Ohio Valley Outdoor Times 1-2017

ICE FISHING ON LAKE ERIE - P.5

Ohio Valley

Winter Fishing Story inside page 6

Managing Coyotes OV Outdoor Times

Coyotes are a hot topic in the eastern United States.

Coyotes could be credited for the fact that predator hunting is the fastest growing segment of the outdoor industry. The reasons why are numerous. They’re a worthwhile adversary. Their keen senses are second to By Ralph Scherder none, and fooling them con- Hunting Editor sistently is a feat worth bragging about. More than anything, though, coyotes have become public enemy number one because they often prey upon the resource we covet – whitetail deer.

Winter months are hard on whitetail deer, and coyotes certainly don’t make it any easier. Deep snows and harsh weather can make food scarce, which results in weakened deer that become more susceptible to predators. It’s often said that coyotes only prey on the weak, but that’s a bit of a misnomer, I believe, because I’ve also witnessed them running a perfectly healthy deer until it became weak. In packs, coyotes can be relentless.

Coyotes pose the most threat in the spring fawning season. During its first few months of life, a fawn is an easy meal for any coyote. It’s no coincidence that fawn recruitment rates across the country have gone down while coyote populations have steadily gone up.

By their nature, eastern coyotes are warier than their western cousins. It’s said that during their migration east, coyotes interbred with Canadian timber wolves so that what we have in this re-

FR EE!

Outdoor Times January 2017

gion today is a physically larger, and smarter, version. The average coyote out west, for instance, weighs 20-30 pounds. The average here is closer to 30-40 pounds.

Although you can call in and kill the occasional coyote, trapping is still the number one method for controlling populations. Here in the east, trappers will always harvest more coyotes than predator hunters, period. If you’re serious about providing some relief to your local whitetail population, you may want to consider buying some traps and learning how to use them effectively.

Coyotes are big, powerful animals. Use at least a #2 coilspring trap with a few modifications such as the addition of swivels near the trap.

Straight out of the box, with no modifications, the MB-550 is perhaps the best coyote trap on the market. If you’re new to trapping, this should be your primary choice.

When I buy new traps, I like to soak them overnight in degreaser. Dawn soap works great.

Next day, rinse them off and, once dry, wax them. The first step to coyote trapping success is scent free equipment, so always make sure to store your traps in clean containers and always wear gloves when handling them.

The first step in catching coyotes is finding hot locations. Old woods roads, long brushy rows, or where tractor roads intersect are all possible locations. Look for tracks and scat in those areas.

If coyotes are around, sign will be easy to find.

Making a set that will catch coyotes is an easy process. Dirthole sets are the most universal and effective set for catching almost any critter, especially coyotes. Dig a hole about three inches in diameter and about six inches deep and at a 45 Turn To Coyotes Page 4

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder

The author with a nice eastern coyote he trapped in his home state of Pennsylvania. “Learn these basics of trapping and you’ll catch coyotes. Master them and you’ll catch lots of coyotes.”

INSIDE THIS MONTH

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

5 Ice Fishing on Lake Erie

10 Resolutions to Get You Fishing

Winter Fishing on Lower Susquehanna

PA to Close Two Pheasant Farms

6

14

15

ODNR

9

Jeff Knapp

11

ODNR

10

18

ODNR

Ice Fishing Tips

Keep America Fishing PAGC

What Makes Us Hunters?

Cuffs & Collars

ODNR

PA Eagle Cam is Back PAGC

12 Nearly 13M Gun Owners Carrying in Ohio OUTDOOR CALENDAR

Trap Shoots - 10-Bird Meat Shoots on three different Sundays; Jan. 15 and Feb. 19. The Iceman Trap Event is Jan. 29, 2017. Regular trap shoots (open to public) held each Weds. and Sun. Sporting clays on 4th Sunday of month at Columbiana County Fish and Game Assoc. at 45716 Middle Beaver Road, Lisbon, OH 44432. For info. contact Mike Giambroni at 330-383-2552 or visit www.columbianacountyfishandgame.com.

Indoor Pistol/Rifle Events - Each Tuesday/Friday until April 2017 at Col. Cty Fish and Game Assoc.

For info. email: ccfishgame@gmail.com or visit: www.columbianacountyfishandgame.com.

2017 Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show - Jan. 19-21, 2017 at new Mount Hope Event Center in Millersburg, OH. Old Fashion Style Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday until further notice at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Road, Washingtonville, OH. Pittsburgh Outdoor Expo - January 27-29, downtown Pittsburgh at David Lawrence Convention Center. One admission ($10) for all three shows. See Page 15 for more details.

Ohio Valley

As we turn to another calendar year, sportmen and women in the Ohio Valley region can only hope for another successful year in the field and on the water. If last year’s deer harvest did not include that monster buck you’ve been pursuing,

By Larry Claypool that’s OK, just having Editor venison in the freezer will do until this fall.

We’ve heard, and read about, some big bucks taken from this region (see the Winter issue of Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine for a few good stories), so those always kindle the fire inside for dedicated hunters. And that pushes us to prepare for another hunting season in 2017. For bowhunters though, there’s still a few more weeks of hunting left this season.

We’ve also seen many nice buck photographs taken by hunters this season, as part of our annual quest to collect our reader’s “trophy” photos for our “Trophy Book Collector’s Edition”, due out this spring as a special section in our Spring Issue, on newsstands March 1. If you missed the deadline to submit trophy photos this year please do so for the 2018 edition. (See page 20 for details.)

As deer hunting winds down, and cold weather settles in, we now look at our schedule of sportsmen’s shows to attend in the upcoming months. See our quick guide to regional sports shows on Page 15.

The January 19-21 Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show, located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country in Millersburg, Ohio, is featuring a new venue. This long-standing show has moved from its Dalton, OH location to Millersburg in the new Mount Hope Event Center.

The Center is located at 8076 state Route 241 in Millersburg. Show hours are: Thursday 2-9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, visit their website at: www.ohiosportmanshow.com.

Wayne Miller, owner of Kidron Sports Cen-

ter, is one of the original sponsors of the Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show. He said the new Mount Hope Center will be jam packed full of vendors for the annual January show. It’s one of the top medium-sized shows in Ohio and features many of our advertisers and sponsors.

Opening day (Thursday) is always a good time to visit the NOSS event, as the crowds are not as large as the weekend dates.

Five other key outdoor shows in the region offer a good variety for sportsmen of all kinds.

Those shows include: • Pittsburgh Outdoor Expo - January 27-29, downtown Pittsburgh at David Lawrence Convention Center, Hall ‘B’ and ‘C’, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. One admission ($10) for all three shows: (1) Pittsburgh Outdoor Expo, (2) Paddle Sports Pittsburgh and (3) Three Rivers Boat Show.

Promoter is Clicker Shows, 412-405-9721 or email ClickerShows@gmail.com.

• Great American Outdoor Show - Feb 4-12 at Farm Show Complex, 2300 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Admission is $14.

1,000+vendors. Shows, seminars and celebrities. Visit website for information: www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.

• 32nd Allegheny Outdoor Sport & Travel Show - Feb. 17-19 at Monroeville (PA) Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville, PA 1514. Phone: 412-373-7300. Admission $12 ($9 with Subway coupon). Free parking.

Promoter is: Expositions, Inc. Website: www.sportandtravel.com.

• West Virginia Hunting & Outdoor Sports Show - March 4-5 (Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, WV. Admission is $8. Visit their website at: www.wvoutdoorsportsshow.com.

• Field & Stream/Outdoor Life Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo - March 17-19 at Bricker Building Ohio Expo Center (State Fairgrounds), 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211. Admission $14 ($11 with coupon). Vendors, seminars, deer contest.

Website: www.deerinfo.com/ohio. For information, call 800-324-3337.

To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243

Outdoor Times January 2017

January 2017

Turning the Calendar to 2017 OV Outdoor Times

2

VOL. 9, NO. 01

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

January 2017

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

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Coyotes From Page 1

degree angle away from you. I prefer to dig the hole in front of some sort of backing such as a small rock or clump of weeds to prevent the coyote from working the set from behind.

Next, dig out a small bed for the trap in front of the hole. Coyotes are relatively long-legged animals compared to fox, so the trap should be set farther back away from the hole to catch them. The standard distance is about nine inches from the lip of the hole to the center of the trap pan.

Make sure the trap is bedded solidly.

Often, the difference between a miss and a catch can be attributed to how well your trap is bedded. It should be solid enough that a coyote could step on one of the trap’s jaws and the trap should not wiggle. To achieve this, I use small flat rocks under each corner of the trap, if necessary, or pack dirt tight around the jaws.

This time of year, freezing-thawing conditions are the bane of trappers. Always use antifreeze such as glycol to keep traps functioning through all types of weather. Glycol is a thick liquid, so I mix it in a 2:1 ratio with water so that it won’t clog my spray bottle. Once the

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

trap is bedded, I give it a good dousing of glycol.

