Spending Away Resources

While it's nice to go fishing, hunting or taking a walk on that wild side of nature, sometimes it's good to take a moment to thank those that do much of that work. The Ohio Division of Wildlife is a primarily self-funded branch of ODNR whose operating budget comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and other associated permits. This allows for our wildlife and fisheries resources to be professionally managed and protected for all Ohio citizens and for those visiting the state. Whether sitting in a tree stand, trolling for muskies at Leesville Lake, birding at Magee Marsh, or taking the family for a walk in one of the state's 100 wildlife areas, it's there for us all. Unfortunately, some members of the Ohio Senate have introduced language in the current state budget bill that would strip away a large portion of that operating budget through a diversion of cash – with plans to place it in Ohio's general fund where it could be spent on pet projects. The Division of Parks and Watercraft would also see substantial cuts. This stems from the legislature's decision which opened state wildlife areas and parks for oil and gas exploration. During that much debated issue, it was agreed that if such action was taken, the revenues would go to the Division of Wildlife to benefit hunting quality, wildlife, and shooting range access. The deal was passed and exploration began, but at least the divisions and their constituents would be compensated. The current Senate version of the budget fails to protect these oil and gas revenues, allowing bureaucrats to spend the tens of millions of dollars previously committed to sportsmen and women, like covering projects in other governmental departments. I'm certain they'll promise to spend the cash wisely, although it's apparent how some regard promises and commitments. Of course, we're likely to hear how the money is being "given back" to the divisions, but it's really nothing more than a shell game of cutting budgets then using money that was originally promised as a tourniquet. Not only is this budget removing that money from the divisions, it could also result in the loss of federal matching dollars for specific projects. This cash is generated through federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment sold in each state and is earmarked for specific types of approved wildlife and range work. These are matching funds, so the stripping of the oil and gas revenues could easily result in the additional loss of another $20-Million each year. Allowing those previously committed dollars to be spent elsewhere could be ruled a diversion of federal Wildlife Restoration Funds as administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, putting wildlife areas acquired with federal dollars at risk of being in violation of that contractual purchase. That could result in that cash being returned to the feds, complete with interest. How many wildlife areas were purchased using federal aid? Probably all of them. There are those that either don't see the benefit of the work the division does, don't understand federal aid, or they may think that they can collect votes by using the cash elsewhere. I want to believe those people are in the minority. So many citizens benefit from Ohio's wildlife resources; some are consumptive uses, some are passive. Some pay for the right through licensing, others use the areas at no cost. The Division of Wildlife works hard to keep resident license fees as low as possible and actions such as removing these promised oil and gas revenues could make such a raise in fees come sooner than much later. In the end, Ohio sportsmen and women lose, birders lose, those looking for a place to shoot loose, the family hunting mushrooms at a wildlife area lose – and Ohio's wildlife loses. If you're going to pull weeds in the garden, you have to get your hands dirty. Sometimes that's how a budget bill works, you need to be willing to yank the bad out of the good. You can help accomplish this important task by contacting: Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon, OH), www.ohiosenate.gov/members/rob-mccolley/contact. Urge him to support sportsmen by restoring the protection of sportsmen's dollars. Consider emailing your state senator as soon as possible, asking them to please support sportsmen by restoring the protection of sportsmen's dollars. https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/directory. "Low integrity moves are much more visible than high integrity moves." – James Pierce Along the Way The ODNR Division of Wildlife is hosting information sessions for interested candidates to learn more about the wildlife officer career path. Ohio wildlife officers enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways, and property. Wildlife officers combine law enforcement, conservation, and public service in a career that makes a difference for Ohio's communities and wildlife. Wildlife officers serve from Lake Erie to the Ohio River and in every county, supporting the mission of the Division of Wildlife. The hiring process to become an Ohio wildlife officer can be competitive. In recent years, hundreds of applicants have applied when positions are announced. In-person information sessions are designed to provide an overview of the Division of Wildlife law enforcement program, meet officers, and see the specialized equipment that officers use on the job. Each event includes information on the qualifications and preparation needed to apply for the wildlife officer cadet training academy. • Northeast Ohio:When: Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Wildlife District Three office located at 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron, OH 44319 Details: This is an in-depth, interactive event about a wildlife officer's responsibilities and job duties. Attendance is limited to 25. Individuals who are at least 18 years old and eligible to apply for the upcoming job posting are prioritized. Email WildlifeOfficerExperience@dnr.ohio.gov to register. • Northwest Ohio:When: Friday, July 25, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: District Two office located at 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840 Details: This event is limited to 40 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register. • Southwest Ohio:When: Sunday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Spring Valley Wildlife Area Shooting Range located at 3570 Houston Rd., Waynesville, OH 45068 Details: This event is limited to 50 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register. • Central Ohio:When: Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range located at 1110 State Route 229, Ashley, OH 43003 Details: This event is limited to 50 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register. • Southeast Ohio:When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Wildlife District Four office located at 360 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701 Details: This event is limited to 50 attendees. Email Alyssa.Knaup@dnr.ohio.gov to register. Ohio wildlife officers speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs and perform fish and wildlife surveys. Wildlife officers also provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related recreation, and work closely with law enforcement partners in their communities. To learn more about Ohio wildlife officers, visit ohiodnr.gov/becomeawildlifeofficer. The Division of Wildlife plans to begin the hiring process this fall and winter, with final selection of candidates in the summer of 2026. Selected candidates will complete the 33rd Wildlife Officer Training Academy later next year. To be considered for the wildlife officer training school, applicants are required to be 21 years of age upon completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Course and possess a valid driver license. Completion of at least a minimum of core course work in an associate degree or undergraduate program in natural resources, fisheries and wildlife conservation, natural sciences, biology, criminal justice, environmental law enforcement, agriculture, or a related field is required. Eighteen months of training or experience in the above fields may also be acceptable, as would 18 months of training or experience in the U.S. military with an occupational specialty related to law enforcement or investigations. Other qualifications include meeting physical fitness and swim standards, vision and hearing requirements, completing a background check, as well as passing a psychological exam and drug screening. "If you want to be successful in this world, you have to follow your passion, not a paycheck." – Jen Welter Step Outside •Today-Tomorrow: Free Fishing Days in Ohio. On these two days, Ohio residents may fish in any of Ohio's public waters without a fishing license. All rules and limits do apply. To review the laws, visit: www.wildohio.gov. •June 19: Free Clays Shooting Event, sponsored by Wyandot Co. Pheasants Forever. For any age interested in learning a new shooting sport. 5:30 p.m. Marseilles Sportsman's Club, 19991 State 37, Upper Sandusky. RSVP: wyandotpf@gmail.com. •June 21: Youth Fun Day, Mt. Blanchard Gun Club. 12 noon – 4 p.m. This free event is open to those 18 years of age and younger and includes firearms safety, clay target and 22 rifle shooting. Targets, ammunition, lunch and door prizes provided. Parent or guardian is required. Mt. Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Delaware Township 186. Contact Bob Yoder: 419-273-5057. •June 26: Ladies Clays Night, sponsored by Wyandot Co. Pheasants Forever. All ages welcome. This is a no-pressure instructional event to learn about shotgun shooting. 5:30 p.m. Rogers Lake Conservation Club, 1748 St. Rt. 103, Sycamore. RSVP: wyandotpf@gmail.com. •June 28: 3-D Archery Match, mixed animal targets. Field and Stream Bowhunters; 11400 Allen Township 109, Findlay. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Contact: John Fenimore at 419-957-8764. Jim Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via e-mail at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com.