League of Ohio Sportsmen Foundation dba Ohio Wildlife Federation

09/02/2026

🚨 Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System (OWLS) will be offline from 8 p.m. on Monday, September 7 through the afternoon of Tuesday, September 8. 🔶 🚧

🛑 Customers are encouraged to complete purchases ahead of time; none of the system functions will be available during the outage. Purchasing licenses and permits will not be possible during this short window, even in-person at a license vendor. Thanks for your patience!

09/02/2026

Bring Ohio’s Great Outdoors to the Classroom for the 2026-2027 School Year


The film Ohio: Wild at Heart is available online for free streaming


COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio: Wild at Heart, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ movie and educational experience, is available for schools to play in classrooms. In fall 2025, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and MacGillivray Freeman Films invited audiences to experience the film in giant-screen theaters. The film is now available online for free and available for streaming in classrooms.

“We hope that educators take advantage of the use of this incredible film to help their students make more connections between people and the plants, animals, and environments that make Ohio the heart of it all,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.


Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine accompany a group of children as they explore the Storybook Trail in John Bryan State Park wh

Originally created to bring Ohio’s forests, wetlands, rivers, and wildlife to the big screen, Ohio: Wild at Heart is accessible for teachers to use as a learning tool that inspires curiosity, supports science curriculum, and encourages students to explore the outdoors.

Teachers can incorporate Ohio: Wild at Heart into:

Earth and life science units
Ecology, habitats, and biodiversity lessons
Ohio history and natural resource education
Indoor or outdoor learning activities
Sub plans, enrichment days, or rewards before breaks

Educators are invited to visit ohiodnr.gov/movie and complete a brief form to receive access to the film. Once a form is submitted, a web link to view the film will be sent to the email address entered in the form. Internet access is required to view the film. Educators can also access the educator guide for ideas on classroom activities for specific grade levels.

The film, narrated by Ohio native Archie Griffin, shares stories of conservation successes and explores Ohio’s many landscapes, with the underlying message “when we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.”

Dozens of colorful kayakers glide across the Ohio River, celebrating community and outdoor adventure at Paddlefest.

“Ohio is a beautiful state, home to a great variety of plants and animals,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Every day, we work hard to make sure that future generations will get to see in person what we enjoy today on screen. We hope students will watch the movie and become the next generation of conservationists in Ohio.”

The Ohio: Wild at Heart trailer is available on YouTube. The film is also available for viewing at several museum centers across the state as well as select movie theaters. Learn more about participating museums and theaters at ohiodnr.gov. Learn more about the film here.

Another great resource for teachers is the Buckeye Trail Anywhere, which brings the experience of Ohio’s iconic Buckeye Trail directly into classrooms. The resource offers teachers ready‑to‑use lesson materials that make outdoor learning accessible no matter where students are. The program encourages students to “hike” the Buckeye Trail at school, all while learning about Ohio’s outdoor spaces and trail towns.


Hikers cross a bridge beneath the lush trees of Hocking Hills State Park, where sunlight slices through the forest canopy.

Watch: How to Use the Buckeye Trail Anywhere Guide in the Classroom
The program introduces young learners to Ohio’s natural landscapes while reinforcing important academic subjects like environmental science and social studies. By blending outdoor learning with everyday routines, Buckeye Trail Anywhere helps schools and families create meaningful, place‑based educational experiences.

About MacGillivray Freeman Films
Based in Laguna Beach, California, MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant screen 70mm films with nearly 50 films for IMAX® and giant screen theaters to its credit. Throughout the company’s history, its films have won numerous international awards, including Academy Award® nominations for The Living Sea (1995) and Dolphins (2000), and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest (2009), the highest-grossing giant-screen film of all time. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.






For more information, contact:
Whitney Higaki, ODNR Office of Communications
Media Line: 614-202-4756
Office: 614-265-6534

Now you can experience Ohio’s natural wonders in your classroom.

09/02/2026

ODNR and Great Ohio Lodges to Host Statewide Drone Show on September 12

Celebration in nine locations will honor America’s 250th anniversary and
25th anniversary of 9/11


COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with Great Ohio Lodges, invites visitors to experience “Remember, Lights in the Sky” on Saturday, September 12. Nine state park lodges will host this one-of-a-kind evening where at 9 p.m. a synchronized illuminated drone show will light up the night sky across Ohio.



Great Ohio Lodges will host "Remember, Lights in the Sky" at 9 p.m. on September 12, featuring a synchronized illuminated drone show at nine state park lodges across Ohio.



This special statewide event honors America’s 250th anniversary, accompanied by a solemn patriotic tribute marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Families, friends, and communities throughout Ohio are encouraged to come together for a night of reflection, gratitude, and celebration.

“Whether you’re joining us for the drone show, exploring the parks, or enjoying the many activities offered at our lodges, we hope you take this opportunity to experience the very best of Ohio State Parks,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “There is truly something for everyone, and we invite visitors from across the state to be part of this unforgettable evening.”

Each participating lodge will host a full day of activities—most of them free and open to the public. Visitors can also explore the state parks surrounding each lodge, enjoying trails, lakes, wildlife, and the outdoor recreation opportunities that make Ohio State Parks a top-rated destination.