Next, sift dirt over top of the trap, just enough to cover it. Make sure no small rocks or debris are in the dirt pattern that could possibly prevent the trap from functioning properly. I prefer the dirt pattern be level over the trap, then I spray it again with a heavy dose of glycol.

As a final touch at each set, I take a little bit of the surroundings (leaves, grass, etc.) and use it to blend in the edges of the dirt pattern. Sometimes I even sprinkle a few blades of grass directly on the dirt pattern so that the set looks natural, as if it belongs, and was made by another animal.

Bait should be placed in the hole and then shove a few leaves down the hole as well so the coyote has to work to get to it. Almost any prepared predator bait on the market will work. Most places that sell commercially prepared lures and baits will also provide recommendations on how to use those lures and baits.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions to find out which combinations are most effective.

This time of year, gland lure and urine work very well when placed on the top lip of the dirthole. They appeal to a coy-

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Dirthole sets, like this one, are the most universal and effective set for catching almost any critter, especially coyotes.

January 2017

ote’s territorial nature. Also, mating season is approaching, which means they will investigate where other coyotes have placed their scent to figure out if there’s any competition or potential mates in the area.

One of the biggest mistakes trappers make when pursuing coyotes is that they walk up to their sets when checking them. Remember, coyotes have tremendous noses. They can smell where you’ve walked hours after you’ve been there. For that reason, I only get as close to a set as I have to to see if I’ve caught anything. Any human odor near a set must dissipate before a coyote will feel comfortable enough to work it and get caught.

Learn these basics of trapping and you’ll catch coyotes. Master them and you’ll catch lots of coyotes. I’ve known trappers who’ve taken a dozen or more coyotes from a single farm in a season.

That’s a heck of a lot more than you’ll ever get predator hunting.

Study Shows Hunters’ Contributions to Conservation

HARRISONBURG, VA — Responsive Management has produced a new article detailing hunters’ contributions to wildlife conservation in the United States. The article provides an in-depth look at the sources of funding from hunters and how these funds are spent, from wildlife management and species recovery to the work of federal and state fish and wildlife agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The article discusses various sources of funding, including the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 (commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act); the Federal Duck Stamp (a required purchase for any duck hunter in the U.S.); licenses, tags, and permits purchased by hunters in each state; and membership dues and donations from nonprofit organizations like Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which are largely supported by hunters.

The article then breaks down how the funding from hunters is spent, including Pittman-Robertson revenue apportionment, the many ways in which nonprofit organizations contribute to conservation in the U.S., and how hunters’ contributions manifest in the work of fish and wildlife agencies. A summary of fish and wildlife agency resources and assets compiled by senior staff at the Arizona Game and Fish Department makes clear the importance of hunter dollars on the state agency level alone.

Also covered in the article are examples of various wildlife species that have rebounded thanks to management efforts supported through funding from hunters: • The whitetail deer population went from less than 500,000 in 1900 to more than 30 million today; • Wild turkey went from under 650,000 in 1900 to more than 7 million today; • The wood duck, extremely rare in 1900, has increased to 5.5 million today; • The Rocky Mountain elk has gone from 40,000 in 1900 to about a million today; • There were just 13,000 pronghorn antelope in 1900 compared to about a million today; • And while just 25,000 bighorn sheep roamed North America in 1950, that number has climbed to 80,000 today.

The article provides a full discussion of the other ways in which hunter dollars are spent, including support for wildlife management areas, scientific conservation studies and biological research, other species recovery and wildlife management efforts, and habitat conservation.

The article is posted at: https://www.nrahlf.org/articles/2016/9/13/hunters-contributions-to-us-wildlife-conservation/.

January 2017

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

5

Ice Fishing on Lake Erie

COLUMBUS, OH — Ice fishing opportunities can be found in a variety of inland lakes and ponds, and Lake Erie as well, but the “Big Lake” warrants special considerations. For a variety of reasons, including safety, many anglers hire a licensed ice fishing guide who can set them up in the protective shelter of a shanty and help them locate fish. For those targeting walleye, use minnows on jigging lures or blade baits. Yellow perch can be caught with a spreader or crappie rig tipped with shiners.

Other things to remember before going ice fishing: • No ice is safe ice • Have a valid Ohio fishing license • Know the size and daily limits for the fish that you hope to catch • Learn the ice fishing regulations for where you are fishing • Make a checklist of things you will need to have fun and be safe • Consider leaving a “float plan” with someone who knows that you will be out on the ice, indicating where you plan to fish, where you plan to park your vehicle, and when you plan to return home.

For boaters, this is common practice, and for ice anglers, it’s not a bad idea either.

Once the freeze is on, check the most recent ice fishing reports, or make a

quick stop at the local bait shop to find out what’s biting and where. As always, be safe when you head out on the ice and for more information, call 1-800WILDLIFE or contact your local Wildlife District Office.

Other Safety Tips • Find an Ice Fishing Guide • Always fish with a partner or in an area with several other anglers present.

• Let others know exactly where you are going and when you plan to return.

• Place a cell phone in a plastic bag to protect it from moisture in case you get wet.

• Sprinkle sand around your feet for better traction on the ice.

• Always take along a PFD seat cushion or more importantly, wear a life vest in case of an emergency.

• Avoid areas where feeder streams, springs, bridge pilings, docks, and dam structures since ice is usually very thin there.

• If you fall into the water, remain calm.

• Slip your loose boots off to better tread water.

• Use ice awls to pull yourself out of the water.

• If no ice awls are available, call for help and try “swimming out” by letting your body rise up to firm ice and crawl

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) recently hosted the largest round-up of state fish and wildlife agency representatives in Atlanta, Georgia at its annual State Marketing Workshop. The themed conference, “Charting the Course for Future Success”, the workshop attracted a total of 150 people, including representation from 47 state agencies. Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) strategies took center stage with an overall focus on achieving RBFF’s ambitious goal to grow the current angler base of 46 million to 60 million in 60 months.

“The nation’s second most popular pastime needs a shot in the arm,” says RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “The fishing industry is losing slightly more enthusiasts each year than it is gaining, much like a leaky bucket.

And with $1.5 billion in conservation dollars, 828,000 jobs and $115 billion in economic impact at stake, the holes have to be plugged.”

The event kicked off with a keynote presentation from world-renowned marketer, Jay Baer, Founder and President of Convince & Convert. Baer opened discussion by showcasing how effective customer service can turn disgruntled customers into strong supporters in a presentation titled “Hug Your Haters.”

RBFF and several state agencies presented case studies on how they have worked to effectively recruit, retain and reactivate anglers. Matt Dunfee, Programs Manager at the Wildlife Management Institute and thought leader in R3 programs gave an update on the latest developments in RBFF’s R3 project with the Aquatic Resources Education Association before facilitating a small group huddle discussion session on how state agencies can become more effective in advancing angler R3 efforts.

Each state representative at the Workshop was given state goals for license sales throughout the 60-month duration.

RBFF will continue to work with all

RBFF Sparks R3 Activity & Discussion at Workshop

Turn To RBFF Page 7

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Frabill

Frabill ice fishing pro, Dale Stroschein, preaches mobility and the proper gear for consistent success in icing big water walleyes.

out.

• Stay flat, distributing your weight on the ice.

• Keep your clothes on once out of the water. This will keep you insulated.

• If someone else falls in the water: REACH using a stick or fishing pole; THROW a rope or PFD; ROW or push a boat and GO call for help.

6

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Winter Fishing on the Lower Susquehanna River OV Outdoor Times

The lower Susquehanna River (central PA) as running a bit high and off color as Dave Neuman and I launched his boat in the mouth of Conewago Creek, just below the York

By Jeff Knapp Haven Dam. The prior day, Fishing Editor Neuman, a veteran guide on the Susquehanna, and his guest, had caught several walleyes, flathead catfish, and a 39-inch musky from the area. It was mid-morning when we hit the water. We were hoping to repeat things, with the option to fish farther up the river for smallmouth bass if the walleyes were not cooperating.

York Haven Dam, a hydroelectric dam built over a hundred years ago, stretches 5,000 feet across the Susquehanna, in a diagonal direction, bridging the west bank of the river with the western bank of Three Mile Island. The dam sits

within Conewago Falls, where the river drops 19 feet within a quarter mile. The powerhouse is located at the western end of the dam, near the mouth of the Conewago. The river stretch to the northeast of the powerhouse – the tailrace section – is a series of rocky ledges (some submerged, some above the surface) and deeper holes, all within the rapids of Conewago Falls, interesting water to say the least.

Neuman anchored the boat below one of the exposed humps of bedrock, a formidable obstacle that deflected the fast current. The still pool was about 20 feet deep. We each tipped our jigs with river shiners, ones Dave had trapped from Conewago Creek.

