Recently introduced bills in the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate could threaten the future of deer hunting in Ohio.

The measures, House Bill 410, sponsored by Representative Mark D. Okey (D- Carrollton), and Senate Bill 225, sponsored by Senator Mark Wagoner (R- Toledo), move oversight and regulation of captive deer breeders and deer hunting facilities from the Ohio Division of Wildlife and place them under the control of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. A move that is not only unnecessary but could prove to be devastating to Ohio's deer herd.

By Larry S. Moore

It was just a few years ago that Buckeye Firearms Association, along with support from the NRA, led the effort to obtain the ability for concealed handgun license holders to carry concealed while hunting. Working with the law enforcement side of the Division of Wildlife and with a major effort at the spring open house events by Buckeye Firearms supporters and volunteers, we were able to accomplish the goal without additional legislation.

A recent story from Ohio Outdoor News, entitled "Rabbit hunters stumble onto massive marijuana grow," provides yet another example of why this right is so important.