average for other high-quality deer states is $393, with the lowest cost states around $250. By raising the cost of nonresident deer hunting to $250, Ohio will remain attractive to the current 40,000 non-residents who hunt here, while decreasing the burden faced by resident hunters and anglers. “Second, by addressing the inequity on non-resident costs, the increase on resident hunting and fishing fees could be a modest $3. The two user fee increases are fair to non-residents, and
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modest on Ohioans. More importantly, they will provide the funds to solve the issues that concern Ohio’s sportsmen.” The state grudgingly agreed with “step one” of the Alliance’s plan, but is falling short on “step two”, which would provide so much more money that could help solve the DNR’s financial woes. So we await the next twist and turn from the ODNR. Stay tuned. The wrangling may not be done. About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ohio Valley Outdoors-Magazine
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Hunters Harvest 3,100+ Wild Turkeys on Opening Day
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio hunters in the south zone checked 3,123 wild turkeys on the first day of the spring wild turkey hunting season, April 24, 2017. New for the 2017 season, the state has been divided into two zones: a south zone, which opened April 24, and a northeast zone, which opens May 1. This two-zone season structure was established following a hunter survey and a two-year study of hens in the northeastern part of Ohio. Hunters can view the 2017 spring turkey season zone map and harvest regulations at wildohio.gov. See below for county-by-county results from Ohio’s 2017 wild turkey hunting season. Ohio’s spring wild turkey season is divided into two zones: a south zone, which is open from April 24 to May 21, and a northeast zone, which is open from May 1 to May 28. • In 2016 hunters checked 2,511 wild turkeys on opening day state-wide (in 2017, the northeast zone opens May 1) • Hunters are required to have a hunting license and a spring turkey hunting permit. The spring season bag limit is
two bearded turkeys. Hunters can harvest one bearded turkey per day, and a second spring turkey permit can be purchased at any time throughout the spring turkey season. Turkeys must be checked by 11:30 p.m. the day of harvest. • Hunting hours in the south zone are 30 minutes before sunrise until noon from April 24-May 7 and 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset from May 8-21. Hunting hours in the northeast zone are 30 minutes before sunrise until noon from May 1-14 and 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset from May 15-28. • Hunters may use shotguns or archery equipment to hunt wild turkeys. It is unlawful to hunt turkeys using bait, live decoys or electronic calling devices or to shoot a wild turkey while it is in a tree. • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife advises turkey hunters to wear hunter orange clothing when entering, leaving or moving through hunting areas in order to remain visible to others. • Wild turkeys were extirpated in Ohio by 1904 and were reintroduced in the
May 2017
1950s by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s first modern day wild turkey season opened in 1966 in nine counties, and hunters checked 12 birds. The wild turkey harvest topped 1,000 for the first time in 1984. Spring turkey hunting opened statewide, except for Lake La Su An Wildlife Area, in 2000, and Ohio hunters checked more than 20,000 wild turkeys for the first time that year. Editor’s Note: A list of all wild turkeys checked by hunters in the south zone on opening day of the spring turkey hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2017, and the 2016 numbers are in parentheOhio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Shawn Mesler Sisters Riley (left) and Hayden Mesler of ses. An * designates a northeast zone county, which was open on the first day Salem, OH are shown with the 2017 spring of the spring wild turkey season in 2016, turkey harvests, taken - 15 minutes apart - in but does not open until May 1 in 2017. Columbiana County, OH. Riley’s tom was She is 14-years-old. Hayden, age 10, The harvest by counties: Adams: 92 24.5lb. took this 16-lb tom and came back a day (56); Allen: 8 (11); Ashland: 41 (24); later to harvest a 15-pounder. Ashtabula: * (85); Athens: 61 (42); Auglaize: 8 (8); Belmont: 81 (73); Brown: 66 (47); Butler: 36 (27); Carroll: Delaware: 17 (11); Erie: 4 (8); Fairfield: 91 (53); Champaign: 19 (12); Clark: 4 16 (14); Fayette: 4 (0); Franklin: 4 (3); (2); Clermont: 75 (56); Clinton: 9 (9); Fulton: 19 (15); Gallia: 69 (47); Geauga: Columbiana: 54 (50); Coshocton: 123 * (36); Greene: 2 (4); Guernsey: 108 (72); Crawford: 8 (15); Cuyahoga: * (2); (67); Hamilton: 18 (18); Hancock: 6 (5); Darke: 5 (4); Defiance: 47 (50); Turn To Harvest Page 11
