Ohio Wildlife Council passes rule changes for perch limits, bait inspections

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Wildlife Council passed several rule changes at its meeting Oct. 16, including lowering the statewide daily limit for yellow perch in all waters except Lake Erie, and authorizing additional bait inspections to help detect invasive species.
Changes.

Among the rule changes approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council:

• The statewide yellow perch daily limit was reduced from 40 to 30 to be more consistent with Lake Erie daily limits and help avoid confusion among anglers.
• Bait dealers are required to keep additional records and must allow inspections of bait containers, ponds and tanks for the detection of invasive species.
• Language was added to clarify that it is unlawful to operate a watercraft on any Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife owned, controlled or administered lake in a manner that does not conform to posted regulations.

Boaters at Highlandtown Lake Wildlife Area can now use 10-horsepower motors.

See a complete list of approved rules and regulations at wildohio.com.

Public input was gathered for these regulations at open houses Aug. 10, and through an online form available at wildohio.com. A statewide hearing open to the public on the proposed rules was held Sept. 19.

Next meeting

The next Ohio Wildlife Council meeting is Jan. 8. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals who want to provide comments to the council should preregister at least two days prior to the meeting by calling 614-265-6304. All comments must be three minutes or less.

The next ODNR Division of Wildlife public open house is March 1. ODNR Division of Wildlife staff will be available to answer questions and listen to concerns.

For more information, visit wildohio.com or call 800-945-3543.

The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that approves all ODNR Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Appointed by the governor, no more than four members may be of the same political party, and two of the council members must represent agriculture. Each term of office is four years.