ottawa national wildlife refuge complex migratory game ... nwr huntplan 2017 draft(final).pdfthe...

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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Migratory Game Birds (ducks, geese, mergansers, coot, rail and

snipe), Upland Game (gray, red and fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit,

mourning dove, woodcock, ring-necked pheasant, crow, red and

grey fox, raccoon, coyote, opossum, skunk, groundhog), and Big

Game (white-tailed deer, wild turkey) Hunt Plan

DRAFT PROPOSAL

August 1, 2017

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

14000 West State Route 2

Oak Harbor, OH 43449

Submitted By:

Jason Lewis - Project Leader

______________________________________________ ____________

Signature Date

Concurrence:

Cathy Nigg-Refuge Supervisor

______________________________________________ ____________

Signature Date

Approved:

Charles Blair - Regional Chief

______________________________________________ ____________

Signature Date

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NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION STATEMENT

“To administer a national network of land and water for the conservation management, and,

where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within

the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX MISSION STATEMENT

“To protect, enhance, and restore habitat for threatened and endangered species; provide suitable

nesting habitat for migratory birds; provide spring and fall migrational habitat for waterfowl and

other migratory birds; provide habitat for native resident flora and fauna; and provide the public

with wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities.”

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Table of Contents

I. Introduction………………………………………………………………………6

II. Conformance with Statutory Authority…………………………………………10

III. Statement of Objectives………………………………………………………...12

IV. Assessment……………………………………………………………………..12

A. Are wildlife populations present in numbers sufficient to sustain

optimum population levels for priority refuge objectives other than

hunting?.............................................................................12

B. Is there competition for habitat between target species and other

wildlife?.............................................................................13

C. Are there unacceptable levels of predation by target species on

other wildlife forms?..........................................................13

V. Description of Hunting Program………………………………………………..13

A. Areas of Refuge that Support Targeted Species………….13

B. Areas to be opened to hunting……………………………13

C. Species to be taken, hunting periods, hunting access…….25

D. Justification for the permit, if one is required………...….30

E. Consultation and Coordination with the State…………...32

F. Law Enforcement………………………………………...32

G. Funding and staffing requirements ……………………...33

VI. Measures Taken to Avoid Conflicts with Other Management Objectives……..34

A. Biological Conflicts……………………………………….34

B. Public Use Conflicts………………………………………35

C. Administrative Use Conflicts……………………………..35

VII. Conduct of the Hunt Program..………………………………………………..36

A. Refuge Specific Hunting Regulations…………………….36

B. State Regulations………………………………………….38

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C. Refuge-Specific (Ottawa NWR) Hunting Regulations…...38

D. Refuge-Specific (Cedar Point NWR) Hunting

Regulations………………………………………………..40

E. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program…….41

F. Hunter Application and Registration Procedures (if

applicable)………………………………………………...41

G. Description of Hunter Selection Process………………....42

H. Media Selection for Announcing and Publicizing the

Hunting Program………………………………………....42

I. General Requirements…………………………………....42

J. Hunter Requirements…………………………………….42

VIII. Compatibility Determination……………………………………………43

References ……………………………………………………………………44

List of Tables

Table 1. Number of hunt visits by hunting activity for the recent hunting

seasons at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.………………………………...11

Table 2. Species proposed to be open to hunting on the Refuge Complex…..26

Table 3. Summary of Controlled Hunt Applicants received and permitted

in 2014 and 2016, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge……………………......32

List of Figures

Figure 1. Location Map for Ottawa National Wildlife Complex, Ohio………9

Figure 2. Controlled Hunt Units - Deer Gun, Ottawa NWR ………………..14

Figure 3. Controlled Hunt Units – Deer Hunts, Cedar Point NWR…………15

Figure 4. Controlled Hunt Units – Archery Deer, Ottawa NWRC…………16

Figure 5. Controlled Hunt Units – Waterfowl, Ottawa NWR………………17

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Figure 5a. Controlled Hunt Units – Waterfowl, Ottawa NWR-Blausey..…..18

Figure 6. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC-Metzger Marsh.....19

Figure 6a. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC-Price-Adams......20

Figure 6b. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC-Helle………....21

Figure 6c. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC-Two Rivers......22

List of Appendices

Appendix A: Environmental Assessment, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Appendix B: Wildlife Population Status Reports

Appendix C: Maps for Designated Areas of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Complex

Appendix D: Public Hunting Area Maps for Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Complex

Appendix E: Controlled Hunt Areas for Deer Hunts of the Ottawa National

Wildlife Refuge Complex

Appendix F: Controlled Hunt Areas for Waterfowl Hunts of the Ottawa National

Wildlife Refuge

Appendix G: Special Use Permit, FWS Form 3-1383-G

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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Migratory Game Birds (ducks, geese, mergansers, coot, rail and

snipe), Upland Game (gray, red and fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit,

mourning dove, woodcock, ring-necked pheasant, crow, red and

grey fox, raccoon, coyote, opossum, skunk, groundhog), Big Game

(white-tailed deer, wild turkey) Hunt Plan

DRAFT PROPOSAL

I. Introduction

This Hunt Plan is part of the overall Visitor Services Plan for the Ottawa National Wildlife

Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex). The Hunt Plan identifies how the Refuge will manage

public hunting opportunities on Refuge owned or managed lands as identified in the Refuge’s

2000 Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) along with lands acquired after the publication of

CCP (USFWS 2000). In general, this plan proposes to continue providing controlled hunting

opportunities, expand youth hunting and controlled hunting opportunities and open select Refuge

areas to recreational public hunting.

This plan proposes that the hunting program generally follows State of Ohio regulations with

respect to species, seasons, limits, and method of take, except in circumstances where we

propose to deviate from those regulations to meet Refuge wildlife population, public use, and

public safety goals.

The Refuge Complex

The Refuge Complex consists of three national wildlife refuges: Ottawa (ONWR), Cedar Point

(CPNWR) and West Sister Island (WSINWR).

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1961 under the authority of the

Migratory Bird Conservation Act “…..for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other

management purpose, for migratory birds” (16 USC 715d). The Refuge Complex shall be

managed, “…to provide major resting, feeding, and wintering habitat for migratory birds and

other wildlife; to enhance national resource conservation and management in the western

basin;…to conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic and terrestrial community

characteristics of the western basin; to facilitate partnerships…; and …to protect and restore the

chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem” (Public Law

108-23—May 19, 2003).

The Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 under the same authority and

purpose as ONWR.

The West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 7937 on

August 2, 1937 “…as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife…”

and specifically to protect the largest wading bird nesting colony on the U.S. Great Lakes. On

January 3, 1975, 77 acres of the 82-acre island was designated as a wilderness, part of the

National Wilderness Preservation System (Public Law 93-632).

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In addition to the stated purpose of each refuge, the Comprehensive Conservation Plan, or CCP,

identifies the role the Refuge Complex plays in supporting the mission of the National Wildlife

Refuge System and provides guidance for Refuge management. Several legislative mandates

within the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 have guided the

development of the CCP. These mandates include:

● Wildlife has first priority in the management of refuges

● Wildlife-dependent recreation activities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation,

wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation, are the priority public

uses of refuges. We will facilitate these activities when they do not interfere with our

ability to fulfill the Refuge’s purpose or the mission of the Refuge System.

● Other uses of the Refuge will only be allowed when they are determined to be

appropriate and compatible with Refuge purposes and mission of the Refuge System

The National Wildlife Refuge system was established by the Federal Property and

Administrative Service Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471-535), as amended; Fish and Wildlife

Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661-666c) as amended; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16

U.S.C. 742a-742j Stat. 1119) as amended; the Act of May 19, 1948, Public Law 80-537 (16

U.S.C. 667b-667d; 62 Stat. 240) as amended; and The National Wildlife Refuge System

Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended.

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex and the surrounding area lies in the western

basin of Lake Erie, stretching from just east of Toledo, Ohio, to 75 miles west of Cleveland,

Ohio, in Lucas and Ottawa counties. The area is generally flat with predominantly hydric, or

wetland, soils. Agriculture is the predominant feature of the surrounding landscape with small

towns and cities scattered throughout. An estimated eight million people live within a 2-hour

drive of the Refuge. The Refuge and surrounding land are part of what was traditionally known

as the Great Black Swamp, which once included 300,000 acres of wetlands along Lake Erie and

extended inland. This vast area comprised coastal wetlands, riverine marshes, wet prairies,

hardwood swamps and oak savanna. Only about 10 percent of this original wetland habitat

remains, and this resource supports a tremendous diversity of wildlife.

The 4,683-acre Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1961 to preserve a remnant of

the formerly vast Lake Erie coastal wetlands. The land was purchased by funds authorized

through the Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp Act (commonly called the Duck

Stamp Act). A large portion of Refuge Complex had been owned and operated as a duck hunting

club for decades. Water levels were managed by a series of dikes that formed impoundments and

the Refuge Complex retained these and other facilities. In fact, the previous Refuge visitor center

was the former club’s hunting lodge.

