League of Ohio Sportsmen Foundation dba Ohio Wildlife Federation

08/28/2026

Ohio’s Spring 2027 Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons, Bass Regulation Changes Proposed to Wildlife Council

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Wildlife Council received proposals for the spring 2027 wild turkey hunting dates and simplified bass fishing regulations on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will publish a complete list of proposed rule changes, including the spring wild turkey hunting dates, at wildohio.gov on Monday, Aug. 31.

Anyone who would like to comment on Division of Wildlife proposals can do so online at wildohio.gov between Monday, Aug. 31 and Wednesday, Sept. 30. The proposed rules will be voted on during the Ohio Wildlife Council’s meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Spring 2027 Wild Turkey Hunting Proposals
Like the 2026 spring season, the proposed spring wild turkey hunting seasons include separate youth dates for the south and northeast zones. The proposed spring 2027 wild turkey hunting season dates are:
South Zone Youth: Saturday, April 17 to Sunday, April 18, 2027
Northeast Zone Youth: Saturday, April 24 to Sunday, April 25, 2027
South Zone: Saturday, April 24 to Sunday, May 23, 2027
Northeast Zone: Saturday, May 1 to Sunday, May 30, 2027
Ohio’s spring turkey hunting season is split into two zones to align with the timing of turkey nesting in those regions. The south zone covers the majority of Ohio, comprising 83 counties. The northeast zone includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties.

Hunting hours during the youth weekends in both zones were proposed from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. In the south zone and northeast zone, hunting hours for the first nine days of each season were proposed to be from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon, with hours for the remainder of the season from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Fishing Regulations
The Ohio Wildlife Council received a proposal to remove many site-specific length restrictions and daily bag limits for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. The proposal is intended to simplify fishing regulations for Ohio’s anglers after Division of Wildlife surveys revealed the site-specific regulations were not creating larger bass. Under the proposal, most waterbodies with site-specific bass regulations would fall under the statewide limit of five bass and minimum length of 12 inches.

In addition, it was proposed to remove the daily limit and 9-inch minimum length requirement for crappies at Hoover Reservoir.

If approved, the fishing regulation changes would take effect March 1, 2027.

Finally, the wildlife council received a proposal that would provide an online game check option for river otter trapping. If approved, that goes into effect Nov. 15, 2026.

Ohio Wildlife Council
The Ohio Wildlife Council approves all Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals interested in providing comments are asked to call 614-265-6304 at least two days prior to the meeting to register. All comments are required to be three minutes or less.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.




For more information, contact:
Brian Plasters, Division of Wildlife
Phone: 614-601-3836

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

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The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.

08/23/2026

What a great day for jr anglers at Barkcamp. With a great group of kids. Much fun had and fish caught. Some more first fish. Some returning youth fishers. And so thankful for rain holding off till everything was done. Thank you to all the kids and the parents for coming out today. Can't wait to see you next time. Jay

08/22/2026

Hi all: our summer raffle is in full swing. $10 donation to Jr Angler program. 1 st place is the kayak/fishing package as in the picture below.
2nd place is the gift cards shown below.
Get your ticket from. Any board member or message us here. Or contact me. 740 391 0047

08/19/2026

This weekend Jr anglers event at Barkcamp state park Morristown ohio. Free fishing event. We will start around 8 30 or 9. Come on out and join us we will be there rain or shine. Any questions or to register reach out to me. 740-391-0047 or email [email protected]
Thanks Jay
We will be at the shelter house by the beach area.

08/12/2026

Don't forget meeting Saturday in Columbus at the office. Thanks boomer

06/30/2026

ODNR to Participate in Operation Dry Water Campaign July 3-5
Nationwide initiative targets impaired boating over the holiday weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft will join law enforcement agencies across the country for Operation Dry Water, a nationwide awareness and enforcement effort taking place July 3-5, 2026. The annual campaign aims to reduce alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents and reinforce the dangers of boating under the influence.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers from all 56 U.S. states, territories, and trusts are expected to participate in this year’s heightened enforcement weekend.

“Boating under the influence is illegal, dangerous, and entirely preventable,” said ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glen Cobb. “Our Natural Resources Officers will be out on the water to help ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and responsible holiday weekend.”

Since its launch in 2009, Operation Dry Water has become one of the nation’s most recognized boating safety initiatives. Over the past 17 years, law enforcement agencies have removed nearly 8,000 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways and made contact with more than 3.3 million boaters during the annual three‑day enforcement period.

