Ohio Proposes Hunting Season Changes

In Ohio, the proposed changes include a significant update to the state's list of threatened and endangered species. The American barn owl is slated to be downlisted from "threatened" to a "species of concern," while the blackchin shiner may be moved from "extirpated" to "endangered" after being re-established in certain lakes. Additionally, 17 species of bees and 16 aquatic invertebrates are proposed to be added to the list for the first time following extensive surveys. For deer hunters, Ohio's bag limits could increase to three deer in Defiance, Paulding, and Warren counties. Conversely, in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties, the bag limit is proposed to be reduced to two deer to help populations recover from a 2025 outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease. The state will maintain the rule of harvesting only one antlered deer per season. Other notable Ohio proposals include restricting fall wild turkey hunting to shotguns only, with no archery equipment permitted. Ruffed grouse hunting would be limited to controlled hunts in four specific areas, with permits distributed via a lottery system in July. The public can comment on these proposals online until April 1, with a statewide hearing scheduled for April 8. The Ohio Wildlife Council, an eight-member board appointed by the governor, will vote on the final regulations. The changes are proposed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife under the direction of Mary Mertz, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019. In Arkansas, the move to streamline regulations involves eliminating more than 65 rules deemed outdated or redundant by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). According to AGFC Deputy Director Brad Carner, many of the rules being cut have not resulted in a single warning or citation in years. A major simplification for Arkansas deer hunters would be the consolidation of deer into just two categories statewide: antlered bucks and antlerless deer. This change aims to create consistency across all hunting zones, including those affected by chronic wasting disease. The statewide seasonal limit would remain at six deer, with no more than two being bucks. For anglers in Arkansas, the proposal includes standardizing harvest limits for smallmouth bass. On designated "blue-ribbon streams" like the Buffalo and Caddo rivers, the daily limit would be one fish measuring at least 15 inches. On all other flowing waters, a standard 12-inch minimum length would apply, removing the need for a complex zone map. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will review public comments submitted through March 6th and vote on the final changes at their April meeting. If approved, the new, simplified regulations are set to take effect on July 1st.