Ohio squirrel season starts; good hunt predicted

COLUMBUS - Ohio wildlife biologists predict the 2002-2003 squirrel hunting season that started Saturday should be one of the most productive in recent years.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife experts said a high squirrel population in 2001, coupled with an average to good mast (food) crop and mild winter, should result in excellent hunting throughout Ohio again this season.
As a result of that healthy population, hunters will now be able to harvest two additional squirrels per day, with the daily bag limit expanded to six for the first time. Squirrels may be hunted from a half hour before sunrise until sunset.
The statewide season is open through Jan. 31, 2003, except during the week of deer gun hunting season.
This year, for the first time, Sunday hunting on private land will not be restricted by acreage size requirements. Earlier this year Governor Bob Taft signed House Bill 493, the Sunday Hunting bill, which removed previous private land restrictions on Sunday hunting during hunting seasons in Ohio.
A resident Ohio hunting license costs $15 for an adult and $8 for hunters under the age of 16. Licenses are now on sale and valid through February 28, 2003. They are available at any DOW district office and 1,350 retail outlets statewide.