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May
11
Written by:
news editor
5/11/2010 12:00 AM
05/11/10 On May 8, 10 Ohio youth took to the woods with Governor Strickland and several experienced hunting guides.
Governor Strickland Promotes Ohio's Outdoor Traditions
Special turkey hunt helps youngsters hone outdoor skills and hunting ethics
COLUMBUS, OH - Governor Ted Strickland's Third Annual Youth Spring Turkey Hunt paired experienced hunters with a group of up and coming Ohio sportsmen and women for a premier wild turkey hunting opportunity.
On May 8, 10 Ohio youth took to the woods with Governor Strickland and several experienced hunting guides in Muskingum and Coshocton counties. Three of the 10 youth harvested turkeys on Saturday.
The young hunters were top finishers in a statewide essay contest focused on the topic, "My Best Hunt Ever" and one was the recipient of a National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship. The turkey hunt dovetails with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife’s effort to encourage youth involvement in outdoor recreation, including hunting, and highlights Ohio's spectacular turkey hunting opportunities.
"Turkey hunting is a time-honored tradition in Ohio, and I enjoy taking part in this outdoor activity each year," said Governor Ted Strickland. "This event is especially gratifying because it gives me an opportunity to share with youth the incredible experience of a day in the field, connecting to nature and Ohio’s hunting heritage."
Youth who participated in the weekend event include Albert James Antolik, New Albany; Samuel Garrigus, Bryan; Darren Gephart, Fort Loramie; MacKrea Kilpatrick, Newcomerstown; Ben Rodriguez, Bluffton; Emily Schaad, Stockport; Josiah Sifford, McArthur; Jaime Nicole Socotch, Alliance; Michael Stark, Brunswick; and Michael Thompson, New Plymouth.
Generous supporters and sponsors provided food, lodging and hunting equipment for the guests including American Electric Power Ohio, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Birchwood Casey, Consol Energy, Flint Ridge Outfitters, Great Solutions, Harry Gerent, Hunter Specialties, Mike’s Archery, Jim Dandy's Barbecue, National Wild Turkey Federation, RealTree, Rittberger Meats, Russ Faulhaber, ODNR division of Wildlife and Parks & Recreation, Ohio Trophy Buck Outfitters, Outtech, Quaker Boy, Trophy Rock, Woodhaven Custom Calls and Zink Calls.
The Eastern wild turkey is Ohio's largest game bird. Spring wild turkey hunting is open in all 88 Ohio counties through May 16. Ohio's wild turkey population was estimated at 200,000 prior to the start of the spring season.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
Jim Marshall, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6302
Vicki Mountz, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6393
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6325
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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