COLUMBUS, OH - Early migratory bird hunting season dates were approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council during its July 24th meeting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Ohio's morning dove, early Canada goose, rail, moorhen and snipe hunting seasons will open statewide on September 1.
Doves may be hunted from September 1 through October 20, and November 21 through November 30. The daily bag limit of increases from 12 to 15 this year and possession limit increases from 24 to 30 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 7 through September 15 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 December 1, and from December 9 through December 22 with a daily bag limit of eight and a possession limit of 16. Woodcock may be hunted October 18 through December 1 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 license. 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 2002-2003 hunting licenses, wetland stamps, and permits are currently available and remain valid through February 28, 2003.
For Further Information Contact:
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6325
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882