Over the past 10 years, the U.S. has seen a decrease in its number of hunters and anglers, but drops in Ohio have not been as severe.
The numbers of licenses decreased 10 percent nationwide from 1996 to 2006 but only 4 percent in Ohio during the same time period, said Susie Vance, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
A lot of things play into the numbers
Vance said. The number of licenses might be larger in Ohio because the state has some of the most user-friendly laws, she said, such as its new apprentice license option and easy-to-meet youth requirements.
Ohio added an apprentice license this year that enables new hunters to go hunting with another hunter who has a license without taking a beginner-hunter course for their first three years. This also helps to keep Ohio's numbers steady, Vance said.
The free course is required by the state and is offered year-round, with the next one being Nov. 24 in Athens. It lasts for about 10 hours, Vance said, but beginners can also take a home-study course. Hunters who are age 21 or older with previous hunting experience can come in to the office to take a proficiency test instead of having to take the course, Vance said.
Ohio University's own Ohio United Sportsmen, which aims to bring hunting awareness to campus, also provides information about the test, said senior Josh Legg.
Individuals born before 1937 can also hunt for free, she said.
The number of younger hunters and anglers in Ohio could also contribute to Ohio's steady numbers, Vance said, as a result of these laws.
Ohio has a lot of youth-only hunting seasons, and children younger than 16 are able to fish without a fishing license, Vance said.
The United Sportsmen club hosts youth events for local children, like its youth trout derby in April and a youth turkey hunt.
Last year was our first year (of the tournament) Legg said, and we had more than 60 people there.
The club is partnering with the Hocking Valley Sportsmen Association for this year's derby to help promote youth fishing, and a lot of the United Sportsmen take younger kids hunting with them, Legg said.
Many people start hunting and fishing through their families, Legg said.
I grew up with it Legg said. Ever since I could walk
I've been fishing and hunting. I got to spend a lot of time with my family.
He also mentioned the growing popularity of turkey hunting and that a lot of his friends go hunting with their fathers.
My dad
uncle and cousin come down [to this area] and take part in the deer hunt during gun season
said Legg, who is from Northwest Ohio. This area is excellent for hunting and fishing.
Students can learn more about hunting, fishing and trapping through the club, said Legg, whose family has a rabbit hunt every Thanksgiving morning.
A lot of people [on campus] are interested
said Legg, who started the group the beginning of his sophomore year. Students just haven't learned how or don't know how to use the equipment.
Athens hunters and anglers can pick up their licenses at the Ohio Valley Trading and Exchange Co., 25 E. Stimson Ave., Wal-Mart, 929 E. State St. and at the Wildlife District 4 Office, 360 E. State St. The Ohio Valley Trading and Exchange Co. and the District 4 Office are also checkstations.
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Angie Weaver