I made a short pitch out from the boat, and then allowed the Northland Fireball jig to settle to the bottom. About the time, I’d worked it to underneath the boat I felt an unnatural weight, and solidly set the hook. Walleyes typically Turn To Susquehanna Page 7

January 2017

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Jeff Knapp

Dave Neuman displays a nice Susquehanna River (PA) smallmouth bass taken during a December trip.

January 2017

Susquehanna From Page 6

give you a distinct tick when they eat a jig, which hadn’t happened. That, combined with the significant weight, suggested something other than an ‘eye. A few moments later my suspicion was confirmed as a flathead catfish in the seven to eight-pound range sloshed on the surface.

We worked several other similar spots, fishing each from an anchored position. A couple more flatheads were caught – even larger than the first – but the walleyes seemed to have vacated the area. Neuman said the river had risen a few inches overnight, and that the change in flow probably pushed them out of the spots that had been productive the day before.

By lunchtime – with only one sublegal walleye to show for our efforts – Dave suggested a move upriver to an area that had been producing good numbers of smallmouth bass.

Early afternoon found us back on the Susquehanna River, not far below the Dock Street Dam in Harrisburg. A short boat ride and we were soon along a bank section with slight current, the main force deflected by a shallow flat upriver.

Drifting slowly, a cast’s length from

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

shore, I soon connected with a twopounder, one that had hit a rabbit fur jig.

In typical smallmouth bass fashion, the ruckus of catching that first bass seemed to activate the school. We continued to take smallies up to the threepound range. Dave caught most of his on a jig-grub combo, while I took mine on a suspending jerkbait.

The smallmouth bass population in the main stem of the Susquehanna River (as well as the lower Juniata) has been under scrutiny for at least a decade.

Bacterial infections and widespread dieoffs of fingerling-stage smallmouth bass has occurred with alarming regularity, leading to restrictive regulations including a no-kill status for smallmouths, and a ban on targeting the species during the spring spawning period.

Per a recent Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission news release, surveys conducted from 2013-2016 reveal increasing numbers of adult smallmouth bass compared to severely reduced numbers collected from 2005-2012.

Though encouraged by the recent findings, the Fish and Boat Commission continues its push to have the United States Environmental Protection Agency list the Susquehanna as an impaired river, a status that would initiate legally

How to Contact US

7

required actions to address the river’s water quality issues.

The same news release stated that last year the state Department of Environmental Protection and the PFBC released findings from a multi-year study indicating the most likely causes of the smallmouth bass decline are endocrinedisrupting compounds and herbicides; and pathogens and parasites.

“The Susquehanna River’s small-

mouth bass fishery once attracted anglers from all over the world,” said John Arway, PFBC executive director. “I am confident the results from last year’s study, along with a continued commitment by DEP to identify the causes and reduce the sources of pollution, will provide for the eventual recovery and return of that once world class recreational fishery. The impairment designation is critical to this effort.”

line Resource Center.

A record $70,000 was raised for the 2016 State Marketing Workshop. RBFF is grateful for the support of the following sponsors: Diamond: Brandt Information Services, FISHBRAIN and J.F. Griffin Publishing; Platinum: Discover Boating; Gold: American Sportfishing Association, Bass Pro Shops, GovDelivery, Southwick Associates and U.S. Forest Service; Silver: BRP Evinrude, Brunswick Freshwater Group and Colle + McVoy/Exponent; Bronze: American Fly Fishing Trade Association, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Association of Marina Industries, EurekaFacts, LLC, Info-Link, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Wildlife Management Institute; Donation: SourceLink.

RBFF From Page 5

state agencies to further develop these goals and provide resources and assistance to help make these goals a reality.

“We’re working to motivate and support state agencies to implement more effective R3 initiatives,” added Peterson.

“If we could reach 60 million anglers, we could see a $200 million annual increase in license sales and funds for resource management and conservation, a $35 billion annual increase in economic contributions from anglers, 7.5 million new boaters, and a $10 billion annual increase in economic contributions from boaters.”

Resources, including presentations, from the 2016 State Marketing Workshop can be downloaded in RBFF’s on-

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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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• E-mail: advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Phone: 330-385-2243 • Fax: 330-385-7114 • Write: advertising at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920

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9,000+ Deer Checked During Ohio’s Two-Day Gun Season

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio’s hunters braved less than ideal weather conditions and checked 9,228 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s 2016 two-day deer-gun hunting season, Dec. 17-18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). During last year’s two-day December deer-gun season, 9,447 deer were harvested.

Numbers were not yet available for the muzzleloader hunting season (Jan. 7-10).

Hunters still have the archery season remaining for this season. It closes on Feb. 5.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to properly managing Ohio’s deer populations. The goal of Ohio’s Deer Management Program is to provide a deer population that maximizes recreational opportunities, while minimizing conflicts with landowners and motorists.

Hunting Popularity Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through

the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication.

Find more information about deer hunting in the Ohio 2016-2017 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.gov. An updated deer harvest report is posted online each Wednesday at wildohio.gov/deerharvest.

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.

A list of all white-tailed deer checked by hunters using firearms during the 2016 two-day deer-gun hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2016, and the 2015 numbers are in parentheses: Adams: 138 (209); Allen: 60 (21); Ashland: 138 (142); Ashtabula: 422 (305); Athens: 174 (212); Auglaize: 35 (38); Belmont: 226 (216); Brown: 124 (162); Butler: 29 (51); Carroll: 184 (211); Champaign: 39 (41); Clark: 24 (21); Clermont: 85 (95); Clin-

ton: 36 (37); Columbiana: 194 (196); Coshocton: 210 (349); Crawford: 57 (59); Cuyahoga: 3 (1); Darke: 19 (19); Defiance: 118 (74); Delaware: 52 (60); Erie: 44 (21); Fairfield: 89 (85); Fayette: 17 (10); Franklin: 23 (24); Fulton: 56 (16); Gallia: 139 (165); Geauga: 105 (77); Greene: 35 (21); Guernsey: 302 (263); Hamilton: 29 (21); Hancock: 58 (34); Hardin: 53 (53); Harrison: 193 (228); Henry: 41 (25); Highland: 121 (147); Hocking: 153 (203); Holmes: 118 (209); Huron: 162 (107); Jackson: 149 (194); Jefferson: 168 (169); Knox: 146 (236); Lake: 32 (21); Lawrence: 113 (147); Licking: 195 (236); Logan: 60 (86); Lorain: 169 (98); Lucas: 27 (10); Madison: 18 (26); Mahoning: 131 (107); Marion: 43 (55); Medina: 147 (83);

January 2017

Meigs: 188 (229); Mercer: 32 (18); Miami: 26 (37); Monroe: 156 (156); Montgomery: 16 (14); Morgan: 146 (181); Morrow: 70 (71); Muskingum: 256 (284); Noble: 138 (202); Ottawa: 31 (7); Paulding: 64 (34); Perry: 173 (181); Pickaway: 42 (38); Pike: 104 (140); Portage: 136 (88); Preble: 50 (29); Putnam: 45 (19); Richland: 164 (150); Ross: 146 (185); Sandusky: 66 (29); Scioto: 137 (164); Seneca: 100 (84); Shelby: 44 (34); Stark: 153 (124); Summit: 41 (26); Trumbull: 266 (166); Tuscarawas: 260 (296); Union: 28 (32); Van Wert: 24 (15); Vinton: 125 (201); Warren: 42 (44); Washington: 140 (210); Wayne: 92 (109); Williams: 127 (51); Wood: 37 (31); Wyandot: 60 (72); Total: 9,228 (9,447).

Ohio Clean Marinas Certified

SANDUSKY, OH — Marinas throughout the state have taken steps to keep Ohio’s bodies of water clean and healthy for recreational and environmental purposes. Seventy-one marinas in Ohio have been certified as Ohio Clean Marinas, and an additional 45 marinas have committed to meet the program’s certification standards, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio Sea Grant.

The program recognizes 29 marinas as newly certified or recertified for 2016 and anticipates reaching additional marinas and boaters in 2017.

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a voluntary certification program which recognizes marinas that choose to implement conservation practices known to improve the environmental and economic aspects of their operations. Some of the added measures include the incorporation of pollinator programs and monofilament fishing line recycling bins, as well as planting native species. Additionally, the initiative offers boating education programs such as how to prevent the transport of aquatic invasive species to other bodies of water.