May 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Parker’s Revolution Bow Offers Value and Performance
STAUNTON, VA — Parker Bows, a leading manufacturer of quality compound bows and crossbows, as well as RED HOT crossbow accessories, introduces the new Revolution bow for 2017. The Revolution is equipped with topend features, superior performance and accuracy with Parker quality at an affordable price. The Revolution features the High Performance Revolution One Cam that shoots fast at 320 FPS, perfectly tuned and trouble free. The Revolution One
Cam provides 80% let-off with adjustability from 26” – 31” and a tunable draw stop for a precision back wall. At four pounds, the Revolution is lightweight, forgiving, and smooth, featuring an extreme parallel design, tunable string suppressor system and Micro-Lite Limb Pockets. The Revolution is available in draw weights ranging from 45-60 lbs and 55-70 lbs. With the construction, fit and finish of bows costing hundreds more, the Revolution features 100% machined aluminum riser, cams and pocket
Harvest From Page 10
(30); Marion: 4 (8); Medina: 19 (18); Meigs: 84 (63); Mercer: 7 (2); Miami: 4 (1); Monroe: 83 (57); Montgomery: 5 (4); Morgan: 66 (32); Morrow: 37 (30); Muskingum: 89 (67); Noble: 72 (42); Ottawa: 0 (0); Paulding: 19 (17); Perry: 48 (48); Pickaway: 4 (2); Pike: 37 (38); Portage: 38 (30); Preble: 14 (22); Putnam: 9 (8); Richland: 39 (43); Ross: 70
Hardin: 14 (13); Harrison: 92 (67); Henry: 8 (8); Highland: 86 (49); Hocking: 66 (46); Holmes: 58 (40); Huron: 31 (17); Jackson: 57 (48); Jefferson: 54 (60); Knox: 85 (52); Lake: * (6); Lawrence: 45 (38); Licking: 81 (46); Logan: 27 (13); Lorain: 22 (20); Lucas: 8 (13); Madison: 1 (3); Mahoning: 32
system. The Revolution is also available in an Outfitter Package that features name brand accessories including 3 pin fiber optic sights, Whisker Biscuit or Hostage arrow rests, an angled peep sight, nock point, and a premium 4 arrow Quick Detach Quiver, all pre-installed and factory tuned – ready to take to the field. This package saves time and money, so you can focus on what matters most — hunting. Featuring Next Vista camo, the Revolution is made in the U.S.A., comes with a Lifetime Warranty with a retail price beginning at $349.95. For more information on the Revolution visit the Parker website at www.parkerbows.com.
(53); Sandusky: 4 (4); Scioto: 53 (32); Seneca: 27 (21); Shelby: 5 (12); Stark: 43 (31); Summit: 7 (9); Trumbull: * (72); Tuscarawas: 115 (69); Union: 6 (9); Van Wert: 7 (4); Vinton: 70 (33); Warren: 16 (12); Washington: 78 (58); Wayne: 21 (18); Williams: 41 (39); Wood: 2 (0); Wyandot: 18 (8). Total: 3,123 (2,511).
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Parker Bows
The Parker Revolution compound bow is made in the U.S.A., comes with a Lifetime Warranty with a retail price beginning at $349.95.
May 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Spring Frogs in Focus OV Outdoor Times
CALCUTTA, OH — A warm spring evening offered a nice collection of Ohio frogs and toads in late April as new Ohio Department of Natural Resources Naturalist Mike Mainhart presented a By Larry Claypool Spring Frog Photo Editor Shoot opportunity at Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County). The photo opportunities followed an informative video presentation by Mainhart at the park’s main office on Bell School Road near Calcutta. Ten Ohio frogs and three toads were discussed. Three frogs (spring peeper, bullfrog and green frog) and one toad (American toad) were photographed. The amphibians were found in the park’s small pond near the restored Gaston’s Mill (grist mill) and along Beaver Creek’s banks. Frogs that are found in Ohio are: bullfrog, green frog, northern leopard, pick-
erel, wood, mountain, chorus, western chorus, grey treefrog, spring peeper and cricket frog. The toads found in Ohio are: the American toad, Fowler’s toad and spadefoot toad. Mainhart offered the main differences about each frog, and its markings and attributes to help tell them apart. Mainhart said, “Toads are frogs. The word ‘toad’ is usually used for frogs that have warts and dry skin. They also have shorter legs. And they hop, not leap,” said Mainhart during his presentation. “What’s the difference between a hop and a leap,” Mainhart was asked, which drew a chuckle from the group. Mainhart was quickly able to locate two spring peepers and a few bullfrogs near the old grist mill. The peepers’ loud, distinctive call (peep-peep-peep) led the photographers to their neighborhood, despite their small stature. An adult peeper is about 1 1/2 inches long. The bullfrogs were found floating atop the lake waters and watermeal near the shore. Several American toads were found and photographed by the group near the
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
A Spring Frog Photo Shoot was held recently at Beaver Creek State Park. The event was hosted by ODNR Naturalist Mike Mainhart. This American toad was one of several frogs and toads that were spotted during the photo shoot.
