Pheasants to be Released at 28 Public Hunting Areas Statewide

Statewide season begins November 4; October dates set for Youth Hunting only

COLUMBUS, OH - More than 15,000 ring-necked pheasants will be releasedon 28 public hunting areas across the state this fall as part of a seasonal effort by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife to enhance hunting opportunities for this popular game bird.

Youth-only hunts will be held October 22, 23, 29 and 30 prior to the statewide season, which kicks off on November 4.

Ring-necked pheasants will be released after shooting hours on the evenings of Friday, October 21 and Friday, October 28 in anticipation of the weekends' small-game season for youth hunters. Hunters age 17 and younger can hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 22-23 and October 29-30.

Ohio's small game hunting season begins on November 4, with pheasant releases to take place on the evenings of Friday, November 3 and Thursday, November 10. Hunters should take note that no pheasants will be released on Friday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. The final release of the fall is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, November 23 to increase pheasant huntingopportunities during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Hunting the Ringneck Ridge Area in Sandusky County, for both the youth and regular pheasant hunting seasons, requires a free permit from the Sandusky County Park District. For more information regarding the issuance of these free hunting permits, contact the Sandusky County Park Office at 419-334-4495 or the Sandusky County Park District Ranger Office at419-637-2900.

Pheasant hunting season opens Friday, November 4 and remains open through January 8, 2012, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. Statewide hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

The ODNR ensures a balance between the wise use and protection of ournatural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site a tohiodnr.com.