Newly Certified Ohio Clean Marinas in 2016 are: Blue Rock State Park Marina (Muskingum County), Buckeye Sports Center (Summit County), Caesar Creek State Park Marina (Warren County), Cooley Canal Yacht Club (Lucas County), Delaware State Park Marina (Delaware County), Dillon State Park Marina (Muskingum County), East Harbor State Park Marina (Ottawa County), Hueston Woods State Park Marina (Preble County), Lake Loramie State Park Marina (Shelby County), Mary Jane Thurston State Park Marina (Henry County), Middle Bass Island State Park Marina (Ottawa County), Mosquito Lake State Park Marina (Trumbull County), Paint Creek State Park Marina (Ross County), Piedmont Marina (Guernsey County), Pymatuning State Park Marina North (Ashtabula County), Pymatuning State Park Marina South (Ashtabula County), Rocky Fork State Park Marina (Highland County), Salt Fork State Park Marina (Guernsey County), Shawnee State Park Marina (Scioto County), Sippo Lake Marina (Stark County), Walborn Reservoir Marina (Stark County), West Branch State Park Marina (Portage County) and Wingfoot Lake State Park Marina (Portage County).

Recertified Ohio Clean Marinas in 2016 are: Catawba Island Club (Ottawa County), Dutch Harbor Marina (Ottawa County), Emerald Necklace Marina (Cuyahoga County), Port Clinton Yacht Club (Ottawa County), Sandusky Harbor Marina (Erie County) and Skipper Buds - Marina Del Isle (Ottawa County) Additional information about the Ohio Clean Marinas and Ohio Clean Boater programs, including a marina certification checklist and clean boater tips, can be found online at ohioseagrant.osu.edu/clean and can be obtained by calling the Ohio Clean Marinas Program staff at 419-609-4120.

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a partnership between Ohio Sea Grant and ODNR to recognize marinas that choose to adopt best management practices to improve the environmental, educational and economic aspects of their operations. Financial assistance for the program is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Dept. of Commerce through the Ohio Coastal Management Program, administered by the ODNR Office of Coastal Management.

January 2017

Ice Fishing Tips

COLUMBUS, OH — Here are a few other pointers to keep in mind when ice fishing: Try to fish around other ice anglers so if you do fall through, someone might be there to help you get out. Remember to dress appropriately to prevent hypothermia and wear a life jacket or flotation suit when walking around on ice. Many anglers also bring along an extra change of dry clothes just in case of an emergency. Keep your cell phone available, but protected from the elements.

One of the great things about ice fishing is that tackle can be very simple and inexpensive. Short rods, light gear, light line, and small baits are the ticket. Some anglers also like to use small bobbers as strike indicators since strikes can be subtle. Tip-ups are a common addition to many ice anglers’ tackle, too. They come in a variety of designs, but essentially involve a spool of line hanging in the water with bait attached.

Most store-bought versions feature a signaling device, such as a flag, that pops up when a fish takes the bait. In Ohio, anglers can have up to six tip-ups going at one time, and each must be labeled with the owner’s name and address.

Because fish don’t strike as aggressively in the winter, you’ll want to use lighter tackle – 10 pound test or less – and smaller

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

baits. You can increase your odds by tipping artificial lures with live bait. Sluggish fish are much more likely to hit on a minnowtipped jig as opposed to one with a plastic worm.

Tip-ups are another common method of ice fishing and come in a wide variety of designs. Essentially, they involve a spool of line hanging in the water with bait attached.

Most store bought versions feature a signaling device, such as a flag, that pops up when a fish takes the bait. In Ohio, anglers can have up to six tip-ups going at one time.

What’s biting down below? Petering says you can catch the same species when ice fishing as you hooked during the summer months, including crappie, bluegill, bass and catfish, as well as perch, walleye and saugeye.

In fact, some of the most sought after ice fish are saugeyes (a cross between the sauger and a walleye), because they are so active in the winter. Two of the best places for saugeye – and ice fishing in general – are Buckeye Lake in Fairfield and Licking counties, and Indian Lake in Logan County, which generally freeze quickly due to their shallowness. At these lakes, consider using a jig or spoon tipped with minnows.

Drop your line through an ice hole on a farm pond and you’ll likely be pulling up some tasty panfish, such as bluegill and crappie. For bait, Petering suggests using a tiny ice jig or fly and tipping it with wax

The Cold Facts on the ‘120-Degree Rule’

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The boat may be put away for the season, but the occasional warm fall/winter day still brings paddlers out on the water. Knowing when to wear the thermal protection offered by a dry- or wetsuit is key. However, a long-assumed guideline meant to help paddlers make the right decision, sometimes known as the “120-degree rule,” may instead put paddlers in danger.

The 120-degree rule is a formula that adds together the air and water temperatures to determine when thermal protection is required. It assumes that if the total is above 120 F, that no dry- or wetsuit is needed.

“Using this simple formula,” says BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner, “a paddler could mistakenly believe that if air temperature is the low 70s and water temperature is courtesy of hovering around the low 50s, that thermal protection is Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo Metro Creative not necessary. That could not be farther from the truth.”

Sensenbrenner says that warm fall or spring days give paddlers a false sense of security. “Water temperatures have plunged, but the warm sun on your face hides the reality that accidentally going overboard at this time of year could quickly lead to trouble.”

According to research, sudden cold-water immersion can kill in several ways: involuntary gasp reflex and hyperventilation, cold incapacitation, and immersion hypothermia. Not wearing a life jacket compounds the drowning risk.

A word to the wise? “Always wear a life jacket when in an open boat or on deck, and consider the water temperature when dressing for your next boating adventure,” says Sensenbrenner. For more on cold-water boating including what to wear, go to BoatUS.org/cold-water-boating.

9

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

One of the great things about ice fishing is that tackle can be very simple and inexpensive.

worms.

Lake Erie ice fishing is definitely a different “kettle of fish.” For a variety of reasons – including safety – many anglers hire a guide who sets them up in the protective shelter of a shanty and helps them locate the fish. The area between Green and Rattlesnake islands, just west of South Bass Is-

land, usually offers some of the safest ice on the lake.

For those targeting walleye, use minnows on jigging spoons, blade baits and jigging Rapalas. Yellow perch can be caught with a spreader or crappie rig tipped with shiners.

Some anglers include a bobber as a strike indicator.

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Cuffs & Collars

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Field reports from ODNR Division of Wildlife Officers

Central Ohio – Wildlife District One During the 2016-2017 deer archery season, State Wildlife Officers Chad Grote, assigned to Marion County, and Maurice Irish, assigned to Delaware County, received a Turn In a Poacher (TIP) call from a bowhunter that had been watching a young buck from a tree stand. The hunter called after hearing a nearby gun shot and seeing the buck drop. Shortly after, a man carrying a rifle approached the buck and began dragging it toward a nearby house. Officers Grote and Irish arrived at the house and observed three men butchering the deer behind a barn. During the investigation, officers learned that the head, hide and guts had already been buried in the woods. The deer and rifle were seized as evidence and the men received several citations. The case is still pending in the Morrow County Municipal Court.

During the 2015 hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Jeff Tipton, assigned to Champaign County, was given information that a man had been bragging about

hunting his parent’s property and killing multiple deer, and not checking them in.

Officer Tipton documented the information, but was not able to find any recent history of the man checking any deer in.

During the 2016 statewide deer gun season, Officer Tipton was on patrol in Champaign County and received additional information about the same suspect. At the time, Deputy Welty of the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office was riding with him. The officers pulled onto a property and found two hunters coming out of the woods, one of which was the suspect. After questioning the suspect, it was determined the suspect had killed 3 deer during the 2015 season and 2 deer during the 2016 season, none of which were game-checked. Champaign County was a 2-deer county in 2015 and a 2-deer county in 2016. Based on statements made by the suspect, he had taken over his limit in 2015 and was attempting to take over his limit in 2016. The suspect was charged with 5 counts of failing to permanently check in deer and 2 counts of taking or attempting to take

over the limit of deer. He appeared in court and was ordered to pay over $1000 in fines and court costs, sentenced to 60 days in jail that were suspended, and ordered to serve 36 months of probation.

He also lost his right to hunt for the remainder of 2016 and for all of 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two In August 2016, State Wildlife Officers Kelsey Brockman, assigned to Erie County, and Reid Van Cleve, assigned to Ottawa County, were checking anglers as they were returning from Lake Erie.

The perch fishing was extremely good that day and the officers were making sure that anglers were compliant with daily bag limits. Around 1 p.m., the officers contacted a man who stated that he had caught his limit of yellow perch.

The officers entered his boat and counted thirty perch in his cooler. He was asked if he had any more fish on the boat and he stated that he did not. The officers asked if they could look around and were given permission. Further investigation revealed a one gallon bucket in the boat’s cabin containing an additional thirty-one yellow perch. The man was issued a citation and ordered to appear in the Ottawa County Municipal Court. He was found guilty and ordered to pay $778 in fines and court costs and his fishing license was revoked for one year.

In November 2016, State Wildlife Officer Reid Van Cleve, assigned to Ottawa County, was checking anglers at Mazurik Boat Access in Ottawa County when he noticed a boat coming toward his location. Upon seeing the officer, the angler turned his boat around and slowly headed toward the lake. Officer Van Cleve motioned to the man to come back to the dock. Officer Van Cleve climbed aboard the boat to count fish and to check the man’s fishing license. Upon opening the cooler, Officer Van Cleve discovered a large black plastic bag that contained 57 yellow perch. Upon searching the rest of the boat, Officer Van Cleve discovered another cooler that contained three walleye, two of which were undersized. The man stated that he actually thought all three were undersized. The angler apologized for his mistakes and stated that the fishing was just too good for him to stop. The man was issued two citations for his violations and paid $476 in fines.

Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three While on patrol during the deer gun season, State Wildlife Officer Eric Moore, assigned to Medina County, no-

January 2017

ticed several hunters cross a set of railroad tracks. The men saw Officer Moore and took off into the woods. Officer Moore parked his vehicle and attempted to locate the hunters. As he followed the boot prints across the railroad tracks he heard multiple ATV’s traveling through the woods. Officer Moore was able to locate the men shortly thereafter in the woods near the tracks. One of the hunters did not have a valid deer permit and none of them had written permission from the property owner. The landowner was asked but did not want to press charges at the time. The hunter without the valid deer permit was issued a summons, convicted in court and paid $139 in fines and court costs.

During the statewide deer gun season, State Wildlife Officer Craig Porter, assigned to Jefferson County, was contacted by an off-duty police officer who was hunting on private property. During the hunt, the officer spoke to a man hunting on the same property and asked if he had written permission to be there.

The man stated that he had been hunting that property since 1983 and did not need written permission. As the man was leaving, the officer recorded the man’s license plate number and forwarded the information to Officer Porter. Further investigation revealed that not only was the man a convicted felon and prohibited from carrying or possessing a firearm, he also had a prior conviction for hunting without permission. After some time, Officer Porter, with the assistance of State Wildlife Officer Tom Frank, assigned to Mahoning County, was able to track down the suspect. The man was issued a summons for hunting without written permission and ordered to appear in Jefferson County Court. He was convicted and ordered to pay over $500 in fines and court costs.

Southeast Ohio – Wildlife -District Four In October 2015, State Wildlife Officer Darin Abbott, assigned to Lawrence County, witnessed a small car approach his surveillance location in Lawrence County. He observed a flashlight shine from the passenger side of the car into a field. The vehicle stopped and the front passenger shot twice from the sunroof of the car. The vehicle then headed down the road and turned around for the occupants to retrieve the deer from the field.

Officer Abbott, along with State Wildlife Officer Bob Nelson, assigned to Ross County, made contact and seized the rifle and the light. The driver and the Turn To Cuffs & Collars Page 11

January 2017

PA Eagle Cam is Back

HARRISBURG, PA — Let the eagle watching begin.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Eagle Cam is back online.

The Game Commission recently launched the latest rendition of its Eagle Cam, which enables viewers worldwide round-the-clock access to live video and audio captured at a bald-eagle nest in Hanover, Pa. and streamed in real time via the Internet.

The Eagle Cam is provided through a partnership among the Game Commission, HDOnTap, Comcast Business and Codorus State Park.

The Eagle Cam features two cameras, each equipped with a microphone, running round the clock to capture footage from 75 feet high in a tree adjacent to Codorus State Park. Eagles have nested at the tree for more than 10 years, and have successfully fledged young there many times.

Last year, however, was a tough one for the eagles at the nest. While one of two eggs hatched, the chick died shortly after. And while the adult eagles loyally continued to incubate the remaining egg, it never hatched, and they abandoned their nesting attempt.

Then the nest partially collapsed, casting doubt on whether the Eagle Cam livestream could continue at the same site in coming seasons. But the nest was rebuilt, and a pair of adults appear ready to make another go of it this season.

Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said the uncertain future of the eagles that will be spendCuffs & Collars From Page 10

passenger were each charged with spotlighting, aiding in a wildlife violation, shooting on or across a public roadway, and hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle. Each defendant was ordered to pay $595 in fines and court costs, and lost their hunting privileges for two years. In addition, the shooter was ordered to serve 30 hours of community service.

Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five During the Youth Deer Gun Season, State Wildlife Officer Mark Schemmel, assigned to Auglaize County, received a call regarding an individual hunting without permission. Officer Schemmel responded to the property and found an individual had shot a deer on a neighboring property earlier that morning and entered onto the property to recover the deer without gaining permission. The

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

ing time in front of the camera is part of the reason it’s attracted so many viewers. Even last year, when the nesting attempt ended early, more than 550,000 individuals tuned in to watch. And during the successful nesting two years ago, there were about 1.5 million viewers.

“The Game Commission’s Eagle Cam allows us to view bald eagles in a way you really can’t in the wild,” Hough said. “Over the past four years, we’ve seen an adult eagle defend its egg against a raiding raccoon, watched as another adult unwaveringly continued to incubate eggs as snow piled up on its back, and had to deal with a newly obstructed view after one chick targeted the camera lens. Even during last year’s failed nesting attempt, watching the eagles’ response was fascinating.

“With the Eagle Cam, what will happen next is anyone’s guess,” Hough said.

Of course, this run of the Eagle Cam wouldn’t be possible without the support of many partners.

Comcast Business and its technicians worked with the Game Commission and partner HDOnTap to provide a static IP address and provide 100 Mbps broadband service near the nesting the site.

“Comcast Business’ ongoing partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission has helped so many people around the world watch the excitement of hatching season during the past three years,” said Paul Merritt, vice president of Comcast Business for the Keystone Region.

HDOnTap once again is providing the

following day, Wildlife Investigator Ryan Garrison was searching the harvest database for deer tagging discrepancies in Auglaize County and found that the neighboring landowner had purchased a hunting license and an either-sex deer permit right after Officer Schemmel had spoken with him about the deer that was shot on his property. The neighboring landowner then checked in an antlered deer shortly after he was questioned.

Further investigation revealed the neighboring landowner checked in the deer for a family member who had already harvested an antlered deer for the season.

Both individuals were charged with several violations, and were found guilty in the Auglaize Municipal Court. They were ordered to pay $477 in fines, lost their hunting privileges for 1 year, and the deer was forfeited to the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

live-streaming services that make roundthe-clock viewing of the Eagle Cam possible. HDOnTap marketing director Tassia Bezdeka said the Game Commission’s Eagle Cam has been the most popular of any of the nest cams the service has streamed.

“HDOnTap is honored to continue our partnership with the Game Commission in streaming the Hanover bald eagle nest,” Bezdeka said. “This is our mostpopular nest cam, and we look forward to watching the eagles alongside the public. Last year, viewers enjoyed over 5.5 million hours of 24-7, live HD video and audio of the nest, as well as daily time-lapse clips on screens worldwide.

We can’t wait to see what develops this season!”

To view the Eagle Cam, go to the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.pa.gov and click on the eagle cam icon found near the top of the homepage. The live stream can be accessed on the page that will open.

Twitter and Facebook users also can share the Eagle Cam with friends by tweeting #PGCeaglecam.

Even though it’s early in the season, with weeks to go before any egg-laying or incubating might occur, Hough said

11

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

the Eagle Cam always is worth looking in on.

“It’s nature as it really is, and there’s no better way to observe eagles in such an up-close-and personal manner,” Hough said.

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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Nearly 13M Gun Owners Legally Carrying in Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) has released the Concealed Handgun License (CHL) statistics for the third quarter of 2016, setting new records.

The third quarter of 2016 was the busiest third quarter in history almost ensuring that more initial licenses will be issued in 2016 than any other year.

There are now over 574,000 valid Ohio CHLs. In addition to Ohio license holders, the state also honors an estimated 12,300,000 more licenses and permits from other states. All told, nearly 13 million U.S. citizens can now legally carry a concealed handgun in Ohio.

Stats at a glance: • For the first time, there are more than 574,000 active Ohio CHLs. • 25,474 is the most initial CHLs ever issued in a third quarter.

• This is a 59% increase over the same period the prior year.

• The 85% renewal rate was the highest ever renewal rate for a quarter.

• 5,474 regular CHLs, 8,754 renewals and 10 TELs meant a total of 34,238 li-

has a CHL. • Revocation rate is about 0.4%.

“None of this is surprising,” said Jim Irvine, Board President of Buckeye Firearms Association. “Ohio concealed carry instructors remain swamped with demand for their classes.”

Irvine continued, “We

censes were issued in the quarter.

• More initial CHLs (93,851) were issued in the first nine months of 2016 than in 2004, 2005, and 2006 combined.

• There are 4% more active CHLs than there were just three months ago.

• There are 21% more acwere tive CHLs than widely criticized there were just one for supporting a year ago. reduction in re• Sheriffs issued quired training over 15 CHLs per from 12 to 8 hours. The hour. reason was simple; we wanted more • Sheriffs ispeople to get training.

