COLUMBUS, OH - Hunting licenses, along with special permits and state wetland habitat stamps, will go on sale August 16 at license vendors throughout the state, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced.
The new hunting license is valid September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002 and costs $15 for Ohio residents. A discounted resident youth hunting license for persons age 15 and under, costs $8. Non-resident annual hunting licenses cost $91 and a 3-day non-resident small game hunting license costs $25. All first-time hunters must pass a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
"Ohio offers some of the best and most diverse hunting opportunities in the country," said Michael Budzik, chief of ODNR's Division of Wildlife. "Whether hunting the popular white-tailed deer, the elusive turkey or our plentiful small game, hunting continues to be a great Buckeye state family tradition."
People age 66 and older can obtain their free hunting licenses and permits through any license vendor. Disabled veterans who qualify may obtain their free hunting license and permits by mailing an application to the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Applications are available from Division of Wildlife district offices in Columbus, Akron, Findlay, Athens, and Xenia.
The first hunting season begins August 18 for squirrels. The hunting seasons for mourning doves, Canada geese and teal, opens on September 1.
Waterfowl hunters must purchase a federal duck stamp in addition to having a valid Ohio hunting license with a state wetlands habitat stamp endorsement. The state wetlands habitat stamp endorsement costs $11. Since the endorsement appears on the hunting license, waterfowl hunters are no longer required to carry the stamp with them.
This year's stamp features a canvasback duck painted by Indiana artist Brian Blight. The stamps will be mailed to purchasers beginning in late October and running throughout the year.
At the time of purchasing a hunting license, hunters will be required to respond to several questions as part of the Harvest Information Program (HIP). A new HIP certification is required every year for hunters of migratory gamebirds.
Additional license information and a summary of Ohio's hunting and trapping regulations is included in a published guide booklet which is available at all license vendors, or from any Division of Wildlife office.
This year, for the first time, the regulations booklet may also be viewed in its entirety on the ODNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/hunting/huntregs/default.htm
For Further Information Contact:
Vicki Mountz, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6393
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882