Ohio Mixed Bag: New marina opens at Buck Creek State Park

Columbus — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio DNR (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz officially opened a new marina and nature center recently at Buck Creek State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Visitors can enjoy a new marina store, interactive and educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities in the modern facility.

The new marina includes a dedicated nature center that provides hands-on opportunities to learn about the park’s natural history and recreational offerings. The new concept stands on the site of the original marina store, which was demolished in 2024.

“This new facility is more than a marina, it’s a gathering place for families, anglers, and nature lovers,” said Mertz. “It reflects our commitment to providing modern, welcoming spaces where visitors can enjoy both the recreational and educational opportunities that make Buck Creek State Park so special.”

The full-service marina store offers the same staples as before, such as bait, tackle, and fuel, alongside expanded amenities including hand-dipped ice cream and park souvenirs. Comfortable, modern restroom facilities and outdoor seating is available, giving guests more convenience and space to relax.

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Registration Open for Jr. Rifle Championship

Camp Perry, Ohio — It’s time to sign up for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Three-Position Air Rifle Postal Championship where registration is officially open on the CMP website.

The annual competition is designed for junior athletes involved in 4-H, Scouts, American Legion, club or JROTC sporter and precision air rifle programs. Firing in the CMP’s Postal Championships not only promotes growth and experience in competition at a national level but also allows the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals on the range.

During the CMP Three-Position Air Rifle (3PAR) Postal Championship, competitors fire record shots at their home ranges in each of the three positions: kneeling, prone, and standing. Interested competitors may sign up on the CMP website and compete upon mailed paper targets or fire locally on electronic targets. Paper targets should be submitted back to CMP Headquarters for official scoring by staff members.

This year’s Postal Competition will be open through Jan. 30, 2026. State CMP Championships are open Jan. 15 to April 15.

For registration and more information on the CMP Postal Competition or the CMP State Championships, visit here.

Military Discount Offered for Lodging

Columbus — During the month of November, the Ohio DNR (ODNR) is offering members of the U.S. military a 30% discount off camping reservations, getaway rentals, state-operated cabins, or resort lodge stays. The discount from ODNR, in cooperation with U.S. Hotels, applies to both active duty and veterans.

To check availability or to make a reservation for state-operated camping, cabins, and other facilities, visit reserveohio.com. Use the promo code “VETERAN25” to receive the 30% discount.

This offer is subject to availability and applies to new reservations at open campgrounds, as well as new cabin reservations at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Dillon, Lake Hope, Malabar Farm, Mohican, Pike Lake, and Pymatuning state parks.

Military identification must be presented at the time of arrival or check-in to receive the discount. Restrictions and blackout dates do apply, and this offer cannot be combined with other discounts or applied to group blocks.

Sixteen Vets Take Part in Special Hunt

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

Veterans who applied to participate attended the event free of charge. Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee and volunteers supported the event by providing meals, lodging, and equipment. Eleven deer were harvested between Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11.

“This event creates lasting memories for everyone involved, and we’re proud to host such an outstanding group at Zaleski State Forest,” said Zaleski State Forest Manager Courtney Cawood. “Each year, it’s a privilege to work alongside the Buckeye Hero Hunt Committee and its dedicated volunteers.”

The ODNR Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. 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.

Trick Shot Archer Ferguson Passes On

Hartsell, Ala. — Legendary archer and author Byron Ferguson, 71, of Alabama passed away Oct. 3.

Ferguson, the author of Become the Arrow, was an internationally renowned longbow archer who became famous for his trick shots.  His obituary said he once shot eight dimes in a row out of the air. The most difficult shot his career came while performing on the television show Super People in Tokyo when he shot an arrow through a diamond ring. 

Ferguson appeared on American Shooter on TNN, ESPN, ESPN2, and OLN for 10 years where his “shot of the week“ was the most watched portion of the show.