Ohio hunting license sales hit high mark, bucking U.S. trend

Because of an increase in out-of-state hunters and more interest from kids, Ohio reported a 23-year high in hunting license sales for the 2009-10 season. The healthy license sales, which are strong again this season, have bucked a national trend that has seen hunting numbers decrease in 33 states in recent years.

The healthy figures also mean revenue — lots of it. License sales for the 2010-11 season have generated more than $23 million, not counting the four-day muzzleloader deer season, which ended Tuesday.

The total economic impact of hunting in the state is estimated at $859 million annually, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Ohio hunting is driven by whitetail deer, which lured 34,430 out-of-state hunters last season, an increase of 8 percent above the previous year.

State officials attribute the interest to trophy bucks taken by area hunters who have gained worldwide acclaim.

A total of 452,723 Ohio hunting licenses were sold last season. In addition to more adult hunters, Ohio is developing a younger clientele. Youth license sales have increased to 51,454 last year.

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Jim Morris