The one you choose: How a feisty runt puppy won a hunter’s heart
Retired wildlife officer Jim Abrams reflects on the quiet heartache and hope of choosing a new hunting dog. Discover how an unexpectedly feisty runt puppy named Bramble stole the show and made the final decision for him in the whelping box.
The heart of Ohio has many arteries
Ohio's H2Ohio initiative has invested millions to restore over 20,000 acres of water-filtering wetlands and revitalize state rivers. These natural infrastructure projects combat harmful algal blooms, reduce flood risks, and create vital wildlife habitat across the Buckeye State.
Division of Wildlife history part 3:>Fish, game and conservation
In part three of this series on Ohio Division of Wildlife history, explore how late 19th-century conservation took shape. From horse-and-buggy wardens and pheasant stocking to early fish hatcheries and the landmark federal Lacey Act, see how Ohio built its wildlife management system.
Ohio wildlife history: The birth of ODNR and return of deer season
Explore Part 4 of Ohio's wildlife history. Learn how sportsmen helped establish dedicated funding, how game protectors formed the nation's first training academy, the return of deer hunting in 1943 and the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949.
History of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: The birth of conservation
As deforestation, dam construction, and industrial pollution threatened Ohio's natural resources in the 19th century, public outcry forced state leaders to take action. Jim Abrams traces early game laws, fish passage mandates, and the 1873 founding of the Ohio Fish Commission.
History of the Division of Wildlife: The Ohio Country
In part one of a series on the history of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Jim Abrams explores how 19th-century settlement, bounties, and the Great Hinckley Hunt depleted native species—leading to Ohio's very first wildlife protection laws in 1829.
Oddball, eccentric or a bit of both? The case for the 16 and 28-gauge...
Jim Abrams embraces his status as an "oddball" while breaking down why unconventional gear choices often beat mainstream favorites. Explore the benefits of 16-gauge and 28-gauge twin-barrel shotguns, lightweight framing, and the ballistics behind effective square loads.
The Rings of Saturn: A game warden’s view of the universe
Retired Paulding County wildlife officer Duane Bailey has released his new book, "The Rings of Saturn: A Game Warden's View of the Universe." From lion encounters to poacher busts, the book shares 30 years of humor, heartbreak, and wild field experiences from rural Ohio.
Creatio Ex Nihilo: Creation out of nothing
What happens when your spouse asks what you are thinking about? Instead of saying "nothing," launch into a convoluted rant about bird feeders, grape jelly stock markets and midsummer solstice math. Here is how Jim Abrams turned an over-explanation into a brand-new fishing reel.
Lake La Su An and the one that got away
Looking for giant bluegills and aggressive largemouth bass? Former wildlife officer Jim Abrams shares humorous angling tales from northwest Ohio's Lake La Su An Wildlife Area, along with the specific rules, limits, and season dates you need to know before planning your next trip.























