Ohio Division of Wildlife

Happy Halloween! 🎃 DYK: Eastern gray squirrels disrupted early agricultural efforts in the state to such an extent that Ohio law required each taxpayer to turn in a quota of squirrel skins along with their tax payment. As the human population grew and more land was cleared, elimination practices continued and gray squirrel numbers begin to dwindle. By 1885, hunting laws were enacted restricting the hunting seasons and bag limits for the gray squirrel.

🤑 Buying an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is a way for people to directly contribute to future management of Ohio’s wildlife. Purchase of the $15 stamp also includes a commemorative card and a sticker. 🔗 https://ow.ly/Bi8F50TSNhl

⭐ Ohio residents can anticipate entering the 17th annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest next summer, featuring wading birds and shorebirds, with the winner featured on the 2026 legacy stamp. 🙌 📷 Wilson's snipe by Marlon Carr

🤩 The vast gorges and towering cliffs of Hocking Hills have been a natural wonder to Ohioans for generations. Evidence even suggests that as long as 7,000 years ago members of the Native Adena Tribe inhabited the Hocking cliffs. 📷 Hocking Hills State Park Lodge | ODNR

🍂 The Buckeye State is starting to show a myriad of fall colors as we enter prime fall color viewing! https://ow.ly/M4jW50TSMcx 📷 ODNR | Ceasar Creek ft. an osprey

🍂 Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve is STUNNING 🙌 DYK: Many of the ancient beech trees within the preserve have completely hollow trunks and provide "apartments" for a number of different species of animals. 🏡 🐿️ Squirrels can be heard barking among the treetops, and pileated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, deer, foxes and raccoons are also found within the preserve. 🧗 The steep eroding clay banks high above the Chagrin State Scenic River are ideal nesting spots for bank swallows and noisy kingfishers. cc: Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

🚨 Our agency is dedicated to enforcing laws that protect Ohio’s wildlife. ⭐ Input and concern from the public are integral to those enforcement efforts. Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call the Turn in a Poacher hotline at 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous. Information that results in a conviction of a wildlife crime may result in a reward. 🔗 https://ow.ly/IjHB50TPW77

🏆 Wildlife Officer Michele Butler was recognized by the The Mississippi Flyway Council with the Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award. 🙌 🦆 The Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award is presented to a law enforcement officer who exhibits exceptional dedication and service to protecting the Mississippi Flyway’s waterfowl populations. This award highlights officers who go above and beyond by protecting wetlands and waterfowl, educating waterfowlers, participating in waterfowl organizations, and promoting youth hunting activities. 🔗 https://ow.ly/3BKP50TSOib

🙌 Roger Friedman’s photo of a hummingbird clearwing moth will be featured on the 2025 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. 🔗 https://ow.ly/FEqp50TSMJN Supporters can purchase the 2025 legacy stamp, featuring the hummingbird clearwing moth, beginning March 1. The 2024 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, which showcases a pair of cedar waxwings, is available now

⏰ Just a few more days for duck hunting! 🦆 The season for ducks, coots, and mergansers closes on 10/27. Hunters will have additional opportunity later this winter with the north zone open from 11/16-1/5/25 and the south zone open 12/7-1/26/25.