The Northeast Zone is Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties. The South Zone is the remainder of the state.
South Zone turkey hunting will be from April 24 through May 21. Northeast Zone hunting will be May 1-28. Go to wildohio.gov for hunting hours and other regulations.
According to the Division of Wildlife, after hearing concerns expressed by those hunting in Ohio’s snowbelt, ODNR surveyed hunters in the northeastern part of the state and conducted a two-year study to examine if turkeys were nesting later there than in other regions of Ohio. Biologists found that hens in snowbelt counties nested nearly two weeks later than hens in southeastern counties.
The wildlife agency expects about 65,000 licensed hunters will take part in the spring turkey hunt.
The youth-only turkey season is April 22-23. Youths (17 and younger) must have a valid youth hunting license and a turkey permit and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 18 or older.
If you have questions, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or visit the Turkey Hunting Resources page at wildohio.gov.
Erie limits unchanged: The 2017 quotas for Lake Erie have been announced and the bottom line is Ohio bag limits will be the same as last year, through February of 2018. Currently, the walleye daily bag limit is four. It goes to six May 1. From March 1, 2018, through April 30, 2018, the daily walleye bag limit will again be four. A 15-inch minimum size limit is in effect during the entire season for walleyes.
The yellow perch daily bag limit will remain 30 from May 1 through April 30, 2018, with no minimum size limit. For more Lake Erie information, visit wildohio.gov.
Birds for beginners: The Ohio Ornithological Society is accepting signups for guided beginner birding tours during the International Migratory Bird Day weekend (May 13-14) at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (on Lake Erie).
The walks target people new to birding to help them get better acquainted. The walks on May 13 will be held at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and the walks on May 14 will be held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Walks are limited to 15 participants each and will be filled on first-come, first-served basis.
To sign up, send an email to marshmadness@ohiobirds.org. All emails should contain the applicant’s name, phone number, date and requested time slot. A return email will confirm the meeting place, date and time.
Crappie winners: The team of Jason Koesters of New Bremen and Jake Hengstler of Botkins took second place in the Crappie USA Super Event at Kentucky's Lake Cumberland last weekend with a total weight of 22.32 pounds. They earned $2,000. The team fished on the south end of the lake, casting into 3 feet of water using both light and dark color Bobby Garland jigs.
The St. Henry team of Zack and Michael Fishbaugh finished sixth with 14.57 pounds.
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