Today, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of three separate units. The Ottawa

Unit is the original 4,683-acre tract. The 520-acre Darby Unit is located 12 miles to the east near

Port Clinton. In 1966, the Service received the Darby Unit in a trade with Toledo Edison for a

property known as the Navarre Marsh. The Service retains management rights on the 591-acre

Navarre Unit, now the site of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.

The 2,445-acre area that is now the Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the

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North American Wildlife Foundation by the Cedar Point Club, a hunt club that had owned Cedar

Point Marsh since 1882. The Foundation turned the marsh over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service in 1964 with the provision that it not be used as a public park, campground or picnic

area. Proposed development was again the catalyst for action by local conservationists to

preserve the resource.

West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge is the oldest member of the Ottawa Complex and

the most isolated. The 82-acre island became a national wildlife refuge in 1937, and in 1975 it

was designated as a Federal wilderness area under the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Service

manages 77 acres of the island and the U.S. Coast Guard owns the remaining acreage and an

existing lighthouse. The island is home to the largest great blue heron and great egret rookery in

the U.S. Great Lakes, and is also home to black-crowned night herons and snowy egrets. The

island is not accessible to the public.

In 2000, a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and an Environmental Assessment (EA) for

the Refuge Complex were developed and approved. The CCP and EA addressed future

management of the Refuge Complex, including protecting an additional 5,000 acres of land

(through acquisition) for wildlife (USFWS 2000). The approved Refuge Complex acquisition

boundary has been revised one time since 1961 and the Refuge has added over 2,000 acres. The

current acquisition boundary stretches along 40 miles of western Lake Erie shoreline from the

Maumee Bay east to Sandusky Bay, and inland approximately 15 miles (Figure 1). Currently,

about 9,953 acres are managed by the Refuge (USFWS 2015).

Ecological Setting

The Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, which includes the Ottawa Refuge Complex, is the largest

body of freshwater in the world. It holds 18 percent of the world’s supply of fresh water; covers

95,000 square miles with 9,000 miles of shoreline; includes 5,000 tributaries; and has a drainage

area of 288,000 square miles. More than 35 million people live in the Great Lakes Basin and

depend upon its natural resources. This binational basin, which is shared between the U.S. and

Canada, is subject to ever-increasing national and international attention being focused on the

introduction and expansion of nonindigenous species, such as the zebra mussel, ruffe, purple

loosestrife, and others; the precarious nature of aquatic and nearshore communities and habitats,

and contamination, all of which are affecting ecosystem health.

The Great Lakes Basin supports a variety of fish and wildlife species of concern. Fish species of

special interest include lake trout, lake sturgeon, whitefish, walleye, Pacific salmon, landlocked

Atlantic salmon, and associated forage fish species. Native mussels are being seriously impacted

by the exotic zebra mussel and are in danger of extirpation. The Great Lakes Basin provides

critical breeding, feeding, and resting areas, as well as migration corridors, for waterfowl,

colonial nesting birds, neotropical migrants, and many other species of migratory birds.

Specifically, 31 species of migratory non-game birds of management concern to the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service occur in this ecosystem.

A recent survey of biological diversity in the Great Lakes Basin identified 130 globally rare or

endangered plant and animal species and ecological communities. The bald eagle, peregrine

falcon, piping plover, Kirtland’s warbler, Mitchell’s satyr and Karner blue butterflies, Indiana

bat, gray wolf, lake sturgeon, deepwater sculpin, and pugnose shiner are a few of the many

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threatened, endangered, and species of special concern that inhabit the Great Lakes Basin

ecosystem (USFWS 2000).

There are more than 9,800 acres of State Wildlife Areas and 1,336 acres of a State Park within

the Refuge acquisition boundary that are operated and managed by the Ohio Department of

Natural Resources (ODNR). All of the 8 State Wildlife Areas are currently open to hunting with

various time and area restrictions. The Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area is the largest State Wildlife

Area within the Refuge acquisition boundary with a total of 3,200 acres. Other Wildlife Areas

within the acquisition boundary include Resthaven (2,272 acres), Magee Marsh (2,202), Willow

Point (645), Metzger Marsh (558), Little Portage (407), Mallard Club (402) and Toussaint (231).

The Maumee Bay State Park is 1,336 acres and has offered hunting on a limited basis in the past.

Figure 1. Location map for Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

II. Conformance with Statutory Authorities

The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460K) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to

administer refuges, hatcheries, and other conservation areas for recreational use. The Refuge

Recreation Act requires 1) that any recreational use permitted will not interfere with the primary

purpose for which the area was established; and 2) that funds are available for the development,

operation, and maintenance of the permitted forms of recreation.

Fundamental to the management of lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System (System)

is the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-57), an

amendment to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966. The National

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Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 provided a mission for the System and clear

standards for its management, use, planning, and growth. The National Wildlife Refuge System

Improvement Act of 1997 recognized that wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving

hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and

interpretation, when determined to be compatible with the mission of the System and purposes of

the Refuge, are legitimate and appropriate public uses of the System. Compatible wildlife-

dependent recreational uses are the priority general public uses of the System and shall receive

priority consideration in planning and management. Hunting is a wildlife-dependent recreational

use and the law states that as such, it “shall receive priority consideration in national wildlife

refuge planning and management.” The Secretary of Interior may permit hunting on a refuge if it

is determined that the use is compatible. The hunting program would not materially interfere

with or detract from the fulfillment of the purposes of the refuge or the mission of the National

Wildlife Refuge System.

In response to the Improvement Act, the Refuge began to develop a CCP in 1997. The CCP was

finalized in 2000 and established the management direction for the Refuge.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the CCP included an Environmental

Assessment (EA) (see Appendix A) that presented four alternatives for future management of the

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Each alternative was designed to contain a

reasonable mix of fish and wildlife habitat prescriptions and wildlife-dependent recreational

opportunities. The environmental consequences of each alternative were described and compared

in the EA. The planning team chose an alternative that called for improving the quality of

services to refuge visitors and shifting habitat emphasis to include more wooded wetlands,

natural marsh and scrub/shrub lands.

The CCP planning process began in July 1997 with informal discussions among refuge staff and

a 2-day scoping session with local residents and representatives of groups concerned with the

future of the Ottawa Refuge Complex. Members of the public were invited to attend two local

open house events in November 1997. In addition to the open house events, the planning team

sought input from technical experts, including a group of regional migratory bird biologists and

others. The public was also invited to comment on a concept newsletter distributed in January

1999 and on the Draft CCP when it was available in June-July 2000. While the CCP provides

overall management direction, more detailed “step-down” plans were to be developed to refine

Refuge programs and operations (USFWS 2000).

This Hunt Plan is a step-down plan from the Visitor Services Plan (in draft). It also “steps down”

from the CCP by implementing the CCP’s goals, objectives, and strategies. Those goals,

objectives and strategies were developed within the context of overall Visitor Services. Within

the CCP process, the Refuge completed compatibility determinations on hunting uses proposed

at that time. These hunting uses, which included big game, upland game, and migratory bird

hunting, were determined to be compatible with the National Wildlife Refuge System mission

and the Refuge purpose as long as these hunting activities did not interfere with the primary

purpose for which Ottawa NWR Complex was established.

Waterfowl hunting on ONWR began in 1976 with controlled goose hunts only. In 1986 the

refuge expanded waterfowl hunting opportunities to include ducks. Then in 1996 the refuge

began hunting deer with primitive weapons as a means to reduce the deer population as

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significant habitat degradation was evident (USFWS 1995). In its first year deer hunters had a

76% success rate. From 1997 - 2003 youth hunts, mobility impaired hunts and archery hunts

were phased in to further manage the deer population on the refuge. All legal hunting weapons

allowed in the State were permitted.

Today, current hunting opportunities within the current Refuge Complex have been managed and

regulated by the Service in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources -

Division of Wildlife. These opportunities include; controlled youth deer gun hunts, controlled

mobility impaired deer gun hunts, controlled archery deer hunts, controlled adult deer gun hunts,

and controlled waterfowl hunts.

The Refuge Complex averages over 200,000 visitors annually. Hunting is the fifth most popular

wildlife dependent use of the Refuge Complex following wildlife observation, photography,

interpretation and environmental education. This is result of the limited nature of hunting

opportunities on the Refuge. The Refuge Complex had about 699 hunt visits in the 2016 hunting

season (Table 1). The current hunting program’s annual cost is around $30,000 (2.5%) of the

overall annual Refuge Complex operating budget.

Table 1. Number of hunt visits by hunting activity for the recent hunting seasons at

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunting Activity Number of hunt visits for the following hunting seasons: 2013 2014 2015 2016

Waterfowl 696 696 675 556

Big Game (Deer) 136 142 143 143

Upland Game 0 0 0 0

Other Migratory birds 0 0 0 0

III. Statement of Objectives

The objectives of migratory game bird, big game and upland game hunting programs on Ottawa

NWR Complex are to provide:

1. The public with a high-quality hunting experiences on more refuge lands and increase

opportunities for hunters, especially for youth.

