Deer-hunting season brings revenue to Ohio

By Sean Barron

About 400,000 deer hunters could take part statewide this year, the ODNR estimates.

NORTH LIMA — For 13-year-old Trevor Lyons, the start of deer season represents more than a romp through the woods to kill a buck.

It also means additional one-on-one time with his father, Mike.

Father and son, of New Middletown, went to a wooded area near their home around 6:30 a.m. and spent several hours hunting as this year’s deer-gun season got under way Monday in Ohio and continues through Sunday. Each had killed one deer before coming to Expert Outfitters Gun Shop, 9011 Market St., one of five Mahoning County check stations, to have the animals tagged.

“I’ve hunted for 30 years,” the elder Lyons said. “My dad took me around like I’m taking [Trevor].”

This was the second year of hunting for Trevor, a Springfield Intermediate Middle School eighth-grader. Last year, Trevor said, he killed one deer.

Deer can legally be hunted with a gun 30 minutes before sunrise through sunset Sunday, and the season includes an extra weekend of gun hunting Dec. 20 and 21, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

An estimated 400,000 hunters, including many from other states, are expected to participate statewide, and hunting has an estimated $1.5 billion annual economic impact in Ohio, according to the ODNR’s Web site.

The windy and cold conditions were good for local hunting, but many hunters prefer at least a few inches of snow because the animals’ tracks are easier to spot, and because deer tend to be more mobile while looking for food, for example, explained Ron Oldland, Expert’s owner.

Colder weather, such as Monday’s temperatures in the mid- and high 30s, also preserves deer meat longer, he noted.

Ohio law requires anyone who kills a deer to have it checked and tagged at a designated check station before the animal can be processed, he pointed out. Columbiana and Trumbull counties have six and eight stations, respectively.

Oldland gave several safety tips for hunters, which include wearing an orange vest, making themselves visible to other hunters, exercising common sense, taking a state-offered hunting safety course and receiving training in firearm safety.

It’s also advisable, he continued, to seek permission of property owners when hunting on private land. Forms are available for that task, Oldland said, adding that anyone under age 16 can hunt if accompanied by an adult.