Brian Miller, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Southwest Ohio Park District Manager, became the first person honored with the Ohio Horseman’s Council (OHC) meritorious award.
Miller of Celina has helped OHC with numerous projects within Ohio state parks in the southwest district. Among those projects are trail improvements at Caesar Creek and Great Seal state parks, widening trails at Sycamore State Park to prevent flooding, as well as other trail projects.
“It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers,” Miller said. “Together, we are making these areas more welcoming for people and their horses to get out and enjoy nature.”
OHC is the largest nonprofit equine organization in Ohio, representing all riding disciplines. As an ODNR partner, OHC volunteers promote and help to maintain equestrian trails throughout Ohio. With chapters located in 65 Ohio counties, OHC is committed to serving the needs of its members and being a trusted advocate for equine participants, promoting access to public land for recreational use.
The award recognizes one non-member for their collaboration and partnership with the OHC.
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Events are scheduled for Sept. 11-12 to connect young girls with nature via the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. This third annual activity is being held across the country and at Ohio State Parks. Activities will be held Sept. 11 at Indian Lake State Park in Lakeview.
There are three programs offered at Indiana Lake State Park: archery, a bee program and fly fishing.
Archery will take place at 10:30 a.m. No experience is needed and all equipment will be provided The event takes place at the archery range at the mound wood area of Indian Lake. This is for Brownies and up and for girls only. Girls must RSVP with the Council of Western Ohio.
The bee program is a family type event and take place at noon at the nature center.
The fly fishing segment begins at 3 p.m. at the nature center and is limited to eight participants who must be age 12 or older. It requires a RSVP with the Council of Western Ohio. The program covers the basics of fly fishing and shows how easy is is to get started at this type of fishing.
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Despite sweltering temperatures along high heat indexes and humidity, it is time to think about hunting. Some seasons begin within days.
Mourning dove and squirrel seasons open Wednesday. Few hunters take to the woods for squirrels until leaves begin falling and we’ve had a frost. Plus, the season is a long one, running until Jan. 31, 2022.
Dove hunters have a two-month window during the first segment of the season, which ends Nov. 7. The daily limit for doves is 15. The possession limit after the second day is three times the daily limit or 45.
Certain waterfowl seasons begin Wednesday and next Saturday (Sept. 4).
The rail (Virginia and Sora), common moorhen (Gallinule) and first segment of the common snipe (Wilson’s) open Wednesday. The rail and moorhen seasons run through Nov. 9. The first segment of the snipe season runs through Nov. 24. Daily limits include 25 for rail, 15 for moorhens and 8 for snipe. The possession limit after the second days is three times the daily limit.
The early teal and Canada goose seasons begin next Saturday. Teal (blue wing, green wings and cinnamon) are the first migrators. The daily limit for teal is six with the possession limit after the second day being three times the daily limit or 18.
The early goose season also begins next Saturday. The daily limit for geese is five with the possession limit after the second day being three times the daily limit or 15.
Don’t forget in addition to an Ohio hunting license, you need an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp and a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl. You must also use approved nontoxic shot. In addition to a hunting license, Ohio hunters need Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification to hunt doves.
Always check the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations pamphlet or online if you have questions.
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This is the time bow hunters have begun checking their tree stands and blinds for the season, which opens the last Saturday in September.
It’s also a good time to check your physical abilities. Be realistic. As we age, mobility decreases. Balance problems can surface as you grow older. Consider if this might be the year you may want to hunt in a ground blind instead of a tree stand. There are advantages to a blind. Blinds definitely are more comfortable than tree stands. You can sit in a comfortable chair while waiting for your quarry to approach. You can add a portable heater, which definitely is welcome on chilly mornings and evenings and cold days as the season progresses.
And best of all, there’s no chance of falling out of a tree and seriously injuring yourself.
Miller
Al Smith is a freelance outdoor writer. You may contact him at flyfishman7@hotmail.com and follow him on Twitter @alsmithFL
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