The numbers insued over 500 dicate that the change in required trainCHLs per week ing is having the effect we intended.” (almost double It is always difficult to assign specific historical avreasons for behavior. Certainly multiple erage). high profile terrorist attacks internation• The odds are now 1:16 Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Metro Creative ally, and at home have conthat any Ohio now has over 574,000 valid Conceal tributed to people taking an interest in their own safety. adult you see Handgun Licenses.

Many people thought the

January 2017

terror would end following Ramadan, then the election, but it is clear that terror is something we will have to deal with in our country going forward.

Data continues to support a theory expressed by Professor Brian Anse Patrick at the University of Toledo that demand has not leveled off, but is increasing over time. Concealed carry used to be mostly hard core gun owners, but it has become increasingly popular with soccer moms and others who just want to be safe in their everyday life. Concealed carry is rapidly becoming mainstream.

While no large group of people is perfect, Concealed Handgun License holders in Ohio and other states have proven to be considerably more law-abiding than the population at large.

Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending and advancing the right of citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation.

Contact Irvine via email at: jirvine@buckeyefirearms.org.

Bald Eagles Soar into Nest-Building Season

COLUMBUS, OH — As soon as late January, bald eagles start to scout nesting locations throughout Ohio. It is no longer unheard of to see bald eagles soaring over northeast Ohio, looking for last year’s nest or seeking out a sturdy tree in which to build a new nest. If you are lucky enough to spot a bald eagle carrying sticks or branches, this behavior is a great indication that the eagle is building a nest. The bald eagle is currently a state threatened species. Its habitat protection and research is funded by the sale of bald eagle conservation license plate sales and income tax checkoff donations to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund.

Many bald eagles can be seen in this region, throughout the year. That includes several nest areas that garner attention from wildlife lovers and photographers.

The adult bald eagle is one of the most easily recognized species of wildlife. It has snow white feathers covering its head down to the neck area. The tail feathers of the mature bald eagle are also white. The body color is very dark

brown, almost black. Yellow eyes, beak, and feet accent the bird’s appearance.

The white of the head and tail distinguish the fully mature eagle from immature birds of the species. Young eagles do not have this appearance until they reach the age of five or six years. Until that time, they are decidedly duller in appearance and, to the inexperienced observer, probably would not be recognized as a bald eagle. Immature eagles are almost uniformly dark brown from head to tail feather. Their undersides are mottled white with buff and cream blotches.

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Ohio Division of Wildlife

Many bald eagles can be seen in this region, throughout the year. That includes several nest areas that garner attention from wildlife lovers and photographers.

January 2017

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Official Ohio State Parks & Outdoors Guide Available

COLUMBUS, OH — Enhance your visit to any of Ohio’s State Parks with the new FREE mobile app—the only official State Park app that allows you to access up-to-date park information, such as upcoming events, weather conditions and safety alert communications, while taking in the scenery of your favorite parks. Choose a park to visit by location or by activity, such as camping or fishing.

The app offers users increased performance and activation speed with multi-tasking capabilities, enhanced user navigation, detailed park maps and interactive GPS mapping guide for use in areas with little to no mobile reception.

Use the photo waypoint feature to snap a photo and mark and record the coordinates of plant life, animal species or landscape views. Post or share these remarkable finds with family and friends with the click of a button.

Park goers can access rich GPS features, such as: • Advanced GPS Maps, which allow users to access trail data, record tracks from hikes, runs, or bike rides, and view

ODNR Offers Program on Conflicts with Geese

COLUMBUS, OH – To biologists, Canada geese are an outstanding conservation success story. Once extirpated from the state as a breeding species, Ohio now supports a healthy, growing population. However, to a landowner they can be viewed as nuisances that create conflict.

Learn more about conflict management with Canada geese during a free public program on February 7, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. The program will take place at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife District One Head-

Toledo Wants to Stop Deer Cull

TOLEDO, OH (AP) — Officials in Toledo are trying to stop plans to kill deer at a park that sits within the city.

Toledo’s law director says the plan would violate city laws prohibiting hunting and discharging a firearm.

The public agency that runs parks in the county says the cull will help reduce the damage caused by having too many

elapsed time and distance traveled.

• Easy-to-cache GPS Terrain Map tiles, which ensure that navigation remains possible in the event of lost mobile reception.

• Photo waypoint feature allowing users to snap a photo and mark and record the coordinates of plant life, animal species or landscape views. Post or share these remarkable finds with family and friends with the click of a button.

• Friend Finder feature that allows users to keep track of friends and family around the parks.

• Built-in compass to help direct users through the parks.

• Potentially life-saving Alert feature that supplies users’ GPS coordinates to designated contacts in case of an emergency.

Pocket Ranger® technology also provides plenty of other standard features that make exploring the great outdoors a breeze, including: • Thorough information on all State Parks including general policy, contact information, activities, trails, park maps and much more.

quarters, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus Ohio 43215.

The seminar will be led by Division of Wildlife staff that specializes in dealing with goose conflicts. Topics to be covered will not only include conflict management but also Canada goose biology, ecology, and population trends.

This program is best suited for ages 16 and up. The program is free but pre-registration is required as seating is limited.

ODNR, Division of Wildlife at 614-6443925 or email derek.klein@dnr.state.oh.us.

You can learn more about Canada geese in Ohio at www.wildohio.gov.

Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.gov.

deer in the park.

The Blade (http://bit.ly/2hRKhEU ) newspaper in Toledo reports that the cull is planned to take place over the next three months.

But the city law director says Toledo officials may take whatever steps necessary to enforce its regulations on hunting and discharging a firearm.

The park district’s natural resources director says the culls are considered legal population control of the animal and not hunting.

• Detailed, cacheable maps of park facilities, trails and campgrounds.

13

• Up-to-date news and information on park advisories and weather information.

• Sharing features that allow users to share current positions, waypoints and recorded tracks via Facebook, Twitter, or email.

• A Calendar of Events, updated in real time, listing all State Park events with the ability to filter by desired park. Users can also create their own schedule that can include any event from any park.

• Access to online reservations that make it easy to secure overnight visits.

Enjoy the outdoors....

Take a kid hunting or fishing

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of ODNR

Powered by Pocket Ranger, the Ohio State Parks app is free. Shown is an iPhone cover page for the app.

Join your local Sportsman’s Club, You’ll be glad you did!

Send us your trophy photos

Bill Hall 147", 21-pt., crossbow Franklin County, OH

Also for our Photo Showcase

Connor Mayle turkey Trumbull County, OH

email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East 4th Street East Liverpool, OH 43920

www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

14

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

10 Resolutions to Get You Fishing

By John Stillwagon Keep America Fishing Online Community Manager

This time of year, most of us say the same thing – “This year, I’m going to spend more time fishing.” Unfortunately, whether the reason is not enough time, no one to fish with, or not enough money, something always seems to get in the way.

Here are some “resolutions” for 2017 designed to get you out on the water.

Trust me, these are resolutions you’ll want to stick to.

1. Focus on fun.

While a bad day of fishing is always better than a good day at work, even the best of us get skunked once in a while. If you focus more on the fun than the size and number of fish you’re catching, it can turn a so-so day into a memorable one.

2. Buy a license.

Buying a license for the new year can be easy to put off so don’t delay. Take Me Fishing has a great page that makes

getting your 2017 license super easy.

3. Take a kid fishing.

Give a youngster a break from computers and video games and get them out catching fish. If you are taking a little one, try places that are close to home in case the weather turns bad or the fish aren’t biting.

4. Take a friend fishing.

Some estimates say there are over 60 million anglers in the U.S. but only 46 million went fishing last year. That means 14 million people who wanted to go fishing didn’t get the chance. Call up a friend and get them back in the action or check out a website like FishWithMe.net to find fishing outings in your area.

5. Fish for something new.

Variety is the spice of life. Try targeting a species you’ve never fished for. If you’ve never had a chance to fish saltwater, consider using ShareaFishingCharter.com. It’s a service that helps you book a spot on a charter boat without having to fill the boat yourself.

6. Create a savings plan to buy new

gear.

Whether you plan to set aside a dollar a day, save your spare change, or have a yard sale, there are lots of ways to save money. A swear jar works for me (a little too well.)

7. Take a class and learn something new.

One of the great things about fishing is that there’s always something to learn.

Many local clubs and big retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Field and Stream offer free classes on fly-fishing, boating safety, and using the latest lures.

8. Enter a tournament.

From big organizations like FLW and B.A.S.S. to local clubs, there’s no better way to test your skills than a little friendly competition.

9. Don’t forget your camera.

Sharing pictures of your catches with friends and family around the table or on social media is a great way to stay in touch with fishing buddies and to get young people interested in the sport.

Apps like Fishidy, Fishbrain, and ProAngler make it easy to share pics of your catch and get info on hot spots in your area.

