OHIO

OHIO
Spring turkey huntersfind lots of success
COLUMBUS -- Ohio hunters killed 10,797 wild turkeys in the first seven days of the spring hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Last year 8,883 birds were harvested during the first week.
So far this season, the 10 counties harvesting the most turkeys are: Ashtabula (381), Harrison (375), Meigs (374), Guernsey (358), Athens (355), Coshocton (326), Tuscarawas (317), Jackson (311), Washington (306), and Belmont (275).
So far this year, Mahoning County hunters have bagged 113; Trumbull, 263; and Columbiana, 258.
"Hunters still have three weeks of hunting to kill their gobbler," Dave Swanson, forest research biologist with the Division of Wildlife, said earlier this week. "More birds can be found in our woods and fields this spring thanks to above average reproductive success in the last two years."
Hunters age 17 and younger killed 1,872 birds during a special youth-only season held the weekend of April 22-23, compared to last year's 1,612. Top youth counties this season were: Ashtabula (76), Washington (72), Ashland and Coshocton (63), Harrison and Jackson (60), Meigs (54), Monroe (53), and Brown and Columbiana (50).
Opening day figures of 3,058 birds also are up from last year's 2,824. The season remains open through May 21.
Boaters reminded to beaware of storm hazards
COLUMBUS -- Ohio's unpredictable spring weather can sometimes present strong and violent storms with high winds, lightning, hail and even tornadoes, as some Ohio boaters have recently learned. To ensure a fun and safe day on the water, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources encourages recreational boaters to take certain precautions before heading out this spring.
"Already this year we've had several incidents involving boaters caught on open water during severe storms," said Mike Quinn, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "Fortunately, we've had no fatalities. But the potential for an accident exists for boaters who do not exert care in these situations." Basic safety guidelines include: checking weather forecasts before departing, filing a float plan with your marina, knowing your boat's limitations, having a properly operating VHF marine band radio on board, and wearing an approved lifejacket.
Rare wildflowertakes center stage
COLUMBUS -- The bright yellow blooms of Ohio's rarest wildflower, the Lakeside daisy, will greet visitors at the next Natural Areas Discovery event next Saturday. Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve will host its annual Lakeside Daisy Open House from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Lakeside daisy is known to grow naturally in only three places worldwide, including on Lake Erie's Marblehead Peninsula. This globally rare perennial flourishes where few other plants can -- on nearly barren limestone bedrock in full sunlight.
Nature preserve staff and volunteer guides will be on hand at the open house to answer questions about the Lakeside daisy and some of the other unique plants growing at the 19-acre preserve.
The preserve's Lakeside daisy is the only remaining natural population of this colorful wildflower in the United States. May is the best time to view these cheerful blooms while they are at their peak.
Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic river staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event celebrates the Kokosing State Scenic River on June 17 at the Brown Family Environmental Center in Knox County.
PENNSYLVANIA
Fly fishing clinicwith George Daniel
SANDY LAKE -- The McKeever Environmental Learning Center will host a fly fishing clinic with George Daniel, who began fly fishing at age 6 while growing up in Potter County, Pa., on May 19-20. He logs more than 200 days a year on local and regional trout streams.
The clinic includes: casting sessions, tactics and techniques for catching trout, water temperature, leader design, dry and wet flies, nymphs and streamers, and fishing with Daniel.
Cost is $115. Meals, lodging, Friday night presentation and social gathering are included.
To register, call the McKeever center at (724) 376-1000 or e-mail at info@mckeever.org.