2. Biological diversity by preserving the natural diversity and variety of biotic communities

occurring on Refuge lands and aid in maintaining white-tailed deer populations at levels stated in

the CCP.

3. Wildlife-dependent public recreation as mandated by the National Wildlife Refuge

Improvement Act of 1997 and according to Service policy.

4. Aid in managing white-tailed deer populations on the Refuge Complex, working in

conjunction with the State DOW and adjacent landowners.

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IV. Assessment

A. Are wildlife populations present in numbers sufficient to sustain optimum

population levels for priority refuge objectives other than hunting?

Surveys for wildlife populations are conducted by the ODNR - Division of Wildlife throughout

the state. This data is used to provide populations trends for both hunted and non-hunted species,

and offers a broad-scale view of the populations. Narratives, maps and graphs for the below

listed species are sourced from the ODNR website (Appendix B). Additional information from

USFWS surveys is included in the Waterfowl update.

Coyote: 2012 State Update

Easter Cottontail Rabbit: 2014 State Update

Gray and Fox Squirrel: 2012 State Update

Gray Fox: 2012 State Update

Red Fox: 2012 State Update

Raccoon: 2012 State Update

Skunk: 2012 Update

Opossum: 2012 Update

Groundhog: No data

White-tailed Deer: 2011 State Update

Wild Turkey: 2013 State Update

Mourning Dove: 2012 State Update

American Woodcock: 2012 State Update

American Crow: 2012 Update

Ring-necked Pheasant: 2014 State Update

American Crow: 2012 State Update

Canada Goose (Migrant): 2012 State Update

Canada Goose (Resident): 2012 State Update

Waterfowl: 2016 USFWS Update

B. Is there competition for habitat between target species and other wildlife?

Historically, high-densities of white-tailed deer damaged vegetation communities (i.e., forested

areas) on the Refuge (USFWS 1995). Currently, white-tailed deer are a threat to the recovery

efforts for the eastern prairie-fringed orchid population, a federal threatened species. This orchid

population at Ottawa NWR is the largest in Ohio, and continued management of the deer

population is one factor in its recovery effort (USFWS 2016).

C. Are there unacceptable levels of predation by target species on other wildlife?

Predation levels by furbearers covered in this hunt plan (gray and red fox, raccoon and coyote)

on other wildlife on the Refuge have not been measured. However, fox, raccoon and coyote are

opportunistic omnivores which have the ability to impact ground-nesting species, particularly

songbirds and waterfowl, through nest destruction and predation. Additionally, depredation of

turtle eggs by these mammalian predators is widely known. Congdon et.al. (1983) found

raccoon and fox to be the most common predators of Blanding’s turtle eggs. This is a potential

threat to any recovery efforts for Blanding’s turtles, a species of special concern on the Refuge.

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V. Description of Hunting Program

This plan proposes to expand controlled hunting opportunities in designated areas of the Refuge

Complex, especially for youth. It also proposes to expand general public hunting opportunities

by opening designated units to public hunting in accordance with State regulations, seasons and

bag limits. A controlled hunting permit would not be required in these areas. The hunting

program will generally follow State of Ohio regulations with respect to species, seasons, limits,

and methods of take. In specific instances, such as controlled hunts, we propose to deviate from

those regulations to meet Refuge wildlife populations (e.g., white-tailed deer), public use, and

public safety goals.

A. Areas of the Refuge that support populations of the target species.

The Refuge Complex is made up of Great Lakes coastal wetland, shoal, wet meadow, old fields,

shrubland, beach ridge and both hydric and mesic forest. These ecosystems preserve the natural

communities of plants, animals and other associated biota in the western Lake Erie basin. This

area is significant to the migration of a diverse range of species that use the Great Lakes

ecosystems and its shorelines as migration corridors and maintain trust species and resources in

this rural area. These species, including game and nongame, are important contributors to the

overall biodiversity of the Refuge Complex. Approximately 309 species of birds, 33 species of

mammals, 65 species of fish, 18 species of reptiles/amphibians and 15 mussels are found in the

Refuge (USFWS 2015).

All units of the Refuge support populations of migratory game birds, big game, upland game,

and furbearers. Many of the Refuge units are open to the public for some type of recreational

use; large portions of the Refuge are open to some type of controlled hunting via a controlled

hunting permit. Some of the Refuge units are closed to hunting to reduce conflicts with other

recreational, biological, or administrative uses.

B. Areas to be opened to hunting.

The Service is in the process of acquiring additional land for the Refuge Complex. As each tract

is acquired it will be considered for inclusion in the hunt program. Unit by unit restrictions are

based upon considerations of a specific unit’s characteristics (e.g., size, shape), potential for

conflict with other on-unit or off-unit uses or activities, local ordinances, and safety. Additional

information regarding Refuge specific methods of take is provided in Section VII of this

Chapter, “Conduct of the Hunt.”

Upon implementation of this plan select Refuge units or areas will be open to hunting with a

controlled hunt permit (Figures 2-5a). Other select Refuge units will be open to public hunting in

accordance with State regulations, seasons, and limits (Figures 6-6c).

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Figure 2. Controlled Hunt Units - Deer Gun, Ottawa NWR: Units where controlled gun deer

hunts (adult, youth, mobility impaired) are conducted with a controlled hunt permit. Units

marked ‘Magee’ are part of the partnership hunt but not part of this hunt plan.

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Figure 3. Controlled Hunt Units – Deer Gun, Cedar Point NWR: Units where controlled youth

deer gun hunts are conducted with a controlled hunt permit.

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Figure 4. Controlled Hunt Units – Archery Deer, Ottawa NWRC: Units where controlled

archery deer hunts are conducted with a controlled hunt permit.

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Figure 5. Controlled Hunt Units – Waterfowl, Ottawa NWR: Blinds/areas where controlled

waterfowl hunting are conducted with a controlled hunt permit.

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Figure 5a. Controlled Hunt Units – Waterfowl, Ottawa NWR: Blausey Unit - Blind/area where

controlled waterfowl hunting are conducted with a controlled hunt permit.

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Figure 6. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC: Metzger Marsh Unit - where general

public hunts are conducted in accordance with State seasons and bag limits.

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Figure 6a. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC: Price-Adams Unit - where general


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Figure 6b. Units Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC: Helle Unit - where general public

hunts are conducted in accordance with State seasons and bag limits.

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Figure 6c. Unit Open to Public Hunting, Ottawa NWRC: Two Rivers Unit - where general


Refuge-specific special hunts for people with disabilities, youth hunters, and other underserved

hunting populations may be administered on designated areas of the Refuge that are closed to

hunting by the general public. Additional information regarding Refuge-specific special hunts is

provided in Section VII of this Chapter - “Conduct of the Hunt.” Additional areas of the Refuge

Complex are open to Refuge-specific special hunts.

Hunting is allowed on designated areas of the Refuge Complex as follows:

Unit 1 - Ottawa North (see map, Appendix C)

● Migratory Birds - open only to hunting goose, duck, merganser and coot by controlled

hunt permit on designated dates.

● Big Game - open only to white-tailed deer hunting (archery & firearms) by controlled


● Upland Game - closed

● Open to Refuge-specific special hunts for migratory birds, upland game and big game.

Unit 2 - Ottawa Middle (see map, Appendix C)


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Unit 3 - Ottawa South (see map, Appendix C)







Unit 4 - Woodies Roost (see map, Appendix C)







Unit 5 - Blausey Unit (see map, Appendix C)



● Big Game - closed



Unit 6 – Darby Unit (including Young and Drusbacky areas) (see map, Appendix C)

● Migratory Birds - closed, except Refuge-specific special hunts.

● Big Game - open only to archery deer hunting by controlled hunt permit on designated

dates.



Unit 7 & 8 - Cedar Point NWR (see map, Appendix C)

● Migratory Birds - closed

● Big Game - open only to adult/youth deer hunting by controlled hunt permit on

designated dates.



Unit D1 (see map, Appendix C)


● Big Game - open only to mobility-impaired and youth gun deer hunting by controlled



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Unit D2 (see map, Appendix C)



● Big Game - open only to mobility-impaired and youth gun deer hunting by controlled




Price-Adams Unit (see map, Appendix C)

● Migratory Birds - open to public hunting in accordance with State regulations, seasons

and bag limits.

● Big Game - open to public hunting in accordance with State regulations, seasons and bag

limits.

● Upland Game - open to general public hunting in accordance with State regulations,

seasons and bag limits. “Furbearers” open to hunting according to Refuge-specific

regulations.

Helle Unit (see map, Appendix C)


and bag limits.


limits.

● Upland Game - open to public hunting in accordance with State regulations, seasons and

bag limits. “Furbearers” open to hunting according to Refuge-specific regulations.

Metzger Marsh Unit - ONWR portion (see map, Appendix C)


and bag limits.


limits.



Navarre Unit (see map, Appendix C) - cooperative management agreement area.


● Big Game - closed, except Refuge-specific special hunts as approved by the property

owner.


Two Rivers Unit (see map, Appendix C)


and bag limits.


limits, except closed during spring wild turkey season.



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Boss Unit (see map, Appendix C)

● Closed, except Refuge-specific special hunts for migratory birds, upland game, and big

game.

Schneider Unit (see map, Appendix C)

● Closed to all hunting including Refuge-specific special hunts.

Kontz Unit (see map, Appendix C)


Gaeth-Kurdy Unit (see map, Appendix C)


game.

Burmeister Unit (see map, Appendix C)


Knorn Unit (see map, Appendix C)


game.

Hemminger Unit (see map, Appendix C)


West Sister Island NWR (see map, Appendix C)


NOTE: The open water coastal areas of Lake Erie, along the boundaries of the Refuge Complex

are open to hunting below the ordinary high watermark in accordance with State laws and

regulations. Entry onto the dikes and/or hunting the managed wetlands and uplands of ONWR,

CPNWR and WSINWR above the ordinary high watermark is prohibited. Hunting within the

Crane Creek estuary is prohibited.

C. Species to be taken, hunting periods, hunting access

a. Species to be Taken

Generally, the Refuge is open to hunting by a State issued controlled hunt permit only, with a

few exceptions (i.e. open public hunting areas). The Refuge has limited hunting for some species

and restricted method of take for some species groups on a unit by unit basis. A list of species

open to hunting can be found in Table 2. Only the species listed may be taken. No portion of this

hunt plan authorizes the take of furbearers via trapping.

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Table 2. Species proposed to be open to hunting on the Refuge Complex.

Big Game Upland/Small Game

White-tailed Deer Cottontail rabbit

Wild Turkey Fox (red and gray)

Squirrel (fox, red, gray)

Migratory Birds Coyote

Waterfowl (i.e., goose, duck,

merganser) Ring-necked pheasant

Moorhen/gallinule Raccoon

American Woodcock Opossum

Rail (Virginia and sora) Skunk

Mourning Dove Woodchuck

Coot American Crow

Wilson’s Snipe

1. Migratory Game Birds

The take of migratory game birds according to State regulations will be permitted on

the following Refuge Complex units; Price-Adams, Helle, Two Rivers and the Ottawa

NWR portion of Metzger Marsh (Figures 6-6c). This includes the take of goose, duck,

merganser, coot, moorhen/gallinule, mourning dove, rails, snipe, and woodcock. The

take of all other migratory birds will be prohibited. The season dates and bag limits for

these species will coincide with the appropriate State regulations and seasons. The use

of retrieving and/or pointing dogs for migratory game bird hunting will be permitted;

however, the dogs must be under the hunter’s control at all times. Approved non-toxic

shot is required for any migratory bird hunting on the Refuge. Special regulations may

apply.

Ottawa North (1), Ottawa Middle (2), Ottawa South (3), Woodies Roost (4), Blausey

Unit (5) and D2 will be open to goose, duck, merganser, and coot (Figures 5-5a).

Hunting will be allowed under a controlled hunt permit in cooperation with the

ODNR. Special regulations will apply. Hunting will be from designated areas within

each unit on designated dates during the general State waterfowl season. Blinds are

available to permit holders with disabilities upon request. The number of designated

areas within each unit will be determined annually in cooperation with the ODNR.

This flexibility is necessary to account for any unforeseen maintenance or marsh

management issues. The maximum number of available controlled waterfowl hunting

areas on the Refuge Complex is 16. All permit holders may bring 1 hunting partner.

NOTE: The open water coastal areas of Lake Erie, along the boundaries of the

Refuge Complex are open to waterfowl hunting below the ordinary high watermark in

accordance with State laws and regulations. Entry onto the dikes and/or hunting the

managed wetlands and uplands of ONWR, CPNWR and WSINWR above the ordinary

high watermark without a controlled hunt permit is prohibited. Hunting within the

Crane Creek estuary of ONWR is prohibited.

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2. Big Game (White-tailed Deer)

The take of big game (white-tailed deer) in accordance with State regulations, bag

limits and seasons will be permitted on the following Refuge Complex units;

Price/Adams, Helle, Two Rivers and the ONWR portion of Metzger Marsh (Figures 6-

6c). Special regulations may apply.

Ottawa North (Unit 1), Ottawa Middle (Unit 2), Ottawa South (Unit 3), Woodies

Roost (Unit 4), Darby/Young/Drusbacky (Units 5 & 6), Cedar Point NWR (Unit 7 &

8), D1 and D2 will be open to white-tailed deer hunting by a controlled hunt permit

in cooperation with the ODNR (Appendix E). Weapon restrictions will apply on some

of these units. Hunting will occur on designated dates during the general State archery

and gun deer season. Both archery and gun deer hunting (youth, adult) will be

permitted in units 1, 2, 3 and 4. Only gun deer hunting (youth and mobility-impaired)

will be permitted in units D1 and D2. Only archery deer hunting will be permitted on

Units 5 & 6. Only archery deer hunting and youth gun deer hunting will be permitted

on Units 7 & 8. All permit holders may bring 2 hunting partners. All hunters/groups

will have their assigned hunting area exclusively to themselves. ONWR will be closed

to general public use during all controlled deer gun hunts for safety reasons; with the

exception of Price-Adams, Helle, Two Rivers and the Ottawa NWR portion of

Metzger Marsh, which are open to public hunting. Units D1 and D2 are designated

mobility-impaired units during the statewide deer gun season.

3. Big Game (Wild Turkey)

The take of wild turkey in accordance with State regulations, bag limits and seasons

will be permitted on the following Refuge Complex units; Price-Adams, Helle, Two

Rivers and the ONWR portion of Metzger Marsh (Figures 6-6c), with the exception

that no spring wild turkey season will occur at Two Rivers. (This is to reduce

disturbance in the great blue heron rookery at the Two Rivers Unit.) Approved non-

toxic shot is required for turkey hunting on the Refuge Complex.

4. Upland/Small Game (Pheasants, Rabbits, Squirrels, Groundhogs, Crows)

The take of upland/small game in accordance with State regulations, bag limits and

seasons will be permitted on the following Refuge Complex units; Price-Adams,

Helle, Two Rivers and the ONWR portion of Metzger Marsh (Figures 6-6c). The use

of pointing and/or retrieving dogs for pheasant hunting will be permitted, as will the

use of pursuit dogs for rabbit hunting, but dogs must be under the hunter’s control at

all times. Fox, gray and red squirrels may all be hunted. Approved non-toxic shot are

required for any small game hunting on the Refuge Complex.

5. Upland/Small Game (Furbearers: Foxes, Raccoon, Coyote, and Opossum)

The take of six species of furbearers--red fox, gray fox, raccoon, coyote, skunk and

opossum--will be permitted in accordance with State regulations, bag limits and

seasons on the Price-Adams, Helle and Two Rivers and the ONWR portion of Metzger

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Marsh (Figures 6-6c). Night hunting on these units is prohibited. All hunting for these

species on Refuge Complex lands will be within the State listed hunting times which

are published in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations brochure. Approved non-

toxic shot is required for any small game hunting on the Refuge Complex, including

shot used for fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum and coyotes. This hunt plan does not cover

trapping of furbearers. No trapping will be allowed through this hunt plan.

NOTE: The open water coastal areas of Lake Erie, along the boundaries of the

Refuge Complex are open to waterfowl hunting below the ordinary high watermark in

accordance with State laws and regulations. Entry onto the dikes and/or hunting the

managed wetlands and uplands of ONWR, CPNWR and WSINWR above the ordinary

high watermark without a controlled hunt permit is prohibited. Hunting within the

Crane Creek estuary of ONWR is prohibited.

b. Hunting Periods

All open public hunting units (Metzger Marsh, Price/Adams, Helle, Two Rivers units) are in

accordance with State regulations, seasons, and bag limits. Hunting at night is not permitted.

Other refuge specific regulations may apply.

All other hunting units on the Refuge Complex require a controlled hunt permit. Controlled

hunts for archery deer, gun deer, and waterfowl will occur during applicable State seasons. For

certain species, the Refuge Complex has hunting seasons that may deviate from the State seasons

in order to minimize conflicts with other wildlife-dependent activities. The Refuge Complex also

has restricted the method of take for some species groups on a unit by unit basis. Such unit by

unit restrictions are based upon considerations of a specific unit’s characteristics (e.g., size,

shape), potential for conflict with other on-unit or off-unit uses or activities, local ordinances,

and safety (see part B of Section V).

● Youth deer gun hunting by controlled hunt permit will occur annually during the

designated statewide youth deer gun hunt weekend (usually the third weekend in

November). Permits will be valid for 1 day. Each permit will include a designated

hunting unit, determined by random drawing. Each permit is valid for 3 youth hunters.

Refuge specific regulations will apply.