10. Support Keep America Fishing.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot of politics in fishing and sometimes, an email

January 2017

Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo courtesy of Keep America Fishing

Give a youngster a break from computers and video games and get them out catching fish. Catching trout during the winter months can be great fun.

to your legislator can make a big difference for fishing in your local community or across the country. Keep America Fishing makes it easy to advocate for the issues you care about. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a penny. When there’s an issue affecting fishermen in your area, count on us to keep you in the loop.

January 2017

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

PA to Close Two Pheasant Farms

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission recently announced plans to close two pheasant farms – the Western Game Farm in Crawford County and the Northcentral Game Farm in Lycoming County.

As a result of the closures, 14 employees were notified their positions are being eliminated, effective Jan. 27.

The decision to close the farms strictly is a financial one.

Revenue from the sale of hunting and furtaker licenses makes up the majority of the Game Commission’s budget. Legislation that would have provided a much-needed increase in license-fee revenue was not approved in the General Assembly’s 2016 session. The Game Commission now is preparing to enter a third decade without an increase in the cost of a hunting or furtaker license, and the agency faces an $8 million budget shortfall in the coming fiscal year.

Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said closing the two pheasant farms figures to save the agency about $1.5 million in the next

fiscal year.

“It’s a difficult decision to make,” Hough said. “Our employees at the Western Game Farm and Northcentral Game Farm have worked hard throughout their careers to make our pheasant propagation program the best it can be.

They’ve done an outstanding job, and it’s tough to look them in the eyes and tell them their positions are being eliminated – especially at this time of year.

But, as an agency that has not seen its primary revenue source increase in almost 18 years, it – unfortunately – is necessary to make these types of reductions.”

The Game Commission will continue to operate two pheasant farms – the Loyalsock Game Farm in Lycoming County and the Southwest Game Farm in Armstrong County.

Bob Boyd, who heads up the Game Commission’s pheasant propagation program, said the agency will strive to produce the same quality birds it has.

Obviously, pheasant production will decrease overall in 2017-18 due to the closure of the two farms, Boyd said. But the agency has hopes to release about

170,000 pheasants for hunting in the fall of 2017, he said.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is considering adopting regulations to create a “pheasant hunting permit” as a requirement to hunt Pennsylvania pheasants. The current proposed cost of the permit is $25 for adults, and $1 for junior hunters.

Revenue from the permit fees could sustain the program into the future.

While the Game Commission is permitted under law to create new permits, hunting and furtaker license fees must

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be approved by the General Assembly.

For several years, the Game Commission has sought to increase license revenues through pursuing legislation to increase the cost of a hunting license, or allow the agency’s Board of Commissioners to set license fees. However, neither proposal has been approved by the General Assembly. The latest attempt, Senate Bill 1166, expired in the House of Representatives at the completion of the 2016 legislative session, despite near-unanimous approval in the Senate.

Calendar of Events

Indoor Pistol/Rifle Events - Each Tuesday/Friday until April 2017 at Columbiana County Fish and Game Association, 45716 Middle Beaver Road, Lisbon, OH 44432.

For additional information email: ccfishgame@gmail.com or visit their website at: www.columbianacountyfishandgame.com.

Trap Shoots - 10-Bird Meat Shoots will be held on Sundays; Jan. 15 and Feb. 19.

The Iceman Trap Event will be held Jan. 29, 2017. Regular trap shoots (open to public) held each Weds. and Sun. Sporting clays held fourth Sunday of the month at Columbiana County Fish and Game Assoc. at 45716 Middle Beaver Road, Lisbon, OH 44432. For info. contact Mike Giambroni at 330-383-2552 or visit www.columbianacountyfishandgame.com.

2017 Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show - Jan. 19-21, 2017 at new Mount Hope Event Center in Millersburg, OH. (Was formerly held at Buckeye Event Center in Dalton, OH.) Center located at 8076 state Route 241 in Millersburg. Show hours: Thursday 2-9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info. contact Jody Witzky at 740-397-7788 or email him at jodywitzky@earthlink.net.

Website: www.ohiosportmanshow.com.

Pittsburgh Outdoor Expo - January 27-29, downtown Pittsburgh at David Lawrence Convention Center, Hall ‘B’ and ‘C’, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. One admission ($10) for all three shows: (1) Pittsburgh Outdoor Expo, (2) Paddle Sports Pittsburgh and (3) Three Rivers Boat Show. Promoter is Clicker Shows, 412-405-9721 or email ClickerShows@gmail.com.

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.

Ohio State Trappers Association Fur Auction - Feb. 11, 2016 at 50 Boyer Lane (just off Rt. 41) in Jeffersonville, OH. Starts at 9 a.m. Call Brian Sprague at 419-3054869. Visit the OSTA website at: www.ohiostatetrapper.org.

Great American Outdoor Show - Feb 4-12 at Farm Show Complex, 2300 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Admission is $14. 1,000+vendors. Shows, seminars and celebrities.

Visit website for information: www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.

32nd Allegheny Outdoor Sport & Travel Show - Feb. 17-19 at Monroeville (PA) Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville, PA 1514. Phone: 412-3737300. Admission $12 ($9 with Subway coupon). Free parking. Promoter is: Expositions, Inc. Website: www.sportandtravel.com.

West Virginia Trappers Association Spring Rendezvous and Fur Auction - March 3-5, 2017 at Gilmer County Recreation Center, Glenville, WV. Several vendors. For info. call Scott Schimmel at 304-462-7270, email Janet Hodge at hawkmtn@hawkmtn.com or visit website at: www.wvtrappers.com.

Ohio State Trappers Association Fur Auction - March 11, 2017 at Kidron, Ohio.

Starts at 9 a.m. Call Brian Sprague at 419-305-4869. Visit the OSTA website at: www.ohiostatetrapper.org.

Field & Stream/Outdoor Life Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo - March 17-19 at Bricker Building Ohio Expo Center (State Fairgrounds), 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211. Admission $14 ($11 with coupon). Vendors, seminars, deer contest.

Website: www.deerinfo.com/ohio. For information, call 800-324-3337.

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

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Highlights Noted for NWF Great Lakes Region

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Congress Authorizes Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Signaling Long-term Commitment The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has enjoyed success for the last seven years producing results across the region with funding levels consistently at or above $300 million per year. However, the program was never authorized, so funding levels were subject to the interest and support from members of Congress and the President. Thanks to the Water Infrastructure Investments for the Nation Act (formerly the Water Resources Development Act), which passed in late December, the popular Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been authorized for five years at $300

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Jordan Lubetkin, the Senior Regional Communications Manager of the National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Regional Center offered the top stories and milestone events that impacted the Great Lakes region during 2016 and projects and committments for the new year. Lubetkin is available by phone at: 734-904-1589. Email him at: lubetkin@nwf.org. Check out the NWF website at: www.nwf.org.

Below is some of the highlights: Presidential Candidates Commit to Great Lakes Restoration The presidential campaign dominated the news cycle in 2016, and a substantial part of our work this last year involved drawing the attention of major party candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to the importance of the Great Lakes. At the Healing Our WatersGreat Lakes Coalition’s annual conference in September, both campaigns expressed support for continuing federal funding for Great Lakes restoration efforts, recognizing the importance of the successful and popular Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In an article in the

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million annually. In the coming year, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition will push the incoming administration and members of Congress to fully fund the initiative to keep making progress restoring the Great Lakes.

Conservation Leaders Beat Back attempt to Weaken Protections against Invasive Species Aquatic invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels are huge problems.

Nationally, such invaders cost people, communities, businesses and utilities billions of dollars in damages and control costs. One of the main pathways these invaders take enter U.S. waters is through boats emptying their dirty ballast water. In November, in fact, the EPA announced the discovery of a small nonnative crustacean in western Lake Erie.

The discovery followed months of aggressive lobbying by some federal lawmakers to roll back Clean Water Act protections to keep such invaders out of U.S. waters. A consortium of conservation groups worked with public officials to stop attempts to scuttle the most effective tool we have at stopping further invasions. The U.S. EPA is expected to announce stronger ballast water protections in 2017. Conservation groups will work to uphold the Clean Water Act and its protections against non-native species.

States, Feds Hobble Along to Help Lake Erie Two years ago, a harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie poisoned drinking water for more than 400,000 people for three days. You would think that crisis would inspire a sense of urgency to

January 2017

solve the problem. Not quite. The good news is that in 2015, one year after the drinking water crisis, the states of Michigan and Ohio joined with the Canadian province of Ontario in signing a landmark agreement to cut harmfulalgal-bloom producing phosphorus runoff from farms and other sources.

Since that time, it’s been slow going.

The state of Ohio’s failure to list the western Lake Erie as “impaired� under the Clean Water Act denies additional resources and expertise to help restore the lakes. Michigan has been mildly better. Both states are on the hook for action plans to reduce excessive nutrients into the lake. For its part, the U.S. EPA has refused to even act on Ohio’s and Michigan’s assessments of Lake Erie.

