Ohio’s Columbiana County Federation of Conservation Clubs to host first youth pheasant hunt

New Alexander, Ohio — The Columbiana County Federation of Conservation Clubs, in partnership with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, is hosting its first-ever youth pheasant hunt in Columbiana County Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1-2, at the Zepernick Wildlife Area, located at 26687 State Route 172, New Alexander.

The hunt will run from 8 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and sunrise to sunset on Sunday. The federation plans to release 100 ring-necked pheasants prior to the hunt. Youth hunters may shoot two male pheasants, along with rabbits, squirrels, and other legal game.

Jeff Herrick is the federation’s treasurer and event organizer. Herrick said the pheasant hunt adds another opportunity to the many ongoing youth activities that are held year-round at several wildlife conservation clubs throughout the county.

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Herrick explained that while the federation has sponsored other youth events that teach safety, skills, and methods for hunting, shooting, trapping and fishing, this is the first year the federation has offered a pheasant hunt for young hunters.

“Many of our county’s youths have attended hunting camps and youth days for many years. This hunt is a good opportunity for them to use the many hunting and safety skills they have learned at these events,” he said.

Participants must have a valid youth hunting license. They must also have passed a hunter education course, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Young hunters may also hunt with an apprentice license without having passed a hunter safety course, but then they must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult who is 21 years of age or older. The mentor must also possess a current hunting license.

Herrick said the pheasant hunt is free for all participants and early registration is not required for this event. Hunting location maps for all areas and information will be available at the Zepernick Lake main parking lot on State Route 172 on Saturday morning.