● Adult deer gun hunting by controlled hunt permit will occur annually during up to 5 days,

generally Monday-Friday, of the statewide 7 day deer gun season. Permits will be valid

for 1 day. Each permit will include a designated hunting unit, determined by random

drawing. Each permit is valid for 3 hunters. Refuge specific regulations will apply.

● Archery deer hunting by controlled hunt permit will occur annually for 4-8 weeks during

the statewide archery season. Weeks of hunting will usually occur from the first Saturday

after opening day through Wednesday of each week. Permits will be valid for one 5-day

period usually starting on a Saturday. Each permit will include a designated hunting unit,

determined by random drawing. Each permit is valid for 3 hunters. Refuge specific

regulations will apply.

● Migratory game bird hunting by controlled hunt permit will occur annually during the

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designated youth waterfowl season and general State waterfowl season. Permits will be

valid for 1 day with hunting locations determined at check-in, via lottery drawing.

Hunting will occur on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday up to Thanksgiving

Day. Hunting will occur on Saturday and Sunday for the youth waterfowl season. Each

permit is valid for 2 hunters.

c. Hunting Access – Public Hunting Areas

There is no special entry or access procedures for hunters using the open public hunting areas

(Metzgers Marsh, Price-Adams, Helle, Two Rivers units). These units are boat or foot access

only. The general hunting public can enter the public hunting areas from the established parking

areas. The parking areas are located in the following areas:

Metzger Marsh Unit - ONWR portion (Appendix D)

Parking area is northeast of Bono along Bono Road/Metzger Marsh State Road at the

Metzger Marsh State Wildlife Area boat ramp, access by foot and boat only.

Price-Adams Unit (Appendix D)

Parking area and access located southeast of Oak Harbor on West Little Portage East Road

(CR 112). Unit is located west of South Paulsen Road (CR 114) and east of South Muddy

Creek North Road (CR 217). Access is by foot only.

Helle Unit (Appendix D)

Parking area and access located south of Ottawa NWR on West Toussaint North Road (CR

62). Unit is located east of Benton-Carroll Road (CR 23). Access is by foot only.

Two Rivers Unit (Appendix D)

Parking area and access located southeast of Oak Harbor on O’Neal Road. Unit is located

north of West Oak Harbor Southeast Road (CR17) and east of South Portage South Road

(CR 18). Boat access is from the Little Portage State Wildlife Area boat ramp. Access is by

foot and boat only.

d. Hunting Access - Controlled Hunting Areas (Deer Hunts)

All controlled hunts on the Refuge Complex require special entry or access procedures for

hunters. Hunter’s must possess a valid controlled hunt permit and check-in on the day of their

hunt at the Ottawa NWR Visitors Center for deer hunts. At check-in hunters will receive

instructions on how to access their assigned unit and a gate code for access. Accommodations

will be made for mobility-impaired hunters.

Ottawa North-Unit 1 (Appendix E)

Travel west on State Route 2 from check station. Right on Veler Road, continue east to

entrance gate.

Ottawa Middle-Unit 2 (Appendix E)

Travel west on State Route 2 from check station. Right on Ottawa-Lucas County Road,

continue east to entrance gate.

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Ottawa South-Unit 3 (Appendix E)

Travel west on State Route 2 from check station. Right on Stange Road, continue north to

entrance gate.

Woodies Roost-Unit 4 (Appendix E)

For all deer hunts proceed east on State Route 2 from check station. Parking areas E, F, and

G located on the north side of State Route 2.

Young/Drusbacky-Unit 5 (Appendix E)

Young/Drusbacky Units- east on State Route 2 from check station, left (north) on North

Camp Perry Eastern Road. Parking areas located along North Camp Perry Eastern Road and

Balduf Road.

Darby-Unit 6 (Appendix E)

Darby Unit- east on State Route 2 from check station, left (east) on West Lakeshore Drive to

east entrance gate.

Cedar Point NWR- Unit 7 & 8 (see map, Appendix E)

Travel west on State Route 2 from check station, right on Yondota Road, continue north to

Yondota Road entrance gate for 7. Travel west on State Route 2 from check station, right on

Decant Road, continue north to Cedar Point Road, head west to Cedar Point Road entrance

gate for 8.

Unit D1 (Appendix E)

From check station proceed to ONWR wildlife drive entrance, travel north to Krause Road to

enter unit.

Unit D2 (Appendix E)

From check station proceed to ONWR maintenance shop entrance and enter unit.

Navarre Unit- cooperative management agreement area (Appendix E)

Travel east on State Route 2 from check station to Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant

entrance. (Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant controls access to this unit).

e. Hunting Access - Controlled Hunting Areas (Waterfowl)

All hunters must check-in at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Check Station for waterfowl

hunts. At check-in hunters will receive instructions on how to access their unit via assigned

parking areas. Accommodations will be made for mobility-impaired hunters.

For assigned parking areas see Appendix F.

D. Justification for a permit, if one is required

Seeing deer and deer sign and hunting uninterrupted have been identified as measures of a

quality hunt (ODNR 2016). Ottawa NWR provides a quality hunting experience in

coordination with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) - Division of Wildlife.

Annually, the ODNR Division of Wildlife administers the controlled hunting permit

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process for the refuge through an online application. To apply, hunters must go to

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/ and select from the various controlled hunts. All selected hunters

for the controlled hunts must have in their possession the lottery drawn permit for their

specified day(s). This permit must be displayed at check-in.

Currently, ONWR offers opportunities, via lottery drawn permit, for adult deer archery

hunting, adult deer gun hunting, mobility-impaired deer gun hunting, youth deer gun hunting,

youth waterfowl hunting and adult waterfowl hunting. These hunts occur on ONWR on

designated dates during the Statewide seasons. The application period is generally from June

1 - July 31. The ODNR - Division of Wildlife collects a $3 application fee per controlled

hunt application. ONWR and Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area conduct a joint controlled

waterfowl and deer hunting program.

All controlled hunts on the Refuge Complex require special entry or access procedures for

hunters. Hunter’s must possess a valid State issued permit and check-in on the day(s) of their

hunt at the Ottawa NWR visitors center for deer hunts. All hunters must check-in at the

Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area Check Station for waterfowl hunts. At check-in hunters

will sign in, receive instructions on how to access their assigned area, and for waterfowl

hunts select their blind and/or area.

All migratory game bird hunting and big game hunting on Ottawa North, Ottawa Middle,

Ottawa South, Woodies Roost, D1, D2, Blausey, Darby/Young/Drusbacky, and Cedar Point

NWR will be by controlled hunt permit only. Hunting will be allowed only on selected days

and by a lottery drawn controlled hunt permit. By requiring a controlled hunt permit this

allows the Refuge to better manage safety and other potential concerns of Refuge users and

adjacent landowners. Special regulations will apply. (See section VII. C. Refuge Specific

Regulations). The Refuge will specify bag limits on a yearly basis for deer hunting to meet

population management goals.

The controlled hunts in Ohio are popular, with many applicants traveling long distances to

hunt on the Refuge. Some of the ONWR hunts have the highest number of applicants in the

State (ODNR 2014, 2016). The demand for more opportunities, especially for deer hunts, is

evident in the numbers. A summary of the 2014 and 2016 ONWR controlled hunt

applications, number of permits awarded, and the odds of receiving a permit are found in

Table 3.

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/

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Table 3. Summary of Controlled Hunt Applicants received and permitted by the Ohio

Division of Wildlife in 2014 and 2016 for Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Year Hunt Applicants Permits Odds

2014

2016

Ottawa/Magee

adult deer gun

2,350

2,686

25

25

94:1

108:1

2014

2016

Ottawa/Magee

archery hunt

1,137

1,370

32

32

36:1

43:1

2014

2016

Ottawa mobility-

impaired deer gun

61

75

10

10

6:1

8:1

2014

2016

Ottawa/Magee

youth deer gun

425

413

16

16

27:1

26:1

2014

2016

Ottawa adult

waterfowl

2,151

2,150

168

140

13:1

16:1

2014

2016

Ottawa youth

waterfowl

395

335

30

30

13:1

11:1

For Refuge-specific special hunts, we will require hunters to obtain a Special Use Permit

(FWS Form 3-1383-G; Appendix G) either as individuals or as part of an organization whose

purpose is to facilitate participation by underserved groups (physically challenged, youth).

E. Consultation and Coordination with the State

The Refuge Complex and ODNR Division of Wildlife work together to ensure safe and

enjoyable recreational hunting opportunities. Hunter participation and harvest data are shared

annually and law enforcement officers from the Refuge Complex and ODNR Division of

Wildlife work together to patrol the Refuge Complex, safeguarding hunters, visitors, and both

game and nongame species. ODNR Division of Wildlife was consulted during the CCP process

and throughout the development of this hunt plan.

F. Law Enforcement

A hunting brochure that identifies Refuge-specific regulations is reviewed and printed annually.

This brochure is available at the Refuge Complex Visitor Center, the Refuge Complex website,

and parking lots of units open to public hunting. Refuge-specific hunting regulations are also

posted at parking lots of those units.

The following methods are used to control and enforce hunting regulations:

•Refuge and hunt area boundaries will be clearly posted;

•The Refuge will provide a brochure that shows hunt areas;

•Ottawa NWR Complex law enforcement staff will randomly check hunters for compliance with

Federal and State Laws, as well as Refuge-specific regulations pertinent to hunting, including

compatibility stipulations;

•Ottawa NWR Complex law enforcement staff will coordinate with ODNR - Division of

Wildlife and other law enforcement agencies; and

•Information will be made available at the Ottawa NWR Complex Visitor Center and website.

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The enforcement of Refuge and State hunting regulations, trespassing and other public use

violations normally associated with the management of a national wildlife refuge is the

responsibility of commissioned Federal Wildlife Officers. Federal Wildlife Officers, cooperate

with, and are assisted by, state, county and township police officers as well as State Wildlife

Officers. The procedures used for obtaining law enforcement assistance are based on legal

jurisdiction where incidents occur.

The Refuge regularly meets with various state, county and township law enforcement agencies to

develop agreements and strategies to ensure law enforcement operations are performed as safely

and efficiently as possible.

The Refuge Complex also uses non-law enforcement staff to manage hunting activities. For

example, some staff works on alternate schedules so they are on the Refuge units on weekends

during the hunting season. These staff assist hunters to ensure that they have completed all

controlled hunt check-in procedures and understand where to locate areas that are open to

hunting. Other Refuge staff and volunteers assist with special hunts for youth, hunters with

disabilities, and other underserved hunting populations. Refuge Visitor Services staff operate the

Refuge Visitor Center and routinely interact with and assist Refuge users during the hunting

season.

G. Funding and Staffing Requirements

There will be an initial cost for establishing new assets or changing existing infrastructure that

will exceed the anticipated annual costs (see below) to implement the hunt plan. The initial

expenditures will be for the construction of parking areas, installation or moving of gates,

signage, and minor upgrades to a few facilities. Implementation costs for the first year are

expected to be in the range of approximately $35,000.

Construction of two parking areas $15,000

New Gates and modification of old ones $ 5,000

Initial signage $ 2,000

Maps and regulations flyer development, printing $ 5,000

Staff time and salary for above $ 8,000

TOTAL $35,000

During the next few years, the annual cost of this program is expected to be $5,000-$10,000.

Refuge staff will make changes to the hunt plan and regulations as needed, modify maps and

publications as necessary, prepare annual output reports, respond to public inquiries about the

hunt program, and conduct hunter-use surveys.

Currently, the Refuge has one shared full-time Federal Wildlife Officer and one collateral-duty

Federal Wildlife Officer. The refuge may occasionally request additional Service law

enforcement staff to be brought in from other field stations. In addition to staff expenses, the

refuge will incur costs for signs, vehicle maintenance, road repair and maintenance, parking lot

maintenance, map printing, and miscellaneous supplies.

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Refuge Staff Time/Salary $5,000

Federal Wildlife Officer Expenses $1,000

Maps and regulations flyer development, printing $2,500

Miscellaneous (signs, vehicle, road work, etc.) $1,500

TOTAL $10,000

VI. Measures Taken to Avoid Conflicts with Other Management Objectives

A. Biological Conflicts

The proposed hunting changes will cause some disturbance to wildlife which is unavoidable.

Hunting is a compatible priority public use and when managed appropriately is an effective

wildlife management tool that can provide a quality wildlife dependent recreational experience.

This plan will open hunting on additional units acquired by the Refuge after completion of the

CCP in 2000. In addition, this plan will open deer hunting on Cedar Point NWR to mitigate

habitat degradation by excess white-tailed deer. The Refuge Complex will attempt to manage

biological conflicts by limiting the number of hunt permits issued based on wildlife resource

issues and exclude hunting activities on portions of the Refuge Complex where there are

biological concerns. Certain areas of the Refuge Complex are not hunted specifically to provide

areas of sanctuary. For example, the Cedar Point NWR serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds

in an area otherwise hunted heavily for migratory birds. The biological conflicts will be

evaluated annually and appropriate measures will be implemented to address impacts

deleteriously affecting federal trust resources.

Three federally listed species have been recorded within the Refuge Complex boundary. The

endangered Kirtland’s warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii), the endangered piping plover (Charadrius

melodus) and the threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) have been

documented in recent years. Both avian species move through the refuge during migration. The

USFWS has documented populations of eastern prairie fringed orchids on three of the units of

the Refuge Complex. It is unlikely that the refuge hunting program will conflict or negatively

impact these species. The orchid has been documented in areas currently hunted; however, units

are evaluated annually to consider any potential disturbance of orchid populations. The major

threat to the above species is habitat destruction and modification, and orchid predation by deer.

To ensure sound wildlife habitat management, the Refuge will continue to implement a wildlife

inventory and monitoring program under the guidance and direction of the National Wildlife

Refuge System. Data is collected to learn more about the population dynamics of refuge game

species and to monitor the effects of hunting, if any, on local populations. Best scientific and

statistical methods will be employed, whenever possible, depending upon available staff and

funding. Examples of surveys include: waterfowl surveys, woodcock singing ground surveys,

secretive marsh bird surveys, deer density surveys, and more area specific harvest data for deer

and turkey. Some of this information is necessitated by the existence of the hunt program and

may increase the cost of administering the hunts. If hunting is determined to conflict with refuge

ecosystem management objectives or if disturbance to threatened and endangered species

develops, the hunt program will be re-evaluated and changes will be made to program

management.

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B. Public Use Conflicts

In an effort to avoid conflicts with priority non-hunting recreational uses outlined in the

Improvement Act, and for safety, the Refuge enforces a series of Refuge-specific hunting

regulations. Hunting is either not allowed on certain units or is restricted by location, method, or

duration. Hunting when conducted in accordance to state and federal laws is a safe wildlife

dependent recreational activity. The Refuge will take all measures possible to ensure a safe

hunting environment for hunters, non-hunting refuge visitors and neighboring landowners. Some

of the Refuge hunting areas will be archery only for safety purposes and to minimize the

discharge of firearms near adjacent residences. Additionally, “No Hunting Zones” may be

established within hunt units where management feels it’s necessary for public safety. A large

majority of the Refuge Complex requires a State issued controlled hunt permit to hunt deer and

waterfowl. The controlled hunt permit system allows management to minimize conflicts between

multiple user groups.

Conflicts with other Refuge users will be minimal during the hunting seasons. The Refuge

Complex will be closed to all other public uses during gun deer hunts, but the Visitor Center will

remain open. A large portion of the Refuge will remain closed to hunting due to management

goals, safety and other factors. Areas of the Refuge are open to other public uses, those uses will

be planned accordingly to minimize conflicts between the hunting public and other user groups.

When public use activities have the potential to overlap, trails and public use areas may be

temporarily closed. Every effort will be made by Refuge staff to avoid potential conflicts

between uses such as hunting and hiking or research/monitoring, by undertaking strategic event

planning and scheduling, time and zone management, and use of other mechanisms. Areas that

are designated as open hunting (i.e., Price/Adams and Helle) will be signed and this plan only

opens these areas for hunting.

The boundaries of all lands owned or managed by the Service are posted with Refuge boundary

signs. Areas administratively closed to hunting are clearly marked with “No Hunting Zone” or

“Area Beyond This Sign Is Closed To Public Entry” signs.

C. Administrative Conflicts

The most potential for conflict on the open hunting areas (i.e. Price-Adams Unit, Helle Unit,

Two Rivers Unit, Ottawa NWR portion of Metzger Marsh) occurs during the spring and fall

prescribed fire season. Occasionally, an area open to hunting is proposed to receive prescribed

fire treatment. Typically, a notice of the impending treatment is posted at the unit public access

point to alert all users, including hunters. Prior to implementing a prescribed burn, the unit is

scouted by Refuge fire staff to ensure that no one is endangered by the treatment.

Administrative conflicts for all controlled deer hunts will be reduced by publishing the

designated controlled hunt units in the new Refuge Complex hunting brochure and website. This

will enable hunters to more adequately plan their hunt at the Refuge Complex. Maps and signage

will get permitted deer hunters to and from their assigned hunting unit. Each unit will have one

access gate. The gate will have a combination lock on it and the permit holder will receive the

code at check-in. This will eliminate opening numerous gates and guiding hunters to their

assigned areas. Minimal refuge personnel will be needed to check in controlled deer hunters.

Hunters will check out by completing a hunter harvest card and placing it in the drop box at the

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completion of their hunt.

Administrative conflicts for all controlled waterfowl hunts will be reduced by gradually

transitioning away from hunting blinds that are brushed by refuge personnel. Hunting areas will

be designated with a stake utilizing natural concealment in the marsh. Controlled waterfowl

hunts will require minimal gates to be opened as many of the hunting areas are accessible on foot

from designated parking areas on the perimeter of the refuge complex. In areas that require

vehicle access into the Refuge, the permit holder will receive the combination lock code at

check-in. Minimal refuge personnel will be needed to check in controlled waterfowl hunters.

Hunters will check out by completing a hunter harvest card and placing it in the drop box at the

completion of their hunt. As the refuge budget allows, a seasonal hunt coordinator position may

be filled to administer the hunt program.

VII. Conduct of the Hunting Program

All hunting activity is subject to Refuge-specific regulations (as noted below) in addition to State

regulations. When Refuge-specific regulations and State regulations differ, the Refuge-specific

regulations apply. These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge

expansion continues.

Regulations will differ from open public hunting areas to controlled hunt areas.

State hunting regulations applicable to the Refuge, such as seasons, bag limits, and general

methods of take are published annually in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Handbook. In addition, a synopsis of Refuge-specific regulations is made available to the public

in the Refuge hunting brochure. Copies of the hunting brochure are available at the Refuge

Visitor Center, unit entrance kiosks, and on the Refuge website.

Listed below are refuge-specific regulations that pertain to Ottawa NWR and Cedar Point NWR

as of the date of this plan. These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge

expansion continues/occurs.

A. Refuge-Specific (All) Hunting Regulations

Regulations Pertaining to all National Wildlife Refuge System Lands Regulations pertaining to public use, including hunting, on all National Wildlife Refuges are

found throughout 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The regulations, as they are published

in the CFR, are the official notification to the public. Regulations specific to hunting on all

National Wildlife Refuges are found in 50 CFR 32.2. They state:

§32.2 What are the requirements for hunting on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System?

The following provisions shall apply to each person while engaged in public hunting on areas of

the National Wildlife Refuge System:

(a) Each person shall secure and possess the required State license.

(b) Each person 16 years of age and older shall secure and possess a Migratory Bird Hunting

Stamp while hunting migratory waterfowl.

(c) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of Federal law and regulations

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including this subchapter and the current Federal Migratory Bird Regulations.

(d) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of the laws and regulations of

the State wherein any area is located unless further restricted by Federal law or regulation.

(e) Each person shall comply with the terms and conditions authorizing access or use of

wildlife refuges, including the terms and conditions under which hunting permits are issued.

(f) Each person must comply with the provisions of any refuge-specific regulations

governing hunting on the wildlife refuge area. Regulations, special conditions, and maps of

the hunting areas for a particular wildlife refuge are available at that area's headquarters. In

addition, refuge-specific hunting regulations for migratory game bird, upland game, and big

game hunting appear in §§32.20 through 32.72.

(g) The use of any drug on any arrow for bow hunting on national wildlife refuges is

prohibited. Archers may not have arrows employing such drugs in their possession on any

national wildlife refuge.

(h) The unauthorized distribution of bait and the hunting over bait is prohibited on wildlife

refuge areas. (Baiting is authorized in accordance with State regulations on national wildlife

refuges in Alaska).

(i) The use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree

into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited on wildlife refuge

areas.

(j) The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.

(k) You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field, which we identify in 50

CFR 20.21(j), while on Waterfowl Production Areas, or on certain other areas of the

National Wildlife Refuge System as delineated on maps, leaflets and/or signs, available at

each refuge headquarters or posted at each refuge, or as stated in refuge-specific regulations.

Where we allow turkey and deer hunting, you may use slugs and shot containing lead to

hunt these species unless prohibited by refuge-specific regulations and/or State law.

(l) The refuge-specific regulations (§32.20 through §32.72) may include the items discussed

in §32.3(b). Refuge permits and brochures should also include those items and any special

conditions allowed by paragraph (f) of this section.

Other regulations related to activities typically associated with hunting and found elsewhere in

50 CFR follow (in plain language). These regulations apply to all National Wildlife Refuges.

● Public access, including hunting, is prohibited in administratively closed areas (50 CFR

26.21).

● Public access, including hunting, is allowed only in designated areas (50 CFR 26.21)

● No motorized vehicles allowed within the hunting units except at designated parking

areas or by Special Use Permit (50 CFR 27.31).

● Target shooting is prohibited (50 CFR 27.42, 27.43).

Hunting on federally owned Refuge lands may be contingent on specific regulations enacted by

the federal agency. These are in addition to State regulations and would take precedence where

they are more restrictive than the State regulations. Such federal regulations will only apply to

properties owned by the federal government. General stipulations for Refuge hunting as

contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR Part 32) state that hunters must have a

valid State license, valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (“Duck Stamp”) for

waterfowl hunting, comply with all current federal hunting regulations including the migratory

bird regulations (50 CFR Part 20), and comply with all State hunting and safety regulations.

Additionally, hunters must comply with the terms and conditions established by the Refuge for

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general access and for the hunting program. Some of the more pertinent federal regulations for

hunting on Refuge lands follow:

1) You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field, which we identify in 50

CFR 20.21(j), while on Waterfowl Production Areas, or on certain other areas of the

National Wildlife Refuge System as delineated on maps, leaflets and/or signs, available at

each Refuge headquarters or posted at each Refuge, or as stated in Refuge-specific

regulations. Where we allow deer hunting, you may use slugs or bullets containing lead

unless prohibited by Refuge-specific regulations and/or State law.

2) Each person must comply with the provisions of any Refuge-specific regulations

governing hunting on the wildlife refuge area. Regulations, special conditions, and maps

of the hunting areas for a particular wildlife Refuge are available at that area's

headquarters.

3) The use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree

into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited on wildlife

refuge areas.

4) The unauthorized distribution of bait and the hunting over bait is prohibited on wildlife

refuge areas.

5) The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.

B. State Regulations

All State regulations will apply to hunting on the Refuge, and all State licenses, tags and stamps

will be required.

C. Refuge-Specific (Ottawa NWR) Hunting Regulations

(Information on all archery deer, gun deer, and waterfowl hunts is listed below and can be

downloaded in brochure form from the Refuge website: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/ )

In addition to the foregoing state and federal regulations, the Refuge-specific hunting regulations

listed below will govern the hunting program at Ottawa NWR and apply only to those lands

owned by the federal government. These will be enforced by both Service law enforcement

personnel as well as Ohio Wildlife Officers. Regulations specific to hunting on Ottawa NWR are

found in 50 CFR 32.54. These proposed regulations would state:

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks, geese, rails, gallinule, coot, dove,

woodcock and snipe on designated open areas of the Refuge in accordance with State regulations

subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit cutting of woody vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) on the Refuge for

blinds.

2. All blinds must be portable and you must remove all your blinds, boats, and decoys (see §

27.93 of this chapter) from the Refuge each day.

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3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, platforms, or scaffolds

(see §27.92 of this chapter).

4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field.

5. Refuge access is limited to 1½ hour prior to the State listed morning shooting time and 1

hour after the State listed evening shooting time.

6. We prohibit the use of paint, flagging, reflectors, tacks, or other human-made materials to

mark trails or hunting locations (see §27.93 of this chapter).

7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the

hunter at all times.

8. You must park all vehicles in designated parking areas.

9. Camping and fires are prohibited.

10. We allow non-motorized boats in areas open to waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl

hunting seasons with the following exception: motorized boats are permitted in the

Metzger Marsh and Two Rivers units.

11. We allow hunting on designated dates of goose and duck in controlled hunt areas of the

Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

i. Conditions A1 through A4 and A7 through A10 apply.

ii. You must possess and carry a State-issued permit. All hunters must check in and

out at the State hunter check station. Check out is required with the State-issued

Harvest Card no later than 2 hours after the conclusion of their controlled hunt.

iii. We require that hunting stop at 12 p.m. (noon) each day

iv. We require that hunters remain in their assigned unit.

v. You may only possess shotshells in quantities of 25 or less.

vi. You may not participate in this Refuge’s controlled waterfowl hunt more than

once during the current open season.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasants, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, raccoon,

skunk, opossum, ground hog and coyote on designated open areas of the Refuge in accordance

with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1 through A9 apply.

2. You may only possess approved non-toxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field

including the following: While hunting upland game in units where it is allowed, the use

of shot must be non-toxic ammunition. The use of buckshot will not be permitted for any

hunting on the Refuge.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated open

areas of the Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Conditions A1, A3, A5, A6, A8 and A9 apply.

2. We prohibit the distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, salt, minerals or other

ingestible attractant (see §32.2(h)).

3. We prohibit driving or screwing any metal objects into a tree or to hunt from a tree in

which a metal object has been driven or screwed.

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4. We require hunters to remove tree stands by March 1 of each year.

5. You may only possess approved non-toxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field

including the following: While hunting deer and turkeys in units where it is allowed, the

use of shot must be non-toxic ammunition. The use of buckshot will not be permitted for

any hunting on the Refuge.