State and federal agencies need to step up to the plate in 2017 to start making a dent in this problem.

Researchers Underscore Threat of Oil Spill in Great Lakes In March, the University of Michigan published a study detailing the risk of a potential oil spill in the Great Lakes at the Straits of Mackinac, where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. The study modeled what would happen under various spill scenarios, concluding that more than 700 miles of shoreline in Michigan were vulnerable to an oil spill from the twin pipelines known as Line 5. Later in the year, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge Energy regarding the company’s 2010 oil spill in Michigan’s Kalamazoo River, which was the largest inland oil disaster in U.S. history.

Walleye Madness Tournament Slate Set

PENINSULA, OH — Walleye Madness Tournaments (WMT) have announced its 2017 tournament schedule with four Ohio events scheduled. Registration for the events are now open. WMT is operated by their officially sanctioned Walleye Federation club - Walleye Team 6 (WT6).

The 2017 WMT schedule includes four events: May 7 at Salt Fork Lake; May 21 at Mosquito Lake; June 24 at Lake Erie-Geneva and August 19 at Lake Erie-Conneaut.

All events in 2017 are 100% payback, no membership fees. Low entry of $150 each tournament with lots of sponsor give-a-ways.

The title sponsors of Walleye Madness Tournaments are: Lund Boats, Mercury Marine and Buckeye Sports Center. Events will feature $700 in contingency bonuses — $200 Buckeye Sports Center Big Fish; $300 Lund Boats bonus and $200 Mercury Marine bonus.

New this year, Team of the Year Points Race, based on all four tournaments; $50 entry, 100% payback, winner take all. Open to all anglers.

The Walleye Federation WT6 will also feature an early entry award (by March 31) for a chance to win a Canyon Cooler Outfitter 35, valued at $250.

Organizers expect all events to sell out. Entry fee is $150. Visit their website: www.walleyemadness.net for entry deadlines and registration forms. Sign-up by calling TWF at 580-765-2319 (tell them you would like to sign-up for Club #6000031) or go to WT6 sign-up page for mail-in form. (All 2017 NTC Qualifiers must be 2017 Members to fish NTC.)

January 2017

Billy Jones 8-pt.

Hancock County, WV

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

17

PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY

Luke Sprouse 13-pt., compound bow Columbiana County, OH

Lonnie Sprouse 12-pt Columbiana County, OH

Seth Grimes, age 13 1st day gun season Jefferson County, OH

Ron DeSanzo 8-pt., gun Columbiana County, OH

Send Us Your Photos

Riley Heldreth, age 7 1st raccoon Jefferson County, OH

Darryn Markey, age 7 1st buck, bow Holmes County, OH

Tom Rose 6-pt., gun season Licking 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

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

18

January 2017

www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

Ohio Valley Outdoors

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What Makes Us Hunters?

By Josh Lantz, Traditions Media

I hunt because I enjoy watching the sun rise over creation. I hunt because it affords the opportunity to be in direct contact with nature. I hunt to learn something about the natural world that I didn’t know before I ventured into the woods or marsh. I hunt to provide my family with a source of natural protein. I hunt because it requires that I use my intellect, stealth, physical abilities and natural instincts in order to be successful, and in doing so, forms an immediate, tangible, physical and intellectual connection with thousands of years of human evolution.

That’s why I hunt. If I asked another hunter to tell me why they choose to hunt, I might hear some of these same reasons or variations of these reasons. I

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would also expect to hear some altogether different responses.

At the personal level, it really doesn’t matter why we make the decision to hunt. We need only know that we derive some sense of enjoyment or satisfaction from our activities; that some other benefits are realized; or that a need is being met. So if hunting makes sense to you, then why does the act seem so bizarre, and even offensive, to many nonhunters?

Being a hunter, I can’t answer this question with any degree of certainty. I suspect, however, that many non-hunters are probably non-hunters because they have never been exposed to the rural hunting ethic, or a lifestyle that relies on firsthand experiences with things like wild animals, plants, dirt, and rain. Such individuals have likely never seen a coy-

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ote put the stalk on a wild pheasant, or a yearling deer so emaciated from a lack of browse in its suburban woodlot home that it has started to consume its own flesh. What is more likely, is that they have been raised in an environment that has taught them to curse the rain and look in disdain at the hawk that nabs squirrels from their backyard feeders. If they are lucky, they may have learned enough about nature to put a rock or two on top of their garbage cans to discourage masked urban critters from tipping them over.

We can’t blame people for being people. People are who they are, and as convenient as it sometimes seems, we can’t treat everyone who doesn’t hunt as the enemy. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have had someone introduce them to hunting, and the simple truth is that the majority of people in this country do not fit conveniently into either the hunter or anti-hunter categories. Our fast-paced, multi-media-inspired post-

modern society has conditioned us to be fence sitters on issues and activities that we perceive as having no personal connection with. Our lives are busy, and even important issues become meaningless to us if we have no daily interaction with them.

This reality is both an opportunity and a liability for hunters. While we have the opportunity to share our passion for the outdoors with non-hunters in positive and educational ways, the many organized anti-hunting groups have the same opportunity to share their views - however extremist or misleading they may be.

The sad truth is that the antis have a leg up. The continuing fast-paced urbanization of of our country is resulting in a growing urban demographic and a shrinking rural one. Every year, fewer Americans will have the opportunity to grow up on a farm or in a household Hunters From Page 19

January 2017

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Be a Conservation Hero!

HARRISBURG, PA — Have you witnessed a wildlife crime against big game (deer, turkey, bear and elk) or a species that is protected, endangered or threatened in Pennsylvania? Call Operation Game Thief’s toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to report wildlife violations: 1-888-PGC8001 or fill out an Operation Game Thief Reporting Form online.

Calls to the Operation Game Thief telephone number are always answered by a secure recording device. Although it is beneficial to provide your contact information in case officers have follow-up questions, callers may remain confidential, however, those who wish to claim any monetary reward, must provide contact information.

ened species, or any crime against those species should be reported through Operation Game Thief. Other violations should be reported to the region office serving the county in which the violation is taking place as quickly as possible.

Hunters From Page 18

somebody new to the outdoors.

Upland hunt clubs and preserves are great places to take anyone new to hunting or the shooting sports and are open right now. So why not plan an outing and invite someone you know? New shooters can receive safety and shooting instruction from club staff, then build confidence by breaking some targets on the trap range or sporting clays course.

If they enjoy the experience, advise them of their options for obtaining a hunter safety certification and how to obtain the licenses and stamps they’ll need to come back and hunt real birds. When they’re ready, plan a return trip and take them to the field to try for some pheasants, chukkar or fast-flying quail. Most states offer upland preserve hunting seasons that are typically open all winter long.

You probably know and understand the reasons why you hunt, and can effectively and tactfully communicate those reasons to anyone who might ask. If you don’t, think about it, because you aren’t doing yourself - or the rest of us - any favors. Once you do, take some reasonable steps to share the joy hunting brings, while also protecting wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage for future generations. Actively support at least one chosen wildlife conservation and hunting advocacy group, and take someone you know shooting and hunting. Ask. Chances are, they can’t or won’t do it without you.

What Crimes Should I Report?

Wildlife crimes affect us all, whether we are hunters, trappers, bird watchers or others who enjoy walking in the woods.

The illegal shooting or taking of big game or protected, endangered or threatwhere hunting has a deeper meaning than killing - a household where children learn firsthand about hunting and personal interaction with wildlife from their fathers, mothers, siblings and grandparents instead of some biased educational or nature program on television or the Internet.

If we are to perpetuate hunting and active wildlife conservation in this country for future generations, we must support the national hunting advocacy groups that defend the neutral public from the misrepresented informational campaigns and veiled assaults on our hunting heritage. It simply has to be this way, so pick one or more hunting and conservation advocacy groups you personally believe in and join.

We must also act locally as responsible and tactful hunting ambassadors - in our neighborhoods, churches, schools, and local governments. This doesn’t mean that we should feel compelled or obligated to launch our own full-throttle prohunting campaigns in these forums.

What it does mean, is that each of us have the responsibility to know and understand the reasons why we hunt; to be able to communicate those reasons clearly and constructively; to be able to project a positive and informed impression of hunting to our non-hunting friends and neighbors; and to be everwatchful for opportunities to introduce

What Information Should I Provide?

Please provide as many details as possible: • Description of what you saw and the species involved.

• Date and Time of occurrence • Location: County, Township, Address • Description of person(s): height, weight, hair color, eye color, approximate age, tattoo or other distinguishing feature, clothing, sporting arm.

• Vehicle description: color, make, model, dents, decals, bumper stickers; license number and state; road/route; direction of travel.

• Your name and phone number (required to claim any monetary reward) and whether or not you choose to remain confidential.

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