COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio's squirrel hunting season opens this Saturday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The season is open statewide from August 18 through January 31, 2002, except during the week of deer gun hunting season.
The daily bag limit for squirrels, which includes fox squirrels, gray squirrels, and red squirrels, is four. Squirrels may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
"This should be a good year for Ohio squirrel hunters," said Mike Reynolds, ODNR Division of Wildlife squirrel project leader. "Last fall's abundant crop of acorns, beechnuts and hickory nuts is a good indicator of squirrel populations for this season in most areas of the state."
When acorns and assorted nut crops -- also referred to as mast crops - are plentiful, they provide squirrels with storable winter food and result in improved winter survival and better reproductive success for the animals. The mast crop index for last year was up nearly 25 percent over 1999.
Reynolds encourages all squirrel hunters to promptly field dress and cool harvested game. "With the season starting in August there will be many days of high temperatures where hunters will want to quickly cool their harvest."
Hunters can still use their 2000 hunting license through August 31, after which a 2001 hunting license is required.
For Further Information Contact:
Vicki Mountz, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6393 or
Mike Reynolds, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(740) 664-2745