David Graham Appointed Ohio DOW Chief

Buckeye Firearms Association would like to extend congratulations to David Graham, Ohio's new Division of Wildlife Chief. Mr. Graham played a key role in the recent rules change allowing CCW for hunters, and was instrumental in implementing Ohio's hugely successful Apprentice Hunting License Program.

We look forward to working with our new Chief, and wish him many more years of success.

Click 'Read More' for the ODNR press release

COLUMBUS, OH Sean D. Logan, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), today named David M. Graham the new chief of the department’s Division of Wildlife. Prior to this Graham was the assistant chief of the Division, overseeing wildlife and fisheries management and research, law enforcement and information and education.

He has worked at ODNR for the past 30 years and served as a manager of the Division for more than 28 years. Graham will begin his duties immediately.

“The demographics of Ohio’s sportsmen and women are changing,” said Director Logan. “We are fortunate to find a new chief who has both the willingness to adapt and the skills to lead the division through the inevitable period of change that lies ahead. Graham has shown the readiness to serve the state’s outdoor sports community while recognizing the Division of Wildlife’s role in the larger context of what is best for Ohio.”

The Division is responsible for the management of Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources. It manages 155 named wildlife areas, and the fishery resources in 160,000 acres of lakes, 2,250,000 acres of Lake Erie and 451 miles of the Ohio River.

“I am honored to have this opportunity,” said Graham, new chief of ODNR’s Division of Wildlife. “All my life I have been committed to Ohio’s outdoors and balancing its conservation with its wise use.”

Graham, a native of Clarksburg, replaces Steve Gray who was employed by the department since 1976 and served as chief from 2003 to 2007. Gray retired in March.