The Fourth of July holiday consistently sees increased boating traffic and higher rates of alcohol consumption—factors historically tied to serious boating incidents. While the heightened enforcement weekend occurs each summer, Operation Dry Water remains a year‑round initiative focused on education, outreach, and changing behaviors surrounding impaired boating.

ODNR encourages all boaters to take a boating education course, designate a sober operator, wear a life jacket, and stay alert while enjoying Ohio’s waterways this holiday weekend. For more boating resources and a link to all of Ohio’s boating regulations, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating.

To learn more about Operation Dry Water, visit operationdrywater.org.

Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.





For more information, contact:
Andy Chow, ODNR Office of Communications
Media Line: 614-265-6860
Mobile: 614-202-4756
or
Dave Parsons, ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft
Mobile: 740-504-6884

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06/19/2026

Fish for Free Across Ohio on
June 20 and 21


COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s annual free fishing days on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, give all residents a chance to fish at any public waterway without a license, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This includes Lake Erie and Ohio’s public lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers.

June 20 and 21 is the only weekend of the year on which residents 16 years old and older can fish public waters without purchasing a fishing license. Anglers under 16 can fish for free year-round and are not required to hold a license. All other fishing regulations, size requirements, and bag limits apply during the special weekend.

“Fishing is a great Ohio pastime for people of all ages,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “From the great Lake Erie to the Ohio River, Ohio’s great outdoors provides the perfect setting for your next fishing trip.”

More than 200 locations in Ohio are stocked annually with species such as walleye, saugeye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, muskellunge, channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid-striped bass to support the state’s longstanding reputation of excellent fishing. In 2025, the Division of Wildlife stocked more than 36 million fish in Ohio waters.

Ohio’s public fishing locations are great places to catch a Fish Ohio! qualifying trophy. The Fish Ohio program celebrates amazing catches of 26 species of fish, and there are specific fish length requirements based on species to be a qualifying catch. Those who reel in a qualifying catch receive a commemorative Fish Ohio pin for their first entry, and a Master Angler pin for catching four different qualifying species in the same year. This year, the pin features a channel catfish.


Ohio’s free fishing days are Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21.

Ohio’s free fishing days offer a chance to try fishing for the first time or reconnect with an old tradition. Here are some tips for those just starting out:

Consider a person’s age and skill level and keep the trip simple.
Choose a pond, lake, or stream where beginners can easily catch a few fish.
Use live bait to increase the odds of catching a fish. Live bait is also more interesting for children.
Take plenty of photos and bring snacks.
Be patient. Be prepared to spend time untangling lines, baiting hooks, waiting for a bite, landing fish, and taking pictures.
Have fun!
There are many resources to make your fishing trip fun and unforgettable. Use the HuntFish OH mobile application or visit the Go and Do fishing page at ohiodnr.gov to explore public fishing destinations near you. If you are new to fishing and need help getting started, the Division of Wildlife has the resources to set you up for success. Wild Ohio Harvest has online modules, events, enhanced learning, and recipes to get you started.

Find information on special locations like Lake Erie and the Ohio River, fishing tips and tricks, and suggestions for targeting specific species on the Fishing License and Resources page at wildohio.gov.

Anglers who visit fishing destinations support the economies in those regions. Anglers generated $5.5 billion in economic spending in Ohio in 2022, according to a report released by the Wildlife Management Institute, Responsive Management, and Southwick Associates. The research found that 18% of Ohio’s adults, about 1.7 million individuals, participate in fishing.

Outside of the free fishing days on June 20 and 21, all anglers 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs, and turtles. Licenses can be purchased at participating agents, at wildohio.gov, or on the HuntFish OH mobile application. A one-year resident fishing license is just $25 and opens the door to endless memories. Remember to check the 2026-27 Fishing Regulations before you go.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.



For more information, contact:
Brian Plasters, ODNR Division of Wildlife
Phone: 614-601-3836

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

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A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns and manages more than 800,000 acres of land, including 76 state parks, 24 state forests, 155 state nature preserves, and 150 wildlife areas.

06/11/2026

Get information and register for this year's Coonskin Cap Brigade Early Campfire!

Ohio Wildlife Federation

05/30/2026

Come on down and enjoy some great free youth fishing with us at division 3 aquatic education center at D 3 headquarters in arkon ohio.

05/26/2026

FREE FISHING DAYS ARE BACK FOR 2026! 🎣 Want to go fishing without paying for a fishing license? 👀 This is YOUR chance!

States across the U.S. are offering FREE Fishing Days in 2026, letting residents & visitors fish legally for FREE on select dates 🐟🙌 Dates vary by state, so check the full list to see when you can cast a line for free!