Column: Early waterfowl seasons just about here

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Ohio hunters are invited to enjoy early waterfowl seasons for Canada goose and teal that begin on Saturday, Sept. 2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Hunters should check regulations for changes to rules, season dates and bag limits as the 2017 fall seasons begin. A summary of Ohio’s hunting and trapping regulations is available where licenses are sold, at ODNR Division of Wildlife offices and at wildohio.gov.

This year, squirrel, dove, rail, snipe and gallinule seasons open up the 2017 fall hunting season, which all begin on Friday, Sept. 1. Doves may be hunted sunrise to sunset, except for areas posted otherwise, from Friday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 5. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with a possession limit of 45 after the second day.

The early Canada goose and teal seasons begin on Saturday, Sept. 2. Canada geese may be hunted from sunrise to sunset Sept. 2-10 with a daily bag limit of five birds. Teal may be hunted from sunrise to sunset Sept. 2-17 with a daily bag limit of six birds. Possession limits after the second day for both teal and Canada geese are three times the daily bag limits.

Ohio’s popular archery season for deer begins later in the month on Saturday, Sept. 30, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Deer hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The statewide bag limit is six deer, and only one deer may be antlered regardless of location or method of take. Deer bag limits are determined by county, and hunters cannot exceed a county bag limit. Additional details about deer hunting rules are contained in the 2017-2018 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.

• The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has some exciting opportunities planned for the Delaware Wildlife Area. Fish stockings, archery range and marsh habitat projects are scheduled to increase central Ohioan’s recreational opportunities.

On Aug. 29, three ponds will receive catchable channel catfish from the state’s hatchery system. Pond #35 (north of St. Rt. 229) will receive 300 catfish, pond #30 (on the dog training area) and pond #31 (in the field trial area) will receive 200 catfish each. Funding to raise and stock these fish is generated from Ohio fishing license dollars as well as the federal Sport Fish Restoration program, which is an excise tax on fishing equipment.

Waterfowl hunters and bird watchers will benefit from new water control structures that are slated to be installed in the marsh units on the southern portion of the wildlife area. These structures will replace non-functioning structures allowing wildlife management to better control the water levels for the betterment of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. The water level manipulation will also aid in the control of invasive plants.

The marsh project is funded by proceeds generated from the sale of the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp. The purpose of the wetlands habitat stamp is to foster awareness of the importance of wetlands and to help fund those objectives.

• Pre-K through 12th grade educators who are interested in sharing nature with others are invited to attend a workshop in Mansfield on Thursday, Sept. 21 according to ODNR. Both formal and non-formal educators are encouraged to come.

This free workshop, which will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary on the north side of Clear Fork Reservoir, will focus on Ohio’s outstanding bird diversity and how educators can share it with students in their lives. Researchers and education professionals will share their vast knowledge through formal presentations as well as hands-on, interactive opportunities.

Highlights of the workshop include: A tour of the host property, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, to learn about the great things this bird haven does for creatures in need and for education; Speakers will discuss challenges Ohio bird populations face and how we can help; Discussions will be enjoyed regarding citizen science and field investigation opportunities; access to grant funding and implementing/enhancing wildlife habitat for outdoor learning labs.

Pre-registration is required as seating is limited and credit through Ashland University is available. Until next time, Good Hunting and Good Fishing!

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Water and Wings by Ken Parrott

Ken Parrott is an Agricultural Science teacher with Northmor High School.

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