Ohio Mixed Bag: ODNR summer intern program accepting applications until Dec. 15

Columbus — The Ohio DNR’s 2025 Summer College Intern Program is accepting applications now through Sunday, Dec. 15.

There are approximately 70 positions available across several divisions and offices. Students are asked to apply to the categories that best matches their major(s) or interests. The link to apply for a position can be found on the Intern web page on ohiodnr.gov.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Candidates must but be enrolled in college – if a student is graduating in May and not continuing their education, they should consider other roles with ODNR upon graduation;

• Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.5;

• Candidates must include a writing sample – A writing sample can be a research paper or writing assignment and is generally one to two pages in length. The topic should be relevant to the internship to which the applicant is seeking. Please note resumes do not count as writing samples.

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Investigator Nethero Earns Recognition

Columbus — Ohio wildlife investigator Justus Nethero was recently named Ohio Wildlife Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club International, according to the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Shikar-Safari Club International is a conservation-based organization that presents annual awards to deserving wildlife law enforcement officers in all states, provinces, and territories in the U.S. and Canada. The annual award honors an officer whose efforts show outstanding performance and achievement among commissioned conservation law enforcement personnel.

Nethero is a dedicated wildlife employee with 12 years of service.

He initially worked as a wildlife officer before being promoted to the investigator position.

While this award recognizes the efforts put forth by Nethero during the last year, his outstanding service in wildlife law enforcement began the day he was accepted into the wildlife officer academy, according to the Division of Wildlife. He approaches work with a positive attitude and can be counted on to assist in any investigation. He handles minor events in the same professional manner as major cases. His selfless service to constituents and his fellow employees helps protect Ohio’s wildlife.

Officer Moves From Belmont To Shelby

Xenia, Ohio – Ohio wildlife officer Logan Ambrister, of Lima, has transferred to Shelby County, according to the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. A 2020 graduate of the Wildlife Officer Academy, Ambrister previously served in Belmont County.

Ambrister, 28, graduated from Lima Bath High School and then Ohio State University in 2019 with a degree in wildlife biology and forestry. Prior to becoming a wildlife officer, he worked as a research technician through an internship with the Division of Wildlife conducting wildlife surveys.

To reach Ambrister, call 937-545-5849. To report suspicious activity involving wildlife, call 1-800-POACHER (762-2437). Reports can remain anonymous.

Veterans Take Part In Special Archery Hunt At Zaleski State Forest

Zaleski, Ohio – Sixteen Ohio veterans were treated to a guided archery hunt recently at Zaleski State Forest by the Ohio DNR (ODNR). The ODNR divisions of Forestry, Wildlife, and Parks and Watercraft partnered with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee to provide this special opportunity for veterans to hunt white-tailed deer.

All veterans who applied to participate were invited to attend the event free of charge. Volunteers assisted the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee in supporting the veterans with their hunt. Meals, lodging, and equipment were provided as part of the event. A total of nine deer were harvested between Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13.

“Every year, it is a great experience to work with the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee and volunteers,” said Zaleski State Forest Manager Courtney Cawood. “This event creates lifelong memories for those who attend and volunteer. We are happy to host such a wonderful group of individuals at Zaleski.”

This hunt provided an opportunity to effectively manage the damage white-tailed deer cause to the forest ecosystem in a specific area of Zaleski State Forest. White-tailed deer can have substantial negative impacts on forest health and regeneration due to deer browsing on tree seedlings and herbaceous plants. Hunting is the most effective way to control deer populations, and the ODNR Division of Forestry is pleased to create this opportunity for veterans.

WTU Donates To Shooting Sports

Columbus — Whitetails Unlimited has granted $399,381 to 195 youth shooting trap shooting organizations over the last fiscal year. The majority of the funds expended went to high school trap shooting teams that participate in the USA Clay Target League and the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP).

Trap shooting has become one of the fastest growing high school sports in the nation. One of Whitetails Unlimited’s four mission programs, the Staying on Target Program, focuses on getting more youth introduced into shooting firearms and archery. The grants were used to offset the cost of ammunition and clay targets, as well as some travel related expenses for teams.