Changes designed to restore quality hunting experiences

NORTH BLOOMFIELD, OH – Hunters who are interested in waterfowl hunting at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area and Refuge in Trumbull County should note some changes in obtaining and using permits during the 2011 season, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Firstly, all hunters who want to hunt from goose blinds at Mosquito Creek must apply online or by mail in order to be drawn for opportunities through the controlled hunt program. Unfilled goose blinds will no longer be offered to waterfowl hunters who are present at the daily drawings.

Secondly, daily drawings for waterfowl hunts will now take place on a Tues.-Thurs.-Sat. rotation instead of the traditional Mon.-Wed.-Fri.-Sat. rotation. The drawings for waterfowl season will begin promptly at 5:15 a.m. and drawings for teal season start at 5:45 a.m.

Thirdly, the week of deer-gun season and as well as the following week will be eliminated from the waterfowl drawings. Last year, hunters only harvested a total of two ducks during these two particular weeks combined. The third and final Saturday drawing for teal season will be eliminated as well due to lack of interest from hunters and few birds present.

“All of these changes are designed to restore a more quality hunting experience for everyone who participates,” explained Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area Manager Lou Orosz. “We can’t make special allowances for suitable weather conditions, however, we can help ensure that the refuge is not hunted to the point that the quality experience is being lost,” Orosz said. Additionally, several days of Division of Wildlife manpower will be saved or better utilized to collect valuable data during deer season as a result of these changes.

Hunters can apply for controlled hunts at www.wildohio.com through July 31st, 2011. To obtain paper applications call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

For questions or clarification call Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area at (440) 685-4776.