Apparently more hunters decided to brave the cold — single digits over the weekend — although it did warm up a bit over the last two days of the season.
“Perhaps there were a number of guys who didn’t get their deer during gun season who went out during muzzleloader season. It’s sort of the deer season’s last hurrah for gun hunters,” Beatty added.
Hunters still have opportunities to pursue deer this winter, as archery season remains open through Feb. 5.
Following are the muzzleloading season’s numbers for nearby counties (with last year’s totals in parentheses):
Adams 308 (274), Allen 50 (45), Auglaize 48 (49), Brown 230 (221), Butler 75 (72), Champaign 72 (72), Clark 42 (41), Clermont 168 (173), Clinton 59 (64), Darke 37 (34), Greene 47 (49), Hamilton 39 (42), Highland 216 (214), Logan 136 (144), Mercer 29 (17), Miami 41 (29), Montgomery 29 (29), Preble 63 (62), Shelby 67 (63), Warren 63 (74).
Coyote trapping: With coyotes becoming an increasing threat to many Ohio communities, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has scheduled a free informational workshop on trapping coyotes. It will be 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on Jan. 28.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 30 hands-on participants. No walk-ins will be admitted. Participants must be 18 or older. Registered attendees will be provided with location and directions. Register by calling at 614-644-3925, or email derek.klein@dnr.state.oh.us.
Managing geese: Canada geese are fun to look at, but they can also be considered pests by landowners. Geese can be noisy, but mostly it's the droppings that mess up one's property,
Learn more about conflict management with Canada geese during a free public program on Feb. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Division of Wildlife’s District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus.
The free program is open to residents age 16 and up. Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Call 614-644-3925 or email derek.klein@dnr.state.oh.us.
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