Any long deer hunting season has its ups and downs, due mostly to the weather, and this deer hunting season in Ohio is no exception. But overall, it’s been a good one.
Ohio deer hunters killed about 9 percent fewer whitetails during this year’s muzzleloader season, Jan. 9-12, compared to a year ago.
This year’s total was 12,505 following a 13,724 muzzleloader season total in 2015.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 180,917 deer have been killed so far in this deer season (through Jan. 13). Through the same date last year about 169,179 had been killed. The year before the total was 186,347 for the same period.
The only method left this season for hunting deer is archery. The bow season remains open through Feb. 7.
Here are the muzzlerloader season totals for area counties. The numbers in parentheses are from last year:
Adams 274 (277), Allen 45 (57), Auglaize 49 (38), Brown 221 (245), Butler 72 (85), Champaign 72 (83), Clark 41 (33), Clermont 173 (168), Clinton 64 (64), Darke 34 (28), Greene 49 (48), Highland 214 (243), Logan 144 (128), Mercer 17 (29), Miami 29 (37), Montgomery 29 (33), Preble 62 (55), Shelby 63 (60), Warren: 74 (65).
For more deer information, visit wildohio.com.
Safe Boating Class Offered
Flotilla 6-02 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a safe boating class Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. at Eagle Creek Marine, 5700 Poe Ave on the north side of Dayton.
State and federal requirements will be covered, satisfying the Ohio law stating anyone born on or after Jan. 1 1982 must take this course in order to operate a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower.
The class will cost $5 or $20 with the text book. Call Jerry at (937) 890-5964 for more information.
Free Workshop Planned
Anyone interested in learning how to make jerky or smoke wild game can attend a free workshop provided by the Ohio Division of Wildlife on Feb. 4 from 6-9 p.m. All meat and equipment will be supplied. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Registered attendees will be provided with location and directions. For information or registration call (937) 347-0920, or email Kathy.Garzabehr@dnr.state.oh.us
Scholarship Available
Applications are being accepted for the $1,000 Larry A. Hart Memorial Scholarship. Funded by the Ohio Wildlife Officers’ Lodge 143 of the Fraternal Order of Police and Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club of Preble County, it is open to Ohio residents who have, or will graduate from an accredited high school or any person who is or will be enrolled in an accredited college, pursuing a career in the field of law enforcement or natural resources. For information, call (740) 326-6751.
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Open this year’s hunting season with a trip to Olde English, proud to sponsor outdoors columnist Jim Morris on Press Pros Magazine.com!