That, perhaps, is a good way to approach this somewhat volatile situation — calmly with all aspects considered. But why in the world wouldn’t the governor continue the executive order for the time period when all this research is being conducted?
The governor says he supports the regulation of dangerous wild animals, “to ensure the public’s safety and animals’ humane treatment.” Why, then, did he allow the order to expire and leave his state unprotected?
I get it that Kasich is listening to people who sell and own such pets as poisonous snakes, tigers, bears, mountain lions, etc. He sees the dollar signs. Such things as exotic pet auctions are big business. But so is illegal drug trafficking.
I hope he is also listening to people like retired Oakwood police officer/fireman Tim Harrison. He has spent all of his adult life rescuing animals and protecting people from dangerous pets that have escaped or turned on their owners.
Harrison, who heads up Outreach for Animals, has recently participated in an objective documentary film about exotic pets called “The Elephant in the Living Room.” It has won awards and is opening in theaters around the country. Check out the trailer at theelephantinthelivingroom.com.
Turkey hunting begins April 18
Spring wild turkey hunting opens in all 88 Ohio counties on Monday, April 18, and runs through May 15.
Youth hunters will get a jump on the season when the special youth-only season is held April 16-17.
“Hunters may see three-year-old gobblers this spring based on the strength of the 2008 hatch,” said wildlife biologist Mike Reynolds. “Overall, turkey numbers should be good across the state, but the harvest will likely not top last year’s kill — the second highest all-time.”
Hunters killed 23,421 wild turkeys during last year’s youth and spring turkey seasons. Reynolds added that Ohio’s current wild turkey population is around 200,000. He anticipates as many as 70,000 licensed hunters, not counting private landowners hunting on their own property, will take part.
Hunters must still report their harvest of turkeys, but they are no longer required to take their turkey to a check station. Check-in can be done online this year.
For information on the turkey hunting season, the youth hunt or check-in procedures, visit wildohio.com or call (800) WILDLIFE.
Big turnout for Big Bucks
The place was packed when the Buckeye Big Buck Club held its 52nd annual banquet at the Roberts Center near Wilmington. It marked the first time the banquet was held in southwest Ohio. Club president Gary Trent, a Waynesville resident, said it’s possible the event might return next year or in the future.
“We will look at that as a possibility,” he said. “We have been treated very well here and we’re very happy with the turnout.”
About 730 people attended the event, which honored Ohio deer hunters who took trophy bucks during the 2009-2010 season that had the minimum score of 140 inches typical or 160 inches non-typical.
Four of southwest Ohio’s all-time top bucks were featured during the all-day show that preceded the banquet. The (Mike) Beatty Buck, (Brian) Stephens Buck, (Brad) Jerman Buck and (John) Schmucker Buck were on display. Beatty, Stephens and Jerman participated in a panel discussion.
For information on the BBBC, visit buckeyebigbuckclub.org.
Outdoors columnist Jim Morris can be reached through his
website at www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-in-dayton/jim-morris or by email at sports@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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