Preparing for the hunt: All local sportsmen reminded of laws, safety

  • By Shelly Webb of The Bargain Hunter
  • November 2, 2009
  • 714
                        
The message written in hunter orange across the camouflage T-shirt was loud and clear. “We interrupt this marriage to bring you… hunting season.” While meant to be a joke, any avid hunter knows that hunting season can dominate all your free time, not to mention your spare change. But if you’re not up to speed on hunting laws or paying attention to property boundaries, hunting season can dominate a lot more of your time and money than usual. Brennan Earick, state wildlife officer for the Holmes County area, along with Eric Ucker, state wildlife officer for Wayne County, reminds hunters to review hunting and trapping regulations for the upcoming season. “These regulations are important to read and understand,” Earick said. “This year an individual could take 18 deer statewide if they purchase all the proper tags and hunt in the correct zones. In years past the state was separated into three zones and urban zones for deer hunting. A certain number of deer could be shot in each zone, not to exceed zone bag limits. A statewide total of seven deer, and only one antlered deer, could be taken per license year. But this year is a little different. This year a hunter could harvest the maximum number of deer allowed for each zone: two in Zone A, four in Zone B, six in Zone C, and six in urban zones, for a statewide total of 18 deer. However, only one deer may be antlered.” Most people, especially farmers, hope to see a large number of deer taken, antlered or not. Ucker said the best way for that to happen is for landowners and farmers to allow hunting on their property. “The problem with overpopulation of deer occurs when hunters aren’t permitted to hunt on private land,” he said. “The deer are on the private land and they can’t be taken if hunters aren’t allowed to hunt there. Some landowners fear liability, but the law is pretty cut and dry. As long as the landowner takes reasonable care of his property and there are no big holes or obvious dangerous situations, then if someone twists an ankle or breaks a leg the landowner will not be found liable. However, if a landowner charges any fees for hunting, then it’s a whole new ballgame and opens him up to liability if something were to happen.” According to Earick, there are many hunting violations, but the more common ones are easy to avoid. “Hunting without permission (HWOP) is a very common problem,” he said. “It is also a misdemeanor of the third degree for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree on a second offense. What that means is a first offense of HWOP could result in a $500 fine and 60 days in jail, and a second offense could result in a $750 fine and 90 days in jail. Always respect the landowner and their property. Other common violations are unplugged shotguns, hunting without hunter orange, and overbag/hunt after/before legal hunting time. These are the areas that we see the most problems with.” Ucker agreed. “Every hunter has to make sure he only has three shots in that shotgun at any time,” Ucker added. “Also be safe. If you’re not sure what you’re shooting at, don’t shoot. Every year we have accidents and tragedies. One thing I am not in favor of that a lot of hunters do is deer drives. The concept of a group of hunters marching towards each other shooting is not a safe idea.” Hunting licenses and having the proper tags are another important regulation for any hunter. “With the exception of landowners, their spouse, and the landowner’s children and the landowner’s grandchildren (who are under the age of 18) any person planning to go afield in the pursuit of wild game needs to have a valid hunting license and the proper permits for the game species he/she plans to hunt,” Earick said. “There are reduced cost licenses and permits available for youth and seniors. The Division of Wildlife publishes the annual Hunting and Trapping Regulations each year that lists many of the requirements and legal guidelines that need to be followed while hunting. These publications are available at the many hunting license vendors across the state and online at the wildlife Web site www.wildohio.com.” Hunting is a great sport that many look forward to every year. When regulations and laws are followed the season is always more successful. Another area that needs to be addressed for a successful hunting season is safety. Every year across Ohio hunting accidents and mishaps occur. Sometimes these mishaps result in a minor injury but there are instances where the mishap becomes a tragedy. “Safety during the hunting season is an important issue,” Ucker said. “Using common sense and making sure you’ve read over the Hunting and Trapping Regulations will ensure a safer hunting season. These regulations are in place to make the season safer so it’s important for hunters to follow the rules if they want to have a good season.” The Ohio Division of Wildlife is available to answer any questions. They may be contacted at 800-WILDLIFE or visit their Web site at www.wildohio.com. The site contains a tremendous amount of information for both sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Licenses and permits can now be purchased from the Web site online as well.


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