Ohio Mixed Bag: Archery banned for fall turkey hunters

Columbus — Fall turkey hunters will no longer be allowed to take a bird with archery tackle in Ohio.

That decision followed a vote by the Ohio Wildlife Council on April 29.

In the past, bowhunters hunting for deer would often purchase a fall turkey tag just in case he or she encountered a bird while on a deer hunt.

That opportunity to take a fall turkey will no longer be permissible. The Division of Wildlife has said that it needs to limit the amount of opportunistic harvest of turkeys in the fall. The division says most, about 80%, of the fall turkey harvest historically comes in the way of archery deer hunters taking a shot at a bird.

“By restricting the legal method of take, the Division of Wildlife can reduce hen harvest while preserving fall turkey hunting opportunity,” Division of Wildlife turkey biologist Mark Wiley previously told Ohio Outdoor News (May 8).

MORE COVERAGE FROM OHIO OUTDOOR NEWS:

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EHD hit Ohio’s deer herd harder than it ever has in 2025; some surprises come from it

Ohio wildlife council approves fall hunting seasons

More CWD Cases Confirmed in Indiana

Bloomington, Indiana — The Indiana DNR (DNR) confirmed three positive cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild white-tailed deer during the 2025-2026 hunting season in Noble, Franklin, and Rush counties. CWD is a neurological disease that affects deer, resulting in their eventual death.

There have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans.

As a precautionary measure, the Indiana DNR offers the public free testing of their legally harvested deer and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends not consuming CWD positive meat.

Indiana DNR oversees both CWD Positive Areas, where CWD has been detected and is known to be in the deer population, and CWD Enhanced Surveillance Zones, where CWD has been detected but more information is needed to determine the best deer management actions.

Seasonal Trails Reopen for the Summer

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Forestry has reopened both horseback riding trails and all-purpose vehicle areas at Pike, Richland Furnace, and Perry state forests. The trails were closed for the winter season.

“These seasonal closures help ensure our trails stay in great condition for riders,” said Dave Lane, assistant chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “We’re looking forward to reopening the trails this spring and welcoming visitors back for another season of outdoor recreation.”

State forest bridle trails will remain open until late November, and state forest APV areas will remain open until early December when they will be closed again for the winter season.

The seasonal closure of the trails during the wettest months of the year helps to protect the trails and allows forestry staff and organizations with approved volunteer agreements to conduct maintenance and improvement projects. This results in beautiful trails for visitors to enjoy for years to come.

Maumee State Forest’s bridle trails and APV areas are not affected by seasonal closures and remain open year-round.

ODNR Hosts Special Turkey Hunts

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Forestry held two special turkey hunts for hunters with disabilities this spring. The annual hunts took place earlier this month in Pike and Blue Rock state forests.

“These hunts are something we look forward to each year,” said Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “They highlight the value of our state forests as places where conservation, habitat management, and outdoor traditions come together.

The hunters and volunteers who participate make the event truly special, and we are grateful for their involvement.”

The 8th annual Thunder in the Hills Wild Turkey Hunt was held at Pike State Forest. Fourteen hunters participated in the weekend hunt and four turkeys were harvested. The second turkey hunt was the 19th annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt at Blue Rock State Forest and was sponsored by the NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen program. Twenty-five hunters participated, and five turkeys were taken during the event.

For both events, the Division of Forestry worked with a variety of partners including the Clinton County chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the Y-Bridge Longbeards, along with ODNR’s Division of Wildlife and Division of Parks and Watercraft. Local businesses provided donations and dozens of volunteers staffed both of the hunts.

Both events were held in early April. Hunters provided their own shotguns and ammunition, as well as the necessary licenses and permits. Guides were provided for each hunter.

DU Appoints New COO In Waldrop

Memphis, Tenn. — Ducks Unlimited (DU) recently announced that Dr. Karen Waldrop has been elevated to chief operating officer. Waldrop joined DU in 2019 as chief conservation officer and has overseen an expansion of DU’s conservation delivery footprint across the United States.

Under Dr. Waldrop’s leadership, DU Conservation has expanded its reach, diversified partnerships, and established new benchmarks, often under challenging environmental circumstances. For the first time ever, DU surpassed one million acres of conservation in FY24 – and again in FY25. Prior to joining Ducks Unlimited, Waldrop spent 20 years at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, starting as a graduate student and lead researcher for the state’s elk restoration program. She progressed to leadership roles, including wildlife division director and then deputy commissioner.