If hunters and anglers thought October was a great month to be outdoors, November must then rank a close second as a favorite time of year. The same holds true for those who enjoy the outdoors and do not hunt or fish.
While grouse, waterfowl, archery deer and special youth hunting seasons got underway last month, November ushers in another full round of additional hunting and trapping opportunities. The Division of Wildlife said it expects hunters will enjoy improved hunting success this year for pheasants and rabbits as these species are reported to be more abundant than last year. Hunting seasons for pheasants, rabbits, quail, and mourning doves open November 3.
Most furbearer populations have increased significantly over that past decade as well. Prices that are paid for raw furs harvested by trappers and hunters are expected to be somewhat higher this year as fur market demand increases. Hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel open November 10.
November also marks the most popular hunting season of all in the Buckeye State as the statewide deer gun season opens November 27. As many as 500,000 people are expected to hunt deer again this year. An increased deer herd this year is expected to lead to an increased deer gun harvest. Deer hunting, including the archery and primitive deer seasons, generates an economic impact for the state estimated at $200 million. Ohio deer hunters each spend an average of $400 per year in pursuit of white-tailed deer.
While nearly all hunting seasons are closed during the one-week deer gun season, hunting seasons for waterfowl, squirrel, ruffed grouse, migratory gamebirds, coyote and groundhog also continue in November.
Fall fishing opportunities were reported as excellent last month, which likely will continue in some areas of the state during November. As conditions allow, anglers are expected to continue taking good numbers of walleyes and yellow perch in certain areas of Lake Erie. The area 6-10 miles off of Huron offered some of the years hottest walleye action last month.
In northeast Ohio, November attracts more anglers to some of the Lake Erie tributaries in pursuit of large steelhead trout. Locations such as the Rocky, Chagrin and Grand rivers, along with Conneaut Creek and Arcola Creek are the top locations for fall steelhead fishing. As waters continue to cool elsewhere, anglers also will begin directing their effort in the tailwaters below inland reservoir dams in search of saugeyes. Anglers also focus more fishing effort in the tailwaters below lock and dam structures along the Ohio River. Ohio has long been a leading state in its management of the saugeye fishery.
And if youre not a hunter, trapper or angler, November still offers a variety of other outdoor opportunities. Camping, hiking and equestrian activities remain popular in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Day as long as mild or seasonal weather conditions are present. Wildlife viewing opportunities remain good for a number of wildlife species at many locations throughout the state. The Ohio Wildlife Viewing Guide published by ODNRs Division of Wildlife provides descriptions and locations of Ohios best wildlife viewing areas and is available at many local bookstores and from the Division of Wildlife (1-800-WILDLIFE).
Visitations to state parks, forests, natural areas, and other outdoor recreation areas attract a smaller, but loyal following of people who can enjoy the outdoors away from seasonal crowds of visitors and during a cooler time of year. Before winter weather sets in, November also offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural geologic features and rock formations such as those found at Hocking Hills State Park in southeast Ohio and Clifton Gorge in southwest Ohio.
Ohios tourism industry is deeply rooted in outdoors recreation and represents a $ billion industry that helps support more than 300,000 Ohio jobs annually. The Buckeye State ranks nationally as the sixth most visited state. For additional information about Ohios outdoor recreation opportunities during November and other times of the year, contact the Ohio Department of Travel & Tourism or call the Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism at 1-800-BUCKEYE. Additional activities are listed on the calendar of events for the Ohio State Parks and the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.