COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Wildlife Council has approved dates for early migratory bird hunting this year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. There is little change to this year's early migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits from those of 2000.
Ohio's morning dove, early Canada goose, teal, rail, moorhen, and snipe hunting seasons will open statewide on September 1. Doves may be hunted from September 1 through October 16 and November 2 through November 25 with a daily bag limit of 12 and a possession limit of 24 birds.
The statewide early Canada goose season will open September 1 through September 15 with a daily bag limit of five and a possession limit of 10, except the daily bag and possession limit is two Canada geese within the Crane Creek/Ottawa, Mosquito Creek, Mercer, and Killdeer Plains mandatory reporting zones.
Teal may be hunted statewide September 1 through September 16 with a daily bag limit of four and possession limit of eight birds.
Sora and Virginia rails may be hunted September 1 through November 9 with a daily bag and possession limit of 25 birds. Moorhens (gallinule) may be hunted September 1 through November 9 with a daily bag limit of 15 and a possession limit of 30. Snipe may be hunted September 1 through November 25 and from December 3 through December 23 with a daily bag limit of eight and a possession limit of 16. Woodcock may be hunted October 12 through November 25 with a daily bag limit of three and a possession limit of six.
People planning to hunt any migratory birds, including all waterfowl, are required to answer several questions for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey when purchasing their hunting licenses. A state wetland habitat stamp endorsement and a valid and signed federal duck stamp are required in addition to a hunting license when hunting waterfowl such as Canada geese and teal. The new 2001-2002 hunting licenses, wetland stamps, and permits go on sale beginning August 16 and remain valid through August 31, 2002.