Ohio’s 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons proposed
A major proposed change would prohibit the use of archery equipment during the fall turkey season. If approved, fall turkey hunting would be limited strictly to shotguns using shotshells. Also, due to declining populations, open grouse hunting would end. It is proposed to become a controlled hunting only species, limited to four specific areas with permits issued via a lottery in July.
Walleye fever: A deep dive into Ohio’s unofficial state fish
Why do thousands of anglers flock to the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers every spring? Explore the history, economics and pure joy of the Ohio walleye run with Outdoors Columnist Jim Abrams' latest.
The legend of Bo Whoop: America’s most famous lost shotgun
The famous shotgun “Bo Whoop” vanished from a duck hunt in 1948—then resurfaced decades later. Plus a guide to modern non-toxic waterfowl ammo.
Ohio’s rainbow trout releases begin this week
More than 80,000 rainbow trout will be stocked at 93 Ohio locations starting March 11 — and several new ponds have been added this year, giving anglers even more places to cast a line this spring. Find out where the newest stocking spots are and when fish will arrive.
Weather, you like it or not
Explore how Ohio wildlife survives Arctic blasts and get the latest expert report on HPAI (Bird Flu) impacts on Canada geese and other wild bird species.
Harrison County deer processor pleads guilty to multiple wildlife violations
A Harrison County deer processor pleaded guilty to charges related to unlawfully selling donated venison that was meant to go to local food pantries, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Skunk wrestling and nuisance calls: A wildlife officer’s honest advice
Let’s be honest: If you live in Ohio, you’re going to have a "run-in" with a wild animal eventually. It’s part of the deal when we share our landscape with nature. Whether it’s a skunk under the barn or a raccoon in the trash, these moments are inevitable. The goal isn't just to get rid of them; It’s to learn how to coexist by being smarter about our own backyards. Retired wildlife officer Jim Abrams explains why critter trouble is inevitable and how to manage your own uninvited guests.
The King of the Marsh: Why the canvasback duck depends on wetland conservation
Once the "King" of market hunters, the canvasback duck now relies on modern habitat restoration, according to our Outdoors columnist Jim Abrams. Learn how H2Ohio is protecting wetlands for this 70-mph flyer.
By the numbers: Ohio’s 2025-26 deer hunting season
Ohio hunters checked 232,142 white-tailed deer this season, marking the fourth consecutive year the total has topped the 200,000 mark and the seventh-highest harvest on record. Find out the top 10 counties, the impact of the unprecedented EHD outbreak in southern Ohio and which hunting implement is the most popular with Ohio hunters.
No ice is 100% safe: Essential precautions for winter recreation
Ice safety is about more than just your own recreation—it’s about the safety of those who are called to help when things go wrong, according to outdoors columnist Jim Abrams. As the tragic events at Rocky Fork State Park in 2021 reminded us, poor judgment on frozen water can have fatal consequences for both victims and rescuers.
Learn the technical standards for ice thickness and the essential gear that can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy in Jim's latest column:
