DIVISION OF WILDLIFE 2045 Morse Road, Building G Columbus, Ohio 43229 (614) 265-6300 Web: wildohio.com

The Division of Wildlife is responsible for managing Ohio's fish and wildlife resources. The primary functions of the division include fish management; wildlife management; information, education and law enforcement. Special emphasis is placed on endangered species, wetlands, and other critical habitats and wildlife diversity.

The Division of Wildlife has five wildlife districts, four fish and wildlife research stations, two Lake Erie offices, five fish hatcheries and 80 wildlife areas.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Workshops focused on the learning of outdoor skills for women over 18. Contact Jen Dennison, 614-265-6316.

Ginseng Management
Contact Ron Ollis, 614-265-6315. Regulating ginseng production so that harvesting is not detrimental to the survival of the species. Coordination of dealer permits and export certificates.

Passport to Fishing
Passport to Fishing is a station based angling program designed to introduce youth ages 4-17 to the basics of angling. Workshops, curriculum materials, resources, and fishing equipment provided to certified instructors; emphasizes alternative recreation opportunities.

Hunter Education
All first-time license buyers must successfully complete a hunter education program. Offered free of charge year round. Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp
Contact Vicki Farus, 614-265-6317. Annual waterfowl art competition for a waterfowl hunting permit stamp. Program generates revenue for wetlands conservation.

Osprey Reintroduction
Ongoing program to reestablish osprey in selected habitat. Contact District Wildlife biologist.

Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction
Ongoing program to reestablish peregrine falcons by creating nest sites in Ohio cities using tall buildings as habitat. Contact District Wildlife biologist.

Project Wild
Interdisciplinary, supplementary environmental and conservation education for educators develop problem-solving and decision-making skills in determining responsible human activities towards wildlife and the environment and teach K-12 students how to think, not what to think. Contact Project WILD Coordinator, 614-265-6316.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts
Hunters age 15 or under apply in July for permit in Youth Waterfowl Hunt held the first Saturday of regular season on division-controlled hunting areas. Applications available at all Division of Wildlife district offices. Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). Permits are also available online here.

Special Youth Wild Turkey and Deer Hunts
Annual, special, controlled turkey and deer hunts for young hunters; permits issued by random drawing. Apply in summer. Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543), during June for deer; February for turkey.

Special Controlled Deer Hunts
Annual, special, controlled deer hunts for hunters; permits issued by random drawing. Apply in summer. Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543), during June. Permits are also available online here.

Special Controlled Waterfowl Hunts
Annual, special, controlled waterfowl hunts for hunters; permits issued by random drawing. Apply in summer. Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543), during June. Permits are also available online here.

Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction
Captive rearing and stocking to reintroduce trumpeter swans into selected habitat; in partnership with The Wilds and the Cleveland Zoo. Contact Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station, (419) 898-0960.

Turn-In-A-Poacher
In partnership with TIP, Inc., designed to educate the public regarding wildlife poaching and to provide incentive and a way to report violations of wildlife law. Contact TIP 1-800-POACHER, Division of Wildlife 614-265-6300

Wetlands Reserve
In cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture, technical and other assistance is available to landowners for the conservation of wetlands. Contact 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Technical assistance and resources are available to private landowners to help improve wildlife habitat in rural Ohio. Contact District Wildlife biologist.

Wild School Sites
Resources, consultants, and workshops available for teachers seeking to utilize school site as an outdoor classroom. Contact Jen Dennison, Project WILD Coordinator, 614-265-6316.

Young Hunters' Special Season
Special season for youth 17 years old or younger, to encourage hunting; rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season on any public hunting area. Must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult, 18 years or older (not more than two juveniles per adult). Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hunter Education Course

Contact Division of Wildlife, 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). All first-time hunters in Ohio must attend a hunter education class. An average of 22,000 students are trained each year by a large volunteer corps. Instructors must successfully complete a hunter education course and attend a three-day hunter education instructor academy.