Event details for each location can be found at the links below:

Burr Oak State Park Lodge: https://www.stayburroak.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Deer Creek State Park Lodge: https://www.deercreekparklodge.com/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Hueston Woods State Park Lodge: https://www.huestonwoodslodge.com/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Hocking Hills State Park Lodge: https://www.hockinghillsparklodge.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Mohican State Park Lodge: https://www.mohicanlodge.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Maumee Bay State Park Lodge: https://www.maumeebaylodge.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Punderson State Park Manor: https://www.pundersonmanor.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Salt Fork State Park Lodge: https://www.saltforkparklodge.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky

Shawnee State Park Lodge: https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/events/drone-show-remember-lights-in-the-sky


“We’re excited for visitors to see this incredible drone show and to experience everything our lodges have planned throughout the day,” said Randy Grismer of Great Ohio Lodges. “Our teams have worked hard to create meaningful, family‑friendly experiences, and we look forward to providing a memorable celebration for guests of all ages.”

The synchronized show—“Remember, Lights in the Sky”—will serve as the evening’s finale at 9 p.m. at each lodge, offering a powerful visual tribute to service, sacrifice, and the nation’s enduring spirit as illuminated drones take to the sky.

Ohioans are welcome to visit one of the nine participating lodges, explore the surrounding state park, and take part in this extraordinary statewide moment.


Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.



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Editors note: High Resolution Photo




For more information, contact:
Whitney Higaki, ODNR Office of Communications
Media Line: 614-202-4756
Mobile: 832-797-8123
or
Dave Parsons, ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft
Mobile: 740-504-6884

08/28/2026

Ohio’s Spring 2027 Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons, Bass Regulation Changes Proposed to Wildlife Council

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Wildlife Council received proposals for the spring 2027 wild turkey hunting dates and simplified bass fishing regulations on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will publish a complete list of proposed rule changes, including the spring wild turkey hunting dates, at wildohio.gov on Monday, Aug. 31.

Anyone who would like to comment on Division of Wildlife proposals can do so online at wildohio.gov between Monday, Aug. 31 and Wednesday, Sept. 30. The proposed rules will be voted on during the Ohio Wildlife Council’s meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Spring 2027 Wild Turkey Hunting Proposals
Like the 2026 spring season, the proposed spring wild turkey hunting seasons include separate youth dates for the south and northeast zones. The proposed spring 2027 wild turkey hunting season dates are:
South Zone Youth: Saturday, April 17 to Sunday, April 18, 2027
Northeast Zone Youth: Saturday, April 24 to Sunday, April 25, 2027
South Zone: Saturday, April 24 to Sunday, May 23, 2027
Northeast Zone: Saturday, May 1 to Sunday, May 30, 2027
Ohio’s spring turkey hunting season is split into two zones to align with the timing of turkey nesting in those regions. The south zone covers the majority of Ohio, comprising 83 counties. The northeast zone includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties.

Hunting hours during the youth weekends in both zones were proposed from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. In the south zone and northeast zone, hunting hours for the first nine days of each season were proposed to be from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon, with hours for the remainder of the season from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Fishing Regulations
The Ohio Wildlife Council received a proposal to remove many site-specific length restrictions and daily bag limits for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. The proposal is intended to simplify fishing regulations for Ohio’s anglers after Division of Wildlife surveys revealed the site-specific regulations were not creating larger bass. Under the proposal, most waterbodies with site-specific bass regulations would fall under the statewide limit of five bass and minimum length of 12 inches.

In addition, it was proposed to remove the daily limit and 9-inch minimum length requirement for crappies at Hoover Reservoir.

If approved, the fishing regulation changes would take effect March 1, 2027.

Finally, the wildlife council received a proposal that would provide an online game check option for river otter trapping. If approved, that goes into effect Nov. 15, 2026.

Ohio Wildlife Council
The Ohio Wildlife Council approves all Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals interested in providing comments are asked to call 614-265-6304 at least two days prior to the meeting to register. All comments are required to be three minutes or less.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.




For more information, contact:
Brian Plasters, Division of Wildlife
Phone: 614-601-3836

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

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The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.

08/23/2026

What a great day for jr anglers at Barkcamp. With a great group of kids. Much fun had and fish caught. Some more first fish. Some returning youth fishers. And so thankful for rain holding off till everything was done. Thank you to all the kids and the parents for coming out today. Can't wait to see you next time. Jay

08/22/2026

Hi all: our summer raffle is in full swing. $10 donation to Jr Angler program. 1 st place is the kayak/fishing package as in the picture below.
2nd place is the gift cards shown below.
Get your ticket from. Any board member or message us here. Or contact me. 740 391 0047

08/19/2026

This weekend Jr anglers event at Barkcamp state park Morristown ohio. Free fishing event. We will start around 8 30 or 9. Come on out and join us we will be there rain or shine. Any questions or to register reach out to me. 740-391-0047 or email [email protected]
Thanks Jay
We will be at the shelter house by the beach area.

08/12/2026

Don't forget meeting Saturday in Columbus at the office. Thanks boomer

05/30/2026

Come on down and enjoy some great free youth fishing with us at division 3 aquatic education center at D 3 headquarters in arkon ohio.