COLUMBUS, OH - September 1 marks the opening day of the fall hunting season, with Ohio hunters taking to forests, fields and waters in pursuit of some of the state’s most popular game, including squirrel, mourning dove and Canada goose.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife predicts hunting for doves and Canada geese will be excellent this year. Squirrel hunting should be good. Hunters should still see good numbers of gray squirrels. They should be most abundant in the forested hills of eastern and southern Ohio. The outlook for fox squirrels is expected to be above average, with small woodlots adjacent to crop fields and trees near rivers and streams the best locales.

Rail, moorhen and snipe seasons also open on September 1. Teal season opens on September 6 and runs through September 21.

Hunting is one of the state’s best recreational bargains, with a one-year license for Ohio residents costing just $19. Those hunting waterfowl must also purchase a federal Duck Stamp, along with an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, at a cost of $15 each. Federal Duck Stamps are available at many post offices. Ohio licenses and permits can be purchased from license vendors in the state, or online at wildohio.com.

Detailed information on these and other upcoming hunting seasons can be found in the 2008-09 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.