Volume I, Number 11, November 2007
Volume I, Number 11, November 2007
State Wildlife Biologists Predict Good Waterfowl Hunting In Ohio
-Spring pond indexes and breeding duck surveys indicate good reproduction-
 |
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio waterfowl hunters should have good opportunities to take some of the most popular species of waterfowl, based on the findings of biologists at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The spring pond index for the prairie pothole region of North America (Kansas to central Saskatchewan) and breeding duck surveys indicate an above average reproduction year for most duck species. Ponds are housing near-record numbers and good production has been noted from most of the primary breeding range.
Closer to home, the Upper Great Lakes states showed above average conditions and good production of mallards this year. The Upper Great Lakes are the primary breeding range for mallards harvested in Ohio. Mallards are Ohio’s number one harvested duck and can be found throughout the state.
Wood ducks, the second most important duck to Ohio hunters and the state’s number one breeding duck, also appear to have had a good production year. Late summer rains have dispersed the birds and should provide a variety of hunting locations for Ohio hunters.
Canada geese are the most harvested waterfowl in Ohio and can be found in good numbers everywhere. Locally raised giant Canada geese had the second highest population estimate this spring and all indications are there was excellent production across Ohio. Migrant interior populations (Southern James Bay and Mississippi Valley) of Canada geese have also had good production. With proper weather, the hunting outlook is good to very good.
With good habitat conditions, Ohio hunters will enjoy a liberal 60-day hunting season once again this year. Pintail and scaup showed slight population increases that are permitting full seasons for pintail and a continued two-bird bag for scaup. The record population estimate for canvasbacks has allowed the first two-bird bag in recent history for this species.
The success of Ohio waterfowl hunters has more to do with weather conditions and choice of hunting location than available ducks. Hunters should be scouting their territories now and securing landowner permission where needed. State wildlife areas are in good condition with excellent fall food potential. An extended summer drought early in the season caused moist-soil plants to occupy many traditional wetlands. A flooding of those areas by late summer rains has provided additional waterfowl habitat. Hunters should not only check out their traditional spots, but also more marginal haunts for food production and water quantity.
Details of the waterfowl and all other hunting seasons can be found in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and in Ohio Waterfowl Hunting Seasons. Hunters can also review seasons and regulations online at http://wildohio.com/
Information courtesy of ODNR
Featured Gun Give-away
Through the end of November, Ohio Valley Outdoors will be offering the chance to win a Smith & Wesson Military & Police pistol in 9mm. We will be holding a poker shootoff: shoot at a poker target with 5 rounds, best hand at the end of the contest wins a brand new M&P!
Here's how it works: for an entry fee of $5, we will provide you with 5 rounds of 9mm, a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, a poker target containing all 52 cards in the deck, eye and hearing protection, and the necessary range time. You will then have the chance to shoot at the target at 25 feet. Whatever cards you hit will be your poker hand. Best hand at the end of the contest walks away with the gun. Everyone will use the same gun, the same type of ammunition, and the same type of target, so it comes down to shooting skill. You can try as many times as you like for $5 a hand.
The new Smith & Wesson M&P is the latest in along line of handguns designed specifically for the rigors of law enforcement and defense use. Available in .357 Sig, .40 S&W, or 9mm, the M&P has all the built in features you expect in a top-notch tactical pistol.
Day-to-Day Durability
 |
Real-World Versatility
Safety at Hand
Stop by our range for your chance to take home the M&P. We also have this gun available to rent if you are interested in learning more about it. For complete contest rules, click here.
22 Caliber Fun Shoot
It is that time of year again. Ohio Valley Outdoors has started our weekly 22 handgun fun shoot on Wednesdays at 6PM. Come join us for some friendly competition with your 22 caliber pistol or revolver. Cost is $5 for range members and $7 for non-members.
Each participant will be timed while shooting down 6 targets in a gallery style setup. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest single round and the fastest overall. We will continue shooting rounds until the range closes. Total number of rounds will be based on number of participants.
No registration is required. Please stop by or call (740) 654-1956 for more information. Shoot will not be held Oct 31, Nov 21, or Dec 26.
Concealed Carry Training Our next classes are scheduled for November 3 and November 17. Call or stop by now to register, class size is limited. Cost for the Course is $149.99 and includes all necessary equipment. For more information, visit our website at www.ovoutdoors.com and click on Concealed Training.
|
 |
Home • Store • Indoor
Range • Concealed Training • Links • Specials
Central Ohio's leading hunting,
fishing and camping supply store with state of the art indoor shooting range.
www.ovoutdoors.com • (740) 654-1956 • info@ovoutdoors.com
2805 Columbus-Lancaster
Road • Lancaster, OH 43130
© 2004-2007 Ohio Valley Outdoors