Outdoor briefs - March 30

News 2024-25 season dates amended COLUMBUS – The Ohio Wildlife Council received amendments to the 2024-25 waterfowl hunting season proposals during its regularly scheduled meeting March 20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Hunting season proposals were amended following a review of public comments and feedback. The proposed amendments include moving the second split of duck, coot, and merganser hunting season dates one week later in the north zone and Lake Erie marsh zone. The new dates for the north zone duck, coot, and merganser hunting season were proposed from Oct. 19-27, 2024, and again from Nov. 16, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025. The new Lake Erie marsh zone dates were proposed from Oct. 12-27, 2024, and again from Nov. 9 - Dec. 22, 2024. New goose and brant hunting season dates were proposed in the Lake Erie marsh zone for Oct. 12-27, 2024, and again from Nov. 16, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2025. The council also received an amended proposal to move the youth and military waterfowl hunting weekend to Sept. 28-29, 2024. A complete list of proposed rule changes and proposed hunting and trapping seasons dates for 2024-25 are available at wildohio.gov. The Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on proposed rules during its next meeting April 10. Apply now for special spring hunting, fishing opportunities COLUMBUS – Hunting and fishing enthusiasts may apply for spring 2024 controlled access opportunities through Sunday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Apply for turkey hunts and trout fishing opportunities online via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. Successful applicants will be selected through a random, computer-based lottery system. There is a nonrefundable $3 fee for each application. Applicants need all required permits and licenses prior to submitting their information. Apply over the phone by calling 1-866-703-1928 with an additional service fee of $5.50. Mail-in applications are not accepted. Fishing opportunities Cold Creek in Erie County offers trout fishing. The stream is one of Ohio's most productive and unique waterways. A half-mile section of the creek located at Castalia State Fish Hatchery is open to lottery winners on select dates between May 1 and Nov. 29, 2024. Interested anglers can find more information about this popular event on the Controlled Fishing Access Lottery page at wildohio.gov. One season is available for adult anglers, and another for youth anglers between 4 and 15 years of age. Up to 99 adult and 86 youth permits are available. Individuals selected to participate may bring two adults and three children under the age of 16, no more than six people total. All anglers aged 16 and older in each group are required to have a valid Ohio fishing license. Hunting opportunities Spring youth wild turkey hunts are held at Eagle Creek (Brown County), Killbuck Marsh (Wayne County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County), Lake La Su An (Williams County), Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County), and Woodland Trails (Preble County) wildlife areas. Mentor style and general applicant hunts are available. Interested hunters can visit the Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries page at wildohio.gov for more information. All hunters are only required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and wild turkey permit prior to applying. Applicants for youth wild turkey hunts must be 17 or younger and accompanied by a nonhunting adult. Licenses and permits are available at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, or at any license vendor. New hunters are eligible for the controlled hunts if they have not harvested a wild turkey within the last five years. Learners and mentors are both eligible to harvest a turkey during mentor-style hunts, provided the learner harvests their bird first. Either the learning hunter or the mentor can apply, and both need the proper licenses during the hunt. Whether you are a new or experienced hunter or angler, check out the Wild Ohio Harvest Community to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Find information on getting started, hunting and fishing opportunities, and delicious wild game recipes. ODNR counting down to the eclipse at Ohio parks COLUMBUS – While Ohio prepares to have a front row seat for the total solar eclipse on April 8, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering family-friendly, free programming at state parks to provide more insight into many different facets of the eclipse. "ODNR is excited to offer beautiful, natural viewing locations for the eclipse, and we are proud to offer great programming leading up to the eclipse that will further enhance the experience," ODNR Director Mary Mertz said, in a release. "We know this will combine education and fun as people prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." The programs include eclipse viewing lessons, a scientific exploration of the Sun and shadows, a demonstration of the orbital dance between moons and their planets, and investigating the effects the eclipse can have on the weather. There are 28 ODNR locations around the state that are in or near the path of totality: Alum Creek State ParkBuck Creek State ParkDelaware State ParkDelaware Wildlife Area Shooting RangeWildlife District Three Akron OfficeEast Harbor State ParkFindley State ParkGeneva State ParkGrand Lake State ParkGrand Lake St. Marys State Fish HatcheryHeadlands Beach State ParkHueston Woods State ParkIndian Lake State Park*John Bryan State ParkKiser Lake State ParkLake Loramie State ParkMagee Marsh Wildlife Area and Visitor CenterMaumee Bay State ParkMohican State ParkMosquito Lake State ParkMt. Gilead State ParkPortage Lakes State ParkPunderson State ParkPymatuning State ParkSpring Valley Wildlife Area Shooting RangeSycamore State ParkWest Branch State ParkWingfoot Lake State Park For details, of eclipse events visit the ODNR Events Calendar for up-to-date information, driving directions, individual park contact information, and more events. Programs and events are subject to change based on factors such as inclement weather. For more information about the total solar eclipse in Ohio, please head to ohiodnr.gov/eclipse.