6. We allow white-tailed deer hunting on designated dates in the controlled hunt areas of the

Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

i. Conditions A1, A3, A6, A8, and A9 apply.


out at the refuge check station. Check out is required with the State-issued


iii. We require that hunters wear a hat and outer jacket/vest that is blaze orange.

iv. We require that hunters remain within their assigned unit.

v. We prohibit the possession of more than one hunting weapon while in the field.

vi. Hunters may not participate in this area’s controlled deer hunt more than once

during the current open season.

vii. We require that hunters obtain permission from refuge officials before tracking

wounded deer out of their assigned unit.

viii. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 feet (50 yards) of any structure,

building, or parking lot. We prohibit shooting from any roads.

D. Refuge-Specific (Cedar Point NWR) Hunting Regulations

(Information on all archery deer, gun deer, and waterfowl hunts is listed below and can be

downloaded in brochure form from the Refuge website: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/ )

In addition to the foregoing state and federal regulations, the Refuge-specific hunting regulations

listed below will govern the hunting program at Cedar Point NWR and apply only to those lands

owned by the federal government. These will be enforced by both Service law enforcement

personnel as well as Ohio Wildlife Officers. Regulations specific to hunting on Cedar Point

NWR are found in 50 CFR 32.54. These proposed regulations would state:

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow white-tailed deer hunting on designated dates in the controlled

hunt areas of the Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

i. Conditions A1, A3, A6, A8, and A9 apply.


out at the refuge check station. Check out is required with the State-issued


iii. We require that hunters wear a hat and outer jacket/vest that is blaze orange.

iv. We require that hunters remain within their assigned unit.

v. We prohibit the possession of more than one hunting weapon while in the field.

vi. Hunters may not participate in this area’s controlled deer hunt more than once

during the current open season.

vii. We require that hunters obtain permission from refuge officials before tracking

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/

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wounded deer out of their assigned unit.

viii. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 feet (50 yards) of any structure,

building, or parking lot. We prohibit shooting from any roads.

E. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program

Service staff will participate in multiple public meetings/open houses to discuss the proposed

hunting changes. Since hunting is part of the heritage of people everywhere (Spencer 2004) and

it currently occurs on Refuge lands, we would anticipate continued public support for hunting.

Service staff will assure the public that hunting would be considered on the Refuge where and

when it was compatible with refuge objectives. We expect there to be a public concern about

safety, and believe we have addressed it with the new proposals. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service will also continue to partner with the ODNR - Division of Wildlife for our hunt program.

If local residents and sporting groups express an interest and willingness to help with the hunt

program, a Refuge Hunting Working Group could be established. The working group could

assist as volunteers with tasks such as updating the Refuge Hunting Regulations/Permit

Brochure, blind construction, operating a youth or non-ambulatory hunt, parking area

maintenance, and many other tasks. Sportsmen and women in the area may be very willing to

assist to further hunting for this and future generations.

There may be reaction to the Refuge hunts by anti-hunting groups. Response to any

demonstrations or protests will be coordinated through the Midwest Regional Office of the

Service, and may require assistance from Refuges who have dealt with these situations in the

past. If necessary, State and local law enforcement officials may be asked to assist.

F. Hunter Application and Registration Procedures (if applicable)

Information on archery and gun deer hunts, and waterfowl hunts is listed below and/or can be

downloaded from the Ottawa NWR website: www.fws.gov/midwest/refuges/ottawa/.

Ottawa NWR hunts are operated in conjunction with Ohio DOW and Magee Marsh Wildlife

Area. The application process is run through the State’s Controlled Hunt Program at

www.wildohio.com. Lottery drawn permits for the controlled hunt units for deer and waterfowl

are conducted using their web-based system. An application service fee may apply.

All persons hunting on the Refuge will be required to obtain the necessary State licenses, deer

tags and waterfowl stamps. Migratory game bird hunters 16 years and older will be required to

have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ("Duck Stamp"). Migratory

game bird hunters 18 years and older will also be required to have the State Wetland Stamp

endorsement on their hunting license.

Applicants who are awarded an ONWR Controlled Hunt Permit for waterfowl hunting will be

required to check-in at Magee Marsh WA Waterfowl Check Station between 5:00am-5:30am on

the day of their hunt. Successful applicants can bring one partner to the hunt. At check-in hunters

will select their hunting area via a lottery drawing and receive a Refuge map and hunting

brochure and a State-issued Hunter Harvest Card. After all hunters are registered, ONWR staff

will conduct a safety briefing and hunters will be allowed to go to their respective areas. Hunter

must record their harvest on the Hunter Harvest Cards; these cards must be returned at the

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/refuges/ottawa/

http://www.wildohio.com/

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conclusion of the hunt to the Magee Marsh WA Waterfowl Check Station drop box to satisfy the

check-out requirement.

Applicants who are awarded an ONWR Controlled Hunt Permit for deer hunting (archery, youth

gun, mobility-impaired adult gun and adult gun) will be required to check-in, with up to two

partners, at ONWR Visitor Center on the day of their hunt prior to hunting. All permitted hunters

will already have been notified of their assigned hunting area. At check-in all hunters must sign

in, receive maps and the State-issued Hunter Harvest Card, and sign a regulation sheet. Archery

hunters are allowed to take one either-sex deer. Youth gun hunters are allowed to take one either-

sex deer. During the adult gun hunt, successful applicants can take one either-sex deer; partners

can take one antlerless deer each. (These are proposed deer bag limits; the Refuge will specify

bag limits on a yearly basis for deer hunting to meet population management goals.) Hunter

Harvest Cards must be returned at the conclusion of the hunt to the ONWR drop box to satisfy

the check-out requirement.

G. Description of Hunter Selection Process

The Refuge works in partnership with Ohio DOW for the Hunter Selection Process. The

controlled hunts at ONWR are part of the Statewide Controlled Hunt Program, and the random

selection process is handled through the State’s website. Individuals can apply for all of ONWR

controlled hunts during June and July, annually, and a fee applies. Applicants are notified of the

results through the State’s web-based system.

Ottawa NWR hosts these controlled hunts and does not play a role in hunter application,

registration, or selection processes.

H. Media Selection for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program

The Refuge maintains a media mailing list for news release purposes, and contact with local

newspapers, radio, and websites. Special announcements and articles may be released in

conjunction with hunting seasons. In addition, information about the hunts will be available at

Ottawa NWR Visitor Center, on the Ottawa NWR website, and the Ohio DOW website.

I. General Requirements

General information regarding hunting and other wildlife-dependent public uses can be obtained

at Ottawa NWR, 14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 or by calling 419-898-

0014. Dates, web links, hunting unit directions, maps, application process description, and

license requirements about the hunt will be available on the station website at:

www.fws.gov/midwest/refuges/ohio/ottawa and at the Refuge Visitor Center.

J. Hunter Requirements

1. Age and License - Hunting would be available to youth hunters who possess a valid State-

issued Youth or Apprentice hunting license and their accompanying adult, and also available to

all adults possessing a State-issued hunting license.

2. Equipment - The Refuge will permit the use of legal sporting arms, including shotguns

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(muzzle-loading shotguns also allowed) fired from the shoulder no larger than 10 gauge firing

shot, holding no more than 3 shells, and archery equipment including crossbows in accordance

with State regulations. Auto-loading and pump shotguns will have 1 shell in the chamber and 2

in the magazine as prescribed under Refuge guidelines. All rifles using straight-walled cartridges

per State regulations are also allowed. Non-toxic shot ammunition for shotguns is required.

3. Fires on the Refuge – open fires are not permitted on the Refuge

4. Permits – Hunters participating in the controlled hunt lottery will receive an official State

letter and permit stating that they have been drawn to participate in a Refuge hunt. This permit

will serve as their access to the Refuge for their hunt.

5. Reporting Harvest – Hunters will be required to check in and out of the hunt area and report

their harvest on a State-issued Hunter Harvest Card.

VIII. Compatibility Determination

Hunting and all associated program activities proposed in this plan are expected to be found

compatible with purposes of the refuge.

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REFERENCES

Congdon, J., Tinkle, D., Breitenbach, G., & Richard C. van Loben Sels. 1983. Nesting Ecology

and Hatching Success in the Turtle Emydoidea blandingi. Herpetologica, 39(4), 417-429.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. 2014 & 2016. Controlled Hunt

Draws and Odds. http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting-trapping-and-shooting-sports/controlled-

hunting-and-trapping-events

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. 2016. Ohio Deer Summary –

Summary of 2015-16 & Forecast for 2016-17 Ohio Deer Seasons.

Spencer, Jim 2004. The Beginner’s Guide to Waterfowling and Conservation.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S Department of Commerce,

U.S. Census Bureau. 2006. National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated

Recreation.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge White-tailed Deer

Hunting Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oak Harbor, Ohio.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive

Conservation Plan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oak Harbor, Ohio.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Management

Plan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oak Harbor, Ohio.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016. Waterfowl population status, 2016. U.S. Department of the

Interior, Washington, D.C. USA.

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting-trapping-and-shooting-sports/controlled-hunting-and-trapping-events

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting-trapping-and-shooting-sports/controlled-hunting-and-trapping-events

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