Menu

At last count, Ohio had about 650,000 deer and 180,000 turkeys. That's a lot of deer and turkeys, which is why Ohio Farm Bureau threw its support behind a bill that aims to increase the number of hunters in Ohio.

Rep. Steve Buehrer, R-Delta, introduced House Bill 296, which would create a special temporary category of hunting permits, known as apprentice hunting licenses. Both the House and Senate passed the bill, which now awaits Gov. Bob Taft's signature.

Those who apply for the apprentice hunting licenses could hunt with adults who have a regular hunter's license. They could get the apprentice hunting license up to three times and would have to take hunter education classes to get a permanent license. HB 296 also would allow younger Ohioans, ages 16 and older, to obtain apprentice youth licenses.

"The idea is to give people the opportunity to try (hunting) to see if they like it," said Eric Postell, outdoor education supervisor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Many potential hunters are reluctant to take the mandatory hunter education classes, which are eight to 12 hours, because they don't know if they will truly like hunting, Postell said. The apprentice license gives first-time hunters a taste of what it's like to go hunting so they can decide whether to become full-fledged hunters and obtain the regular hunting license.

"It really takes down a hurtle for potential hunters," Postell said, noting that the number of hunters in Ohio is declining.

The overpopulation of wildlife, especially deer and turkey, is a concern for farmers, said Rocky Black, OFBF's director of legislative affairs.

"More and more members have been expressing concern about crop damage caused by deer and turkeys," he said. "This is a good way to keep hunting vibrant in Ohio."

Having more hunters will help keep the deer and turkey populations from being too much of a nuisance, said Dave Swanson, forest wildlife biologist for ODNR's Division of Wildlife.

"Hunting is a major source of mortality for deer and turkey," he said. "Without hunting, there'd be nothing but terrible wildlife population growth."

The temporary licenses also will help raise money for the department, Postell said. Cost of the apprentice license is $19 for Ohioans, $10 for youths and $125 for nonresidents, which are the same prices as regular hunting licenses.

"I am certain that with the creation of this license, new hunters will be able to enjoy the actual experience of hunting and will more likely be a committed long-term hunter," Buehrer said. "In my experience, a committed hunter is a safer hunter."

Apprentice hunting licenses are already offered in about 35 states, Postell said. He noted that states with the temporary licenses have not noticed an increase in the number of hunting accidents.