Last year, hunters killed 20,659 whitetails during the muzzleloader season. So far this season the total for all types of deer hunting is 227,748.
Approximately 210,000 hunters are expected to participate in muzzleloader season. Ohio’s small game, furbearer and waterfowl seasons also will be open during the muzzleloader season.
During those overlapping four days, small game hunters and deer hunters must visibly wear a coat, jacket, vest or coveralls that are either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange in color. That’s also a good idea for anybody walking near areas where hunting is taking place.
Antique tackle
Mike Hoblit and Tom Petkewitz, both experienced local vintage lure and tackle enthusiasts, will conduct an Antique Fishing Lure and Tackle Clinic that will include identifications, evaluations and appraisals at the Second Time Around Fishing Tackle Shop, 8642 North Dixie Drive.
The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and consultations are free.
Anglers and collectors are encouraged to bring in old baits and tackle for evaluations. The clinic will include a unique display of classic lures and reels.
For more information call (937) 475-7997 or (937) 423-3331.
Fatalities decline
Ohio saw a decline in boating-related fatalities from 15 in 2008 to eight in 2009.
Last year’s fatal incidents occurred in Brown, Clermont (2), Mercer, Defiance, Montgomery, Tuscarawas and Ottawa counties. Only one person died in a boating accident on Lake Erie.
None of the eight people who died were wearing life jackets.
Seven of the fatal incidents involved motorboats less than 22 feet in length and one involved a canoe. The boater fatality victims all were men ages 33 to 65 with an average age of 48, according to the Ohio Division of Watercraft.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2409 or jmorris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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