*Attention Hunters* 2012 ODNR Open House Info.

Each year less than 400 individuals show up at the ODNR open house meetings statewide. A handful of the larger organizations like the Buckeye Firearms Association do send delegates like me that represent a large number of individuals. Some clubs may also utilize delegates. If you consider the approximate estimation of 450,000 hunters in Ohio you quickly discover that apathy is rampant among sportsmen which is both sad and disturbing.

I've misplaced my 2011 record of the ODNR open house meetings but I was able to find 2010. 338 people were present statewide. That is less than 1% of Ohio's hunters. Even if you consider the organizational representation the number is still a fraction of Ohio's total hunters.

Some people are there for fishing interests exclusively. These meetings are not limited to hunting interests. There is usually a tree hugger there to protect some mammal, reptile, bird or amphibian. There is typically at least one anti trapper in each district. I don't want to forget the children's special interest groups. There are always at least one or two people submitting proposals to impose minimum age requirements for the kiddies to hunt. In 2010 the age was 12.

These meetings are salted with anti hunters as much as there are people conducting legitimate non hunting related business. Then we have the infighters. Ask yourself who in this world would strip a Draw-Loc device off a physically challenged hunter's bow? It's on record and by an organization that claims to represent ALL hunting interests. Not an exclusive special bow hunting interest either.

Yup! That's your representation at the ODNR. About 60 people that are true sportsmen with the best intentions at each district office. Each accompanied by half a dozen or so individuals that are determined to destroy hunting, limit hunting or complicate hunting with their own special interests and no regard for the consequences to other sportsmen at all.

Hunters are quick to complain when changes are made that they disagree with. They likely wouldn't need to complain if only they had participated in the decision making process that makes those changes. The ODNR is receptive to your opinions. Records of these meetings are kept.

Not a member of anything? You can represent yourself. Individuals need to participate too. Just mail your comments in. Addresses are below. If you can't show up you could also have your letter hand delivered by friends that are going.

It's a couple of hours on a Saturday well into cabin fever season. Carpool with someone if that is an option.

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Saturday, March 3, 2012
12 pm - 3 pm

Five locations across the state:

Central Ohio
Wildlife District One Office
1500 Dublin Road, Columbus
614-644-3925

Northwest Ohio
Wildlife District Two Office
952 Lima Ave, Findlay
419-424-5000

Northeast Ohio
Wildlife District Three Office
912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron
330-644-2293

Southeast Ohio
Wildlife District Four Office
360 E State St., Athens
740-589-9930

Southwest Ohio
Greene County Fish & Game Association Clubhouse
1538 Union Rd., Xenia
937-372-9261

These events are open and public participation is encouraged. Anyone interested in providing input and participating in Ohio’s professional wildlife management process is welcome. Fish and wildlife biologists along with law enforcement officers will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments.