Ohio's state park lodges to reopen but not all their amenities yet available

Ohio’s several state park lodges and its raft of rental cottages are sweeping out nearly three months of cobwebs for their reopening debuts.

The state park’s nine lodges will do so starting June 5th while the agency’s cottages will open beginning June 1st.

Caveats do exist, however. Not all amenities will be available, at least not initially.

The closures came about following the March 9^th coronavirus pandemic-related orders from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

In a May 28^th statement, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources says reservations are now being accepted for overnight stays, meetings and weddings at the lodge and conference centers located at Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Hueston, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee state parks.

These lodges are operated for the Ohio State Parks system by US Hotels, a private entity.

Visitors will be able to begin making reservations for deluxe cabins at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, and Pike Lake state parks when they reopen on June 1st.

Other openings include the cedar cabins at Geneva State Park on June 6th and the cabins at Pymatuning State Park on June 16th. To make reservations for Ohio State Park’s overnight facilities, please visit reserveohio.com or call 866-644-6727.

Meanwhile, the lodge and cottages at Geneva State Park will also reopen on June 5th. Guests may contact the lodge at www.thelodgeatgeneva.com or call 866-806-8066 to make lodge room or cottage reservations. This lodge is operated independently.

Also, the state’s deluxe cabins, golf courses, and marinas at these locations began welcoming guests earlier in May, the Natural Resources Department’s statement says.

However, people looking to reserve a lodge room or a cabin should note that not all amenities are available. Not at the moment, anyway.

Ohio Natural Resources’ chief of communications Sarah Wickham said in a prepared statement that “Our lodges plan to open the following facilities in compliance with ‘Responsible Restart’ guidelines.”

These impacted amenities, Wickham says, include:

• Pools: pools will operate with limited capacity and passes for guests not registered at the lodge or cabins will be limited.
• Fitness centers (for lodges that have them) will be open for guests.
• Gift shops will be open for limited hours.

For information about the guidelines for these amenities, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

And note, too, that lodge/cabin recreation courts and playgrounds remain closed at this time, Wickham says.

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischk@Ameritech.net

JFrischk4@gmail.com

Ohio DNR's limited interim web site up and running

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ interim web site is up and running, though on only three legs.

Taken down May 8^th to “address a potential security concern,” the foiled electronic battering ram did not penetrate the Natural Resources’ multi-layered protection protocols, at the time said Ohio Department of Administrative Services’ director of communications, Bill Teets.

Thus, no sensitive data – such as that containing personal information about hunting and fishing license buyers - occurred, Teets said also at the time.

The Natural Resources Departments web site sees about two million “hits” monthly.

“Generally, when it comes to security issues we really cannot talk about it much, but an issue was identified and we addressed it,” Teets said.

A much reduced web site was installed the following day though it contained only links to contractors who handle the sale of hunting-fishing licenses, state park reservations, and boat registrations. This product was realized about May 21^st.

Of limited scope this interim web site still does not contain such features as access to lake fishing maps, wildlife area maps, state forest maps, information about individual state parks as well as the ability to register Fish Ohio applications.

However, the Natural Resources Department is working on revamping this interim web site as the agency and Administrative Services works toward a more complete and polished product, spokesmen for both agencies have said.

“Right now we are making sure to meet all legal requirements, while ensuring that the content users consider in highest demand is provided,” said Natural Resources Department spokeswoman Sarah Wickham in a prepared statement.

 

“As the site is a work in progress, our team is working diligently to restore functions like the Fish Ohio Application, lake and wildlife area maps. Those will be back up as soon as possible.”

Wickham said, too, hunters “will have no problem applying for controlled hunts.” as “the information will be available on the temporary site.”

Likewise, says, Wickham, “news releases will be added as they are released.”

“Our team is working to get the new permanent site up and running as quickly as possible. We do not have a definitive date set for launch as of right now,” Wickham said.

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischk@Ameritech.net

JFrischk4@gmail.com

Ohio Wildlife Division chief cleared of any wrong doing in turkey hunting alligations

Following an investigation by an Ohio Department of Natural Resources investigator, Douglas Young, both the agency and the City of Delaware concluded that Ohio Division of Wildlife chief Kendra Wecker legally killed a wild turkey on April 25, and was not hunting over bait.

The following is the text of the investigator’s report, with the property owner’s name, address, and various other personal information redacted.

“On April 25, 2020, ODNR received a complaint of illegal turkey hunting by shotgun on an area restricted to archery hunting only. An additional complaint alleged that hunters were harvesting turkey over a baited area (bird feeders).

“The location identified where the alleged violations took place was (redacted) Delaware, OH. On April 25, 2020, Division of Wildlife (DOW) Officers Muldoven and Levering conducted the investigation of hunting violations on a property located at (redacted) Delaware, OH.

“The complainants were interviewed. One complainant reported hearing a gun shot in that location which is designated for archery only (Alum Creek State Park). Another complainant reported that hunters had harvested a turkey on a property (adjacent to Alum Creek State Park) within (50) yards of bird feeders.

“DOW officers found no hunters on the private property upon their arrival. A vehicle with the license plate (redacted) was observed at the scene. The vehicle registration returned to Kendra Wecker, a Division of Wildlife employee.

