Sportsmen ask Division of Wildlife to allow concealed carry

By Larry S. Moore

Cambridge Ohio - At the recent League of Ohio Sportsmen 97th annual convention held at Salt Fork State Lodge near Cambridge, the sportsmen delegates overwhelming adopted a resolution dealing with concealed carry. That resolution, number 05-02, concludes,

"Resolved, That the League of Ohio Sportsmen requests that the Ohio Division of Wildlife review and update the hunting regulations to permit holders of Concealed Handgun Licenses to carry concealed while hunting in accordance with the concealed handgun law.”

The Ohio Division of Wildlife personnel attending the convention did not speak during the discussion of the resolution. The Division has been reviewing and discussing the impact of Ohio’s concealed carry law for hunters, public ranges operated by the Divisions, and other areas.

We have discussed the issue with the Division at various public meetings. The latest discussions were at the US Sportsmen Alliance Legislative Reception. Feedback from Division personnel has been consistent. Basically they need some time to examine the issues and become comfortable with the law.

We applaud the Division of Wildlife for examining the regulations and being open to discussion of permitting concealed carry while hunting for the holders of a Concealed Handgun License.

The annual Division of Wildlife open houses are this Sunday, March 6 from noon to 3:00 PM. Sportsmen interested in concealed carry need to make their voices heard at these events.

Sportsmen unable to attend the open houses can write:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife
2045 Morse Rd., Bldg. G
Columbus, OH 43229-6693

Related Story:
OFCC issues first ''Division of Wildlife Concealed Carry Status Report''