creek’s banks. Many were roused while croaking until bright flashlights disrupted their crooning. The toads remained stoic long enough for a few photos to be snapped before rain showers prevailed. Interesting facts about frogs (www.frog-life-cycle.com): • A group of fish is called a school, but a group of frogs is called an army. • The male frog is the only one who can croak, and every frog species makes its own unique sound and some are not
even croaks. Some frogs whistle and some chirp like a bird. • Frogs are cold blooded. That means that the body temperature of a frog is the same on the inside as it is on the outside. That is why frogs need to be near water so that they can jump in and cool off on hot days. • One way to tell a male frog from a female frog is by looking at its ears. The ears can be found right behind the frog’s eyes. If the ears are as big as the eyes, then the frog is a boy.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Outdoor Speaker Series Offered
By Larry Claypool
A series of ‘Learn Fly Fishing’ classes was recently held in East Liverpool and sponsored by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine. Local fly fisherman Craig Wetzel presented the basic fly fishing instruction, in three sessions, in late March and early April. The classes were held at the East Liverpool Area Community and Learning Center (ELACLC). Wetzel covered many aspects of fly fishing, including; equipment, flies, knots, finding fish, different techniques, fly casting instruction, and more. The class was also sponsored by the Field and Stream store in Cranberry Township, PA. The classes were part of the Outdoor Speaker Series that Ohio Valley Outdoors will offer this year. Other classes in the works include: Smallmouth Bass Fishing, Fly Tying, Kayak Fishing Basics and Catfishing Basics. Some of these classes are set to begin in June. Details will be announced soon. Some of the classes are free, some will have a small fee to participate.
The Kayak Fishing Basics class is tentatively set for the evening of June 6 at Beaver Creek State Park, in the Gretchen’s Lock area. Ohio Department of Natural Resources NE District Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart will offer the instruction. Mainhart is also a ODNR Parks and Watercraft Kayak, Canoe and SUP and ACA certified instructor Level 1. Kayaks will be provided by the ODNR. Fishing for a short time in Beaver Creek from the kayaks will be available. The class is limited to 15 people. There is no cost for this class. Call Ohio Valley Outdoors at 330-385-2243 to reserve a spot in the class. Austin Dunlap, Tackle Shop Specialist at Field & Stream in Cranberry Township, PA, will offer a Smallmouth Bass Fishing class at Beaver Creek State Park. The date and time has not been set. Details will be announced soon. Another Fly Fishing class by Wetzel is tentatively slated for June. Details will be announced soon. The ELACLC is the operating wing of The HHH Foundation, and is a 501c3 non-profit charitable corporation. The
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May 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
Fly fishing instructor Craig Wetzel (right) shows Walter Dombroski the proper way to cast a fly line at Thompson Park during a recent class.
Center offers several events, programs and opportunities to promote and encourage public interest in education, entertainment, recreation and socialization to benefit residents. For additional infor-
mation about the Center, call 330-3032110. For additional information call the OVO office at 330-385-2243.
May 2017
Meat From Page 7
cruitment and retention potential of this new category of hunter. Responsive Management recently worked with the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies’ (SEAFWA) Committee on Hunting, Fishing, and WildlifeRelated Participation and the Midwestern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies’ (MAFWA) Recruitment and Retention Committee to evaluate the outcomes of a series of pilot programs designed to promote hunting and fishing among young adults in urban/suburban settings. The programs targeted individuals who were interested in locally grown or organic foods. The locavore movement was also examined in Hunting, Fishing, Sport Shooting, and Archery Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation: A Practitioner’s Guide, a new handbook produced by Responsive Management and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The handbook, which covers recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) strategies and issues consistent with the ones identified in the National Hunting and Shooting Sports Action Plan, also features a series of on-theground vignettes written by R3 profes-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
sionals and academics. Several of these vignettes focus on the potential for people to be recruited into hunting through locavore motivations. Finally, the growth of the locavore movement has become important enough to warrant exploration in a recent documentary. An Acquired Taste, a new film from producer/director Vanessa LeMaire, follows three teenage locavores as they decide to learn how to hunt as a way of connecting with the source of their sustenance. “Without the data, I never would had suspected there was a trend this big,” says LeMaire. “Responsive Management’s The Sportsman’s Voice and The Future of Hunting and the Shooting Sports had been key in my research, but it wasn’t until they crunched some numbers that I realized there was an opportunity to reach out to this new demographic. The statistics were essential to the film.” LeMaire also notes the positive reception the film has enjoyed among nonhunting foodie crowds. “So far, the film is proving to be a great eye opener to non-hunters who seek alternatives to factory farmed meat. The experiential style of the film invites non-hunting audiences to live their first kill through the
journey of the three teens. Because the adolescents are so authentic, one can’t help identifying with them.” She continues, “We’ve had youth and adults stand up after a screening sharing their transformation, and people choking up saying that they had never understood their father or brother’s hunting habits until now, and that, at last, they felt reconciled.” An Acquired Taste is the winner of a “Best Youth Film” award and screened at the American Conservation Film Festival, the San Francisco Green Film Festival, the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and many more. Today, a number of state fish and wildlife agencies are considering integrating the documentary into their conferences, hunter education programs, and fundraising events. The documentary’s trailer can be viewed here. From rural residents who have stalked game their entire lives to urban millennials who have only recently become locavores, an increasing number of hunters today are heading into the field first and foremost for the meat. This latest research on hunter motivations reconfirms the value of hunting as a source of sustainably harvested organic
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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photos by Vanessa LeMaire
Producer/director Vanessa LeMaire used the “hunting for meat” survey results as key research for her resent film, “An Acquired Taste”, that follows 3 teenage locavores decide to learn how to hunt as a way of connecting with the source of their sustenance.
meat, in addition to its economic, recreational, social, and naturalistic benefits. About Responsive Management: An nationally recognized public opinion and attitude survey research firm www.responsivemanagement.com.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Mason Haldiman, age 9 1st bass, farm pond Hancock County, WV
Marley Haldiman, age 7 bluegill, farm pond Hancock County, WV
Jim Moore 38-in. northern pike Mosquito Lake, OH
May 2017
Rosemary Hamrick Age 2 with Dad, Randall Hamrick farm pond, Hancock County, WV
Seth Utt 2-lb, 15" crappie Highlandtown Lake, OH
Caleb Minger 8-pt., muzzeloader Hancock County, WV
Andrew Miller 2016 spring gobbler Columbiana County, OH
May 2017
Cody Wagner 10-pt., bow Washington County, OH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Stephen Wells 9-pt., crossbow Morgan County, OH
Cameron Meadows 12-pt., crossbow Morgan County, OH
Eric Dew 10-pt., muzzleloader Morgan County, OH
Matthew DeNiro, age 12 1st deer, AR-15 ATI .410 shotgun Columbiana County, OH
Send Us Your Photos
Caleb Cline, age 13 10 pt., rifle Hancock County, WV
Dick Silverthorn 9-pt., shotgun Jefferson County, OH
Brandon Hill 10-pt., bow Adams County, OH
We’ll print your hunting, fishing or trapping photos in the next issue of OV Times or Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine. Send photos via mail, email or Facebook. Email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Calendar of Events
Old Fashion Style Turkey Shoot Each Sunday until further notice at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Road, Washingtonville, OH. Field stock guns, .680 choke max., scopes permitted, meat and money rounds, shooting 60’. $3 per round, 1 p.m. start time. For info. contact Tom Brunner 330-692-6577 or email:tbrunner1020@gmail.com. Spring Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday (10 a.m.) at Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club. Signups start at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $3, $30 for pack of 10 shoots. $5
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for money shoots. Stock & factory guns and tubes only. Paying 1st & 2nd place, cash prizes. Kids & ladies welcome. Located on Gas Valley Rd., behind Green Valley Dairy, between WV Route 8 and PA Route 18. For info. call 330-3831886, or 304-374-5587. Trap Shoots - Regular trap shoots (open to public) held each Weds. and Sun. Sporting clays held fourth Sunday of month at Columbiana County Fish and Game Assoc. at 45716 Middle Beaver Road, Lisbon, OH 44432. For info. contact Mike Giambroni at 330383-2552 or visit www.columbianacountyfishandgame.c om.
ON THE NET:
Ohio Valley Outdoors www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Yellow Creek Long Rifles Shoots Every second Sunday of the month at noon, except August. Black powder, patch round ball and open iron sights only. Trail walks have 15-20 shots. For more info. call Dennis at 330-738-6002 or Gary at 330-853-4979. 3D Archery Shoots - May 27-28; June 24-25; July 22-23; Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 16-17 at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club. Sat. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost $10, cubs $5. Breakfast and lunch served. Crossbows permitted, no rangefinders. Contact David Puz at 330-240-8128 or Dennis Dabney at 330-414-5795. Outdoor 3-D Archery - May 21;
May 2017
June 18; July 8-9, ASA Qualifier; July 1; Aug. 20; Sept. 17 at Mosquito Bowmen Archery Club, 2535 McCleary Jacoby Rd., Cortland, OH 44410. Reg. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 30 target course. Public invited. Field points only. $10, cubs free w/adult. Website: www.mosquitobowmen.com or email: info@mosquitobowmen.com. Walleye Madness Tournaments May 21 at Mosquito Lake; June 24 at Lake Erie-Geneva and August 19 at Lake Erie-Conneaut. 100% payback, no membership fees. $150 entry fee. Visit www.walleyemadness.net for entry deadlines and registration forms or call 580-765-2319.
You need more customers! YOUR CARD HERE
Contact Sales Consultant Tracy Bissell at 330-385-2243