“DOW officers confirmed that on the date in question, shotgun hunting occurred on private property located at (redacted) Delaware OH.

“This private property is adjacent to the archery only hunting area at Alum Creek State Park. DOW officers identified the private property owner as (redacted). DOW officers using forensic evidence (turkey feathers/footprints) determined the kill location of the turkey on the private property.

“The kill site was estimated to be (55 to 70) yards from hanging songbird feeders located on the property. Aside from the songbird feeders, DOW officers found no additional evidence of baiting near the site of the kill.

“Using the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System (OWLS), DOW officers identified that a turkey was recorded as being harvested by Kendra Wecker on April 25, 2020 at 7:33am.”

“Other information revealed that the turkey was harvested using a shotgun and the kill took place on private property. The turkey was identified as a juvenile, with a spur length of ½ inch or less.

“On April 27, 2020, Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) Chief Young interviewed (redacted) the owner of (redacted). (Redacted) confirmed that he allowed (signed authorization) Andy and Kendra Wecker to turkey hunt on his property.

“(Redacted) cautioned Andy Wecker that bird feeders were on the property that sometimes attract turkey and he should avoid hunting near the feeders.

“On April 28, 2020, OLE Chief Young interviewed (redacted). Redacted) is the caretaker for the property located at (redacted), Delaware OH.

“(Redacted) did not have any firsthand knowledge of hunting by the Wecker’s on April 25,2020. However, (redacted) said he had a conversation with the Wecker’s (on the date in question) and they reported that earlier that morning they had harvested two jake turkey

“(Redacted) revealed that he has bird feeders in trees near the barn on the property. (Redacted) claims to be an avid bird watcher/photographer and the feeders attract songbirds.

“(Redacted) added that he has thrown corn on the ground near the feeders to attract turkey, deer, squirrels and ducks. (Redacted) stated that he stopped putting corn out approximately three or four weeks ago.

(Redacted) said that the Wecker’s knew there were bird feeders on the property, and therefore wouldn’t have hunted in the area of the feeders.

“On April 30, 2020, OLE Chief Young interviewed Kendra Wecker. K. Wecker confirmed she had permission to hunt on private property identified as (redacted), Delaware OH.

“While hunting with her husband Andy, K. Wecker stated that she harvested a jake turkey from the private property on April 25, 2020. K. Wecker admitted that she was aware that there were songbird feeders on the private property but at no time did she or her husband put feed on the ground.

“Wecker estimated that she was set up approximately (175) yards from the bird feeders when she shot the turkey.

“On April 30, 2020, OLE Chief Young interviewed Andy Wecker. Andy Wecker confirmed he had permission to hunt on private property identified as (redacted).

“A. Wecker admitted that he was aware that there were songbird feeders on the property and that those feeders had previously attracted turkey, but at no time did he or his wife put feed on the ground.

“A. Wecker initially stated that he and Kendra were set up approximately (150) to (200) yards away from the bird feeders on the private property.

“After being informed of kill location evidence found on the private property by DOW officers, A. Wecker said he would not contradict the findings of the DOW officers and that he and Kendra could have been closer to the feeders than he originally thought.

“Conclusions

“Applicable ODNR Rules:

“1) Archery only turkey hunting is permitted at Alum Creek State Park Ohio (shotgun prohibited).

“2) Ohio hunting laws 1501:31-15-10 (D)(7) prohibit the hunting of turkey over a baited area.

“Regarding the allegation that on April 25, 2020, Kendra and Andy Wecker hunted with a shotgun at Alum Creek State Park in an area designated as archery only, the evidence indicates that the Wecker’s were in fact hunting on private property located at (redacted), Delaware, OH.

“Turkey hunting with a shotgun is permissible on private property. Additionally, the Wecker’s had permission from the property owner to hunt on that private property.

“Regarding the allegation that on April 25, 2020, Kendra Wecker hunted over a baited area, there is no evidence showing that K. Wecker or her husband placed feed on the ground to bait turkeys.

“DOW officers determined that Kendra Wecker harvested the turkey approximately (55-70) yards away from the songbird feeders.

“While testimony revealed that the Kendra Wecker was aware that there were songbird bird feeders on the private property, she believed she had set up sufficiently far enough away (175 yards) from the songbird feeders when she harvested the turkey.

“Further testimony indicated that while (redacted) , the caretaker of the property had previously thrown corn on the ground near the feeders to attract wildlife, he discontinued this practice approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the date of the incident.”

Additional documentation provided to “Ohio Outdoor News” came from the City of Delaware’s chief prosecutor, Natalia Harris, whose report to the Natural Resources Department’s investigator Young included that the “..suspects did not throw bait. Evidence shows turkey was killed 55-70 yards away from songbird feeders. Suspects set up 175 yards from feeders. No evidence of baiting.”

