COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio wildlife biologists predict the 2002-2003 squirrel hunting season that begins August 17 should be one of the most productive in recent years, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The high squirrel population in 2001, coupled with an average to good mast (food) crop and mild winter, should result in excellent hunting throughout Ohio again this season, said state wildlife biologist Mike Reynolds.
As a result of that healthy population, hunters will now be able to harvest two additional squirrels per day, with the daily bag limit expanded to six for the first time. Squirrels may be hunted from a half hour before sunrise until sunset. The statewide season is open from August 17 through January 31, 2003, except during the week of deer gun hunting season.
This year, for the first time, Sunday hunting on private land will not be restricted by acreage size requirements. Earlier this year Governor Bob Taft signed House Bill 493, the Sunday Hunting bill, which removed previous private land restrictions on Sunday hunting during hunting seasons in Ohio. Public land was already open to Sunday hunting with no restrictions.
A resident Ohio hunting license costs $15 for an adult and $8 for hunters under the age of 16. Licenses are now on sale and valid through February 28, 2003. They are available at any ODNR Division of Wildlife district office and 1,350 retail outlets statewide. A complete list of hunting seasons and regulations is contained in the 2002-2003 Hunting & Trapping Regulations, available wherever licenses are sold.
For Further Information Contact:
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6325
-or-
Andy Ware , ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882