By Larry S. Moore

Ohio sportsmen have many things for which to be thankful. Looking at the national outdoor media, there are states, which still have blue laws prohibiting Sunday hunting. Michigan sportsmen lost their battle over dove hunting which may very well open the door for additional anti-hunting measures in their state. These are non-issues for Ohio sportsmen. While 2006 saw continued success there are significant challenges ahead.

Deer hunting doesn't get much better than Ohio right now. We are living in the good old days. Southwestern Ohio, and even Greene County, has seen a number of very large and record-book bucks killed. There is the growing threat of urban deer growth and how to contain the herd in populated areas. With the deadly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) found in at least one instance in WV, Ohio has continued to collect samples at various deer checking stations for testing. So far, no CWD has been found in Ohio's herd. Look for 2007 to bring additional controls on the shipment of cervids and bringing of parts into Ohio. Aggressive steps are needed to protect the Ohio deer herd.

Youth hunting opportunities and the apprentice hunting license program appear to be a bright spot for recruiting new hunters. There have been over 10,000 apprentice hunting licenses sold. It is now up to all the mentors of the apprentice hunter to provide the proper instruction and keep hunting safe.

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