Also, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz included this statement to “Ohio Outdoor News:”

“On April 25, 2020, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) received an anonymous complaint of turkey hunting by shotgun on an area restricted to archery hunting only.
“An additional complaint alleged that hunters were harvesting turkey over a baited area. Using the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, Division of Wildlife officers identified that a turkey was recorded as being harvested by Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker.
“ODNR’s Office of Law Enforcement completed an investigation into this matter. The results of that investigation were reviewed by the Delaware City Prosecutor who concluded there was no evidence of hunting on public land or turkey baiting.
“The anonymous allegations were unfounded. We appreciate their thorough review of this case.”

- By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

440-567-5036

JFrischk@Ameritech.net

JFrischk4@gmail.com

Ohio's Wildlife Division chief under investigation by Ohio DNR

Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. (Ohio DNR)

By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

Columbus — The Ohio DNR has confirmed that Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker is under investigation.

Allegations – as spelled out by several sources – state that Chief Wecker allegedly – on or about the opening day of Ohio’s southern zone’s wild turkey-hunting season – hunted and killed a turkey while on private property in Delaware County. 

The allegations further state that Wecker did so within 50 yards or less of an active game feeder.

Also, it is alleged that a complaint was lodged to the Division of Wildlife’s Turn-in-a-Poacher (TIP) program hotline, allegedly by an employee of the Ohio DNR.

Likewise, the matter is allegedly being investigated internally by a former staffer with the Ohio Bureau of Investigation (BCI) who was since hired by ODNR Director Mary Mertz to work for the ODNR.

Since Ohio Outdoor News was made aware of the allegation, in over a span of nearly a week, five electronic communications were made to Mertz seeking confirmation, denial, or comment about the alleged incident.

On May 18, Mertz directed that further inquiries be made to the Department’s Office of Communication by stating, in part, “I know you can appreciate the press of business and deluge of emails for all of the employees at ODNR, especially during this time, and so that is why we have a Communications Office. They are there to provide a point of contact so that reporters can ask questions and get timely responses with accurate, thorough information.”

The same communication also was sent – without reply – to Mike Budzik, who serves as a liaison between the ODNR and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, advising the latter on natural resources matters.

At this point, these are simply allegations. No charges have been brought. And an investigation is underway, says the ODNR Office of Communications Chief, Sarah Wickham.

In her electronic exchange that followed Mertz’s instruction, Wickham stated: “Thank you for your patience. I can confirm that allegations were made against Chief Wecker. With the investigation pending, we are unable to provide a comment at this time. As you may have heard, the Department is currently experiencing a significant server outage, leaving staff without access to electronic records,  including law enforcement’s records management system.

“As soon as that sever is up again, we will send you a copy of the initial incident report,” Wickham wrote.

- By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrishkorn@ameritech.net

JFrischk4@gmail.com 

(UPDATED) COVID-19 not stopping Ohio Division of Wildlife's cadets training

Ohio’s 12 wildlife officer cadets just made it under the state’s hiring freeze wire though they are still feeling the impact of the cronoavirus (COVID-19).

Hired from an initial field of 931 applicants, the 12 cadet became on-line, at-home students, utilizing Microsoft Teams programming for interaction with Ohio Division of Wildlife instructors and officials, says the agency’s cadet training officer/law enforcement program administrator, Jim Quinlivan.

“We were very fortunate in that our cadets were hired February 3^rd before the freeze went into effect,” Quinlivan said. “Filling all the vacant counties with an officer was a high priority not just with us but with the Governor as well.”

Quinlivan said this particular group of cadets – the agency’s 30^th such class with the first one having been conducted in 1951 – is diverse. It includes persons ranging in age from 21 to 42, one female, several with previous law enforcement experience including with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and several with previous Wildlife Division job titles under their belts, Quinlivan said.

Among the cadets is Zack Hillman, son of the late Phil Hillman, a Wildlife Division fisheries biologist from Akron who often became the face of the agency’s steelhead fisheries program.

Too, says Quinlivan, he is seeing how these cadets are no just interested in hunting and fishing in general “but expressed interest in fly fishing, kayak fishing, waterfowling, mountain biking, the whole range of outdoors experiences.”

Quinlivan said that diversity is important, too, because it means that once the cadets put on the badge they will “be able to communicate well with everyone.”

Beginning today (May 18th) the cadets were back in class in Columbus for their on-going training, Quinlivan said.

And any cadet without a law enforcement endorsement also will be required to attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy for that additional work, Quinlivan said.

“The cadets were kept very busy during the Governor’s stay-at-home orders, though I missed the daily interaction with them,” Quinlivan said. “But that’s world we are now living in.”

Quinlivan said the class ultimately will graduate in September, a bit later than was expected, the delay being caused by the fallout from the COVID-19 experience.

In all, seven of the cadets will go to counties now vacant of an officer assigned to them while the remaining cadets will find themselves in so-called “at-large” postings in the five Wildlife Division districts around the state, Quinlivan says.

Those assignments have all ready been made, too, Quinlivan said.

Once they begin their duties as commissioned officers, each of the graduates will earn a starting annual salary of $51,813.

“We are very pleased with the caliber of applicants we received, and we took the best of the best,” Quinlivan said.

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischk@Ameritech.net

JFrischk4@gmail.com

Ohio cracks open the door for use of its public shooting ranges

A trio of Ohio’s public shooting ranges are re-opening after a seasonal shut-