Season to begin for three popular game species in Ohio

COLUMBUS — The season for three of Ohio’s most popular game species — ring-necked pheasant, cottontail rabbit and bobwhite quail — begins Nov. 7, said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

“The state’s rabbit population is at its highest level since 2003, so opportunities to take cottontails should be plentiful,” said Nathan Stricker, project leader with the division’s Olentangy Wildlife Research Station.

Two years in a row of February snowstorms, cool wet springs and dry summers have had a less-positive impact on Ohio’s upland game birds, Stricker said.

“Generally, that combination of weather conditions is not good for upland game birds. Quail and pheasant populations have declined in some areas, but there are still locations that will produce wild birds consistently.”

Cottontail rabbit hunting continues through Feb. 28, 2009. Ring-necked pheasant hunting is open through Jan. 1, 2009. Rabbits, pheasants and quail may be hunted from sunrise to sunset.