Ohio squirrel

Squirrels aren’t lacking in persistence.

Anyone who’s witnessed the acrobatic contortions and climbing innovations of a squirrel at the bird feeder can’t help but feel at least a little impressed. Squirrels don’t have to be especially bright, just single-mindedly good at what they do.

Good, they are.

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Their meat is also deemed palatable by some of those who’ve tasted it, an increasingly small number of people nowadays.

A wild guess is that vehicles flatten more squirrels than firearms kill, meaning a considerable amount of nut-enhanced protein gets wasted. Be that as it may.

Ohioans beginning Friday (Sept. 1) enter the annual window during which squirrels become fair and legal game daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Continuing through Jan. 31, 2024, a licensed hunter in an appropriate setting may take six squirrels from among the following denominations: red, gray, black and fox.

Flying squirrels, though numerous, are seldom seen and remain off-limits.

As for other flyers, the start of this year's dove-hunting season also starts Friday and runs through Nov. 5. There is a second dove-hunting season that commences Dec. 9 and continues through Jan. 1, 2024.

Both native mourning doves and similar, though non-native, Eurasian collared doves may be taken. The daily bag limit is 15, and the possession limit is 45 after the second day of the season.

Migratory bird hunters are required to obtain certification by taking a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey through the website, wildohio.gov, or by phoning (877) 477-6446. The certification number should be written on the hunting license.

HIP certification also applies to the hunting of Virginia rails, sora rails, common gallinule and Wilson’s snipe, all of which become legal Sept. 1. Rails may be hunted through Nov. 9 with a bag limit of 25 daily. Gallinule season also runs through Nov. 9, with a daily limit of 15.

Snipe may be hunted through Nov. 22 and again from Dec. 9 through Jan 1, 2024. The daily limit is eight.

Early migrants among waterfowl are teal; and blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal may be hunted from Sept. 2 through Sept. 17 with a daily limit of six.

Early Canada goose season also kicks off Saturday for a short run that concludes Sept. 10. The limit is five daily.

Hunting hours for migrating birds and early waterfowl are sunrise to sunset.

Waterfowl hunters must purchase an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp and a federal duck stamp.

Drawings for trapping permits at a number of public sites are scheduled for Oct. 7 at the wildlife division’s five district offices. Registration will wrap up at 12:30 p.m. at the Central Ohio district office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, and drawings will begin at 12:45 p.m.

On the menu are slots for beaver/otter trapping at the following state parks: Alum Creek, Buckeye Lake, Delaware Lake, Mount Gilead, Kiser Lake, Deer Creek, Indian Lake, Madison Lake and A.W. Marion. Slots will also be available at the following wildlife areas: Delaware Lake, Big Island, Deer Creek and Rock Mill Lake.

Spots are up for grabs at Oakthorpe Lake and Rush Creek Lake fishing areas as well.

Applicants must have a valid hunting license and a fur-taker permit. Find details at the website, wildohio.gov, or phone the district office at (614) 644-3925.

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