Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray (D) has released the concealed handgun license (CHL) statistics for the fourth quarter of 2009 and the year-end report, Ohio Concealed Handguns Law - 2009 Annual Report. There were 10,687 concealed handgun licenses (CHL’s) issued for the period of October through December 2009, falling just one short of the record set for the same quarter the year before. For the year, new records were set for initial licenses issued, temporary emergency licenses and total licenses issued.

The fourth quarter has generally been a good quarter for licenses issued, and 2009 was no exception. The demand for licenses to carry concealed handguns remained strong through the entire year. During the final quarter, Ohio sheriffs issued 10,687 CHL’s, 15 temporary emergency licenses (TEL’s) and processed another 3,112 renewals.

In 2008 the 10,688 regular licenses issued in the fourth quarter was an unprecedented 111 percent increase over the same period a year earlier. The fact that we have matched that same total a year later is a clear indication that the surge in gun ownership is not some temporary anomaly. Gun owners and concealed carry license holders are growing in numbers and becoming more active.

For the past three years, Ohio has seen a steady increase in the number of licenses issued. Governor Strickland signed enormous improvements to concealed carry rules into law in his first session. Those improvements brought renewed interest in CHL’s. Make the product better, and more people will want it.

For the year 2009, there were 56,691 regular licenses issued, crushing the old record of 45,497 in 2004, the first year that CHL’s were issued. There were an additional 16,443 licenses renewed during the year for a total of 73,134 CHL’s handed out during the year. Even accounting for the fact that 2004 was only a partial year, 2009 still outpaced the first year’s demand by a large margin.

More than 70 percent of expiring licenses have been renewed. This is obviously a program that people appreciate. Counting issued, renewed, and TEL’s, Ohio sheriffs handed out 73,211 licenses, shattering the previous record of 65,256 set in 2008. That equates to a rate of almost 300 licenses issued every business day over the course of the year. At year-end there were approximately 178,240 Ohioans licensed to carry concealed, and millions of out-of-state residents who may carry here on other state-issued licenses. People who carry concealed weapons are not some small periphery group. They are main-stream and growing.

In his press release announcing the report, Attorney General Cordray remarked that "if there’s something to take away from these numbers, it is that more and more Ohioans are comfortable exercising the right to carry concealed handguns. We are pleased that we have a strong partnership with the county sheriffs who issue concealed handgun licenses, and we will continue to work together to help eligible Ohioans take advantage of this law."

Even with the surge in total outstanding licenses, the number of suspensions and revocations remains minute compared to other state-issued licenses. Less than one half of one percent have ever been revoked, and among that small number are many CHL’s revoked because a license-holder died, decided not to renew or moved out of state.

We have enjoyed concealed carry for almost six years in Ohio. It is clearly wor≥king well and is popular with responsible, law-abiding adults who care about safety.

If you’re interested in getting your Concealed Handgun License give me a call. Janie and I instruct the only 1 day class in Northeast Ohio. We’ve been instructing long before the law passed, as a result we know the law better than anyone else out there. We have an indoor classroom and an indoor firing range. No matter what the weather you’ll shoot your live fire qualification plus you’ll be warm and dry. We don’t teach a “Rambo” course. It’s an everyday blue collar, Joe working man course. As I said if you’re interested give us a call we’re in the book.



Spring trout releases

Public fishing opportunities will be enhanced this spring when more than 80,700 rainbow trout, each measuring 10-13 inches long, are released into 45 Ohio lakes and ponds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The releases will take place between mid-March (starting March 12) and mid-May; anglers are reminded that the daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout.

Some locations will feature special, youth-only angler events on the day of the scheduled releases. Anglers, age 16 and older, must have an Ohio fishing license to fish the state’s public waters. Once the youth-only events have concluded, all other anglers may fish.

The 2010-11 fishing license can be purchased now and was required starting March 1. An annual resident fishing license costs $19 and is valid through Feb. 28, 2011. A one-day fishing license is available and may be purchased for $11 by residents or non-residents. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit towards purchase of an annual fishing license.

Ohio residents born on or before Dec. 31, 1937 may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold. Persons age 66 and older who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1938, and have resided in Ohio for the past six months, are eligible to purchase the reduced cost resident senior license for $10.

Additional information about spring trout releases is available by calling toll-free 1-800-WILDLIFE. Information is also available from Division of Wildlife district offices in Akron, Athens, Columbus, Findlay and Xenia.



Youth drawing

The ODNR Division of Wildlife will offer special opportunities for young hunters seeking wild turkeys this spring. In addition to the statewide youth turkey hunting days April 17 and 18 on both public and private lands, the Division of Wildlife will be holding a drawing on Saturday, April 3, 2010 for special, controlled turkey hunting opportunities for youths at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area as well as the Ravenna Training and Logistics Site. Hunters 17 years and under must be present at all locations in order to participate in the drawings and must bring a valid 2010 hunting license.

A “Jake’s Day” sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Trumbull Federation of Conservation Clubs and Trumbull Rod and Gun Club will begin at 9:30 a.m. where youngsters can participate in shooting sports and other activities. Lunch will be provided.

Registration for the youth day will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Trumbull Rod and Gun Club, 6575 Phillips-Rice Road (one mile north of State Route 88) and the drawings will take place at 1 p.m. Youths not wishing to participate in the event may register anytime prior to the drawing.

For questions regarding the drawings for Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area or the Ravenna Training and Logistics Site, call 685-4776. Youngsters participating in the “Jake’s Day” are encouraged to dress for the weather!



A challenge

The Crooked Creek Conservation Club will be holding “The Crooked Creek Challenge” at their facility located at 4323 Rt. 534, Hartsgrove, which is located 10 miles south of Interstate 90 on 534 or 2 miles north of Hartsgrove. The date is Saturday March 27, 2010. The club will open at 9:30 am and the event starts at 11 am. The event will consist of Trap, 25 Targets shot at 16 yards. Skeet, 25 Regulation Skeet Targets. 5 Stand, 25 targets shot on 5 Stand and a 25 Target Special Event.

You must use the same gun with the same set of barrels for all 25 targets, no choke tube change. On the Skeet Field – One pair of doubles will be shot on stations 1 through 7. Starting on position 7 and proceed to 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 &1.

On the Trap Field – From the 27 yard line 2 targets will be shot from each station. Starting on Position 5 and proceeding to 4, 3, 2, &1. All squad members will shoot from 5 then move to Station 4 and so on. When it is your turn to shoot, you will step to the line. (As in skeet) You will then load 2 shells into the gun and call for your two birds individually.

The 25th shell can be used on the trap or skeet field as your choice. However, after leaving your first field you cannot return to that field to use the last shell.

All NSSA and ATA rules will apply – A visible chip must be seen by the scorekeeper, standard shells required, maximum 3 dram 11/8 oz. loads, no sub-gauge handicap allowance!

There is $20 Entry Fee and for targets, prizes, and lunch for shooters. $20 for First and $10 for second place in each event, $75 for High Over ALL, Ties will divide – no shootoffs

Cost is $10 Lewis Class for 100 target event will pay 3 Classes 50 / 30 / 20. $5 Each Event for 25 Consecutive Targets Broken – No 25’s money goes to the purse.



Coyote Open

The Maple Country Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation Presents it’s first Coyote Open the weekend of March 12-14 with a $500 payout. The payout will be broken down as follows: $300for the most coyote harvested, $100 for the heaviest coyote harvested and $100for the longest coyote harvested. $50pre-registration required to be entered. For further information and to register, contact Bill Trump at 983-7231 or Don Rauch at 759-8735.



Thieves among us



Hi, Dale,



I just need to vent my frustrations with someone like you who has great love for the outdoors and respect for the camaraderie of fellow hunters.

I have been hunting in the same area for over twenty years on public land. Three years ago, I put up a buddy stand for my family and me to hunt out of. On opening day I dropped a pair off from my four wheeler at the opening of the path that leads back to the stand and went about my way to my own spot.

Shortly after arriving and getting settled in, I received a call that was alarming. The buddy stand was GONE! No trace. Needless to say, we were all very disgruntled — not only the frustration and anger, but our plans for opening day morning were ruined!

The following year (still upset over what had happened, but nonetheless with a new plan) another buddy of mine that is a part of our hunting party for the last 5 to 6 years had his treestand taken, but we improvised. We both built wood stands. Actually, mine is like a fortress, large enough for two, maybe three people at one time comfortably, complete with camo burlap surrounding the whole thing.

Well last year, aside from the fact that someone decided to take advantage of it throughout bow season, they in fact left me several notes with dates and times that they seen deer from my stand, they couldn’t have the decency to take their urine bottle, candy and cigarette wrappers, etc. with them though. Now you would think that a fellow hunter, if delighted in the fact of using my stand anonymously and sharing his observations for what seemed like my benefit, would have enough respect not to leave garbage!

Well, now comes this season, fast approaching and everyone preparing. We have been out there in the area on several occasions to put out corn and apples. And few of us have bow hunted out of the "fortress.” Everything has been fine, until…yesterday. One of us went out to hunt for the evening only to find that the fasteners that held the burlap had all been cut except for a couple. It appears as though they may have been there as he was approaching the stand, as there was a cigarette box laying right there and maybe was scared off. It hung by only two or three fasteners.

Now what the heck, I read recently in the Star Beacon that a West Springfield resident, on Culver Road had four stands stolen off from his own property! When I heard this it made me sick to my stomach to think that this property owner worked, bought these stands, took his time to erect them in just the right spots so that he and his family or friends, (whoever) could enjoy their hunting season.

Don’t you agree that in these times of always having to defend our rights as hunters, we as a group, should stick together more than ever, and not want to create further diversity amongst ourselves? I myself am becoming more disappointed in “our kind.” Thieving is wrong, we have enough of it in the cities, leave it out of the woods. A good example of why most landowners won’t allow us hunters to use their property.

The bottom line is this, I hunt on public land. If someone comes along and decides to use it, I have no choice, but please don’t litter and destroy the woods from which we and the wildlife enjoy.

OK, enough venting. I will unfortunately leave you with these negative thoughts.



Respectfully,

Ed Fisher



P.S. Thank you for taking the time to read my email. If you wish to print it, that’s up to you, you have my permission. I just had wanted to share my thoughts on some of the things that have been happening and to voice my opinion that fellow hunters need to have respect and not trash the woods because these type of lessons are “elementary,” you know, the Golden Rules that should have been embedded in all of us as kids.

Love your column! Next time you see John Kosiba, tell him I said “hi.”



Ed,



No problem, my friend. I’ve been the subject of the same exact thing. Seven tree stands stolen and a camper broken into and totally trashed that my wife worked her butt off to restore so we could have a comfortable place to eat lunch, get warm and stay in overnight before opening day festivities during turkey and deer season.

I’ve reverted to building her a permanent wood tree stand, my one and only stand, because that’s all I trust to put up, is logging chained with a monster master lock to the tree.

The camper, well we just leave it open and unlocked now because every time we try to secure it they just come in with crowbars and destroy whatever type of locking mechanism I put on it. I even went so far as to drill through the outside and put half-inch bolts all the way through the wall with steel plates on both sides, in and out, they just ripped out the hasp and destroyed the wall. I feel your pain my friend. I only wish they felt as we do but unfortunately they are trash and that’s all they will ever be.

We gated our land and they rammed it with their vehicles to the point I had to replace the gate posts and put on a new gate also. They had trails around my gate from four-wheelers and all through my land, of course right to my tree stands or where they use to be.

It’s pretty bad when you steal and ravish you own kind. Respect for others property was left out of their upbringing by their parents more than likely. There now I’ve vented to you and I thank you for reading my gripe session.

You take care, my friend, and hopefully, after they’ve had their fun, they’ll leave you and your goodies alone, but don’t bet on it.

Remember, pass it on or it will surely pass on.



Sunderlin is a freelance writer from Geneva. Reach him at djss@roadrunner.com.