IT’S OFFICIAL! Approximately 300,000 bow hunters, representing more than half of all Ohioans who hunt deer, were expected to participate in the statewide archery deer hunting season that opened Sept.25, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

During last year’s four-month archery season, bow hunters killed 91,546 deer, an increase from the previous year. Crossbow hunters took a record 49,065 of that number and longbow hunters took a record 42,481 deer. Overall, archers accounted for nearly 35 percent of 261,260 deer taken during Ohio’s combined 2009-10 seasons.

Licking County led the state in both the vertical bow and crossbow harvest. Harrison, Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Guernsey rounded out the top five counties in crossbow harvest, while Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Knox and Holmes completed the list of top five counties in vertical bow harvest.

According to wildlife officials, Ohio’s statewide deer herd grew slightly in 2009, and a modest increase is likely in 2010.

Through a combination of both regulatory and programmatic changes, progress towards reducing locally abundant herds can be expected.

Among changes are hunters’ deer permit purchase options. All deer hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting license. Hunters will not be required to purchase a $24 deer permit in order to obtain the $15 antlerless deer permit, which is valid Sept.25 through Nov. 28. The antlerless deer permit will be valid through December 5 in Zone C only. However, the antlerless permit may be purchased only until Nov. 28.

Giving hunters the option of purchasing either the $24 either-sex permit or $15 antlerless permit should promote additional antlerless harvest.

The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

After Nov. 28, archery hunters must use a deer permit for antlerless deer. Using the antlerless deer permit, hunters can take one additional antlerless deer in Zone A, up to two additional in Zone B, and up to three additional in Zone C. This year’s statewide archery season remains open through February 6, 2011, including the week of deer-gun season Nov.29 through Dec. 5. Deer-gun hunters will also be able to enjoy an additional weekend of hunting Dec. 18 and 19.

A detailed listing of deer hunting rules is contained in the 2010-2011 Ohio Hunting Regulations that is available where licenses are sold, or may be viewed online at wildohio.com.

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OCTOBER WILL be celebrated this weekend when the annual Oktoberfest and the Third Annual Lucas D. Sedgmer Memorial Scholarship Fund 5K Run/Walk is held at Sally Buffalo Park in Cadiz.

Organizers of the Oktoberfest said there will be plenty of fun in store for participants with activities taking place in and around Wallace Lodge featuring a variety of food, craft vendors, games, entertainment, including a karaoke contest (new this year) and, of course, a beer garden as part of the German theme.

Sponsored by the Cadiz Business Association, the festivities will run Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 740-491-1323 or 740-310-1886.

The Third Annual Lucas D. Sedgmer Memorial Scholarship Fund 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 3 will have about 100 runners, walkers and little dashers participating in the event which benefits the program which provides scholarships to numerous local high school graduates. Pre-registration packets may be picked up that day beginning at 10 a.m. behind Wallace Lodge and registration runs until 12:30 p.m.

The course begins at Wallace Lodge and extends across the dam, out of the park to Belmont Technical College, back to the main entrance to the red barn and ending back at the lodge. During the past five years, 21 scholarships have been given. For more information, call 740-491-1371 or e-mail kaysedgmer@hotmail.com.

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THE HARRISON County 4-H Committee and the Harrison County 4-H Clubs will be participating in the national “Make a Difference Day”.

This year, they have decided to make a difference in the community by helping the Jon and Tina Jones family of rural Cadiz. They have three children, Zack, Joelle, and Cael. Their oldest child, Zack was recently diagnosed with a rare cancer .

The 14-year-old is in the 8th grade at Union Local Elementary School and is a member of the Tri-County Showstoppers 4-H club and a member of the Union Local Jr. High Football and wrestling teams. He also helps on the family farm and with the family business, D & J Sales and Service.

The youth of 4-H are asking you to help them “make a difference” with this event for the Jones family.

The event will be held Oct. 23 at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. Activities will include a 50/50 raffle, Mini Relay for Life Walk, children’s games, cornhole tournament, horseshoe tournaments, Pumpkin patch, face painting, hay rides, live musical entertainment, auctions, food stands and more.

Donations will be accepted until October 15 and may dropped off during Monday Friday at the Harrison Central Extension Office between the hours of 8 a.m. 5 p.m

or contact Janet Fenstamaker at740-968-3096 , Amy Edwards 740-945-8700 or 740-491-1328.

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A chicken barbecue will be held Oct. 10 at the Piedmont Firehouse.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. and cost is $8.50 per person. The meal includes a half chicken, potato, vegetable, roll and drink. Dessert will also be available.

Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleader online.com

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