How a judge makes a case for fishing and hunting

Geauga County's Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell is one of Northeast Ohio's reigning mountain man.

A devoted hunter and eager angler, Grendell might only be out-ranked in the outdoors department by Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Dave Fury.

Yet Grendell is upping his reputation for backing the things that help make the outdoors both desirable and tolerable: Hunting and fishing.

To that end Judge Grendell is working with the Geauga Park District in assembling a pair of fishing-related activities along with a special kids' lottery-style hunt during Ohio's statewide youth-only firearms deer-hunting season, set for Nov. 23 and 24.

In Ohio, county probate judges wield considerable behind-the-scenes power with their respective county park systems. For a very simple reason. Probate judges get to appoint - and if they so choose – to reappoint their respective parks system's board of commission members.

Now Judge Grendell is helping to host two so-named “Family Fishing Expo” events.

Each is designed for families with kids ages 8-14: Sept. 14, at Beartown Lakes Reservation in Auburn Township.

The second is scheduled for the next day, Sept. 15, at Swine Creek Reservation in Middefield Township.

 

Both events are from 9 a.m. to noon, and registration is required at http://geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516, says the parks system.

 

As explained by Geauga Park District's spokeswoman Sandy Ward, participants engaged with the fishing expo “will enjoy instruction in the basics of fishing equipment, knot typing and fish identification, followed by a morning of fishing with the help of experienced anglers.”

Equipment will be provided or families can bring own.

Additionally, those young people who apply by October 31 and are selected via lottery may also take part in Youth Hunting on Nov. 23 and 24, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Rookery, Ward said as well.

Applicants must possess a valid youth hunting license and youth deer permit, have completed the Ohio Division of Wildlife's Hunter Safety course, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

All Wildlife Division rules and regulations apply.

Applications and additional information are available at The West Woods Nature Center, Big Creek Park's Meyer Center, and online at http://bit.ly/gpdhunt.

In his sponsorship of these events, Judge Grendell formed the following special volunteer committee to work with Park District personnel and assist the Court in planning and encouraging participation: Al Schienke, Michelle Reda, Scott Denamen, John Oros and the Court's Constable, John A. Ralph, who will act as chair.

"Geauga County has a rich tradition of fishing and hunting," Grendell said. "It is important that we pass this legacy on to the future generations. I appreciate Geauga Park District's natural resources and want future generations to enjoy these great resources."

Prizes will be offered by Judge Grendell and other event sponsors.

 

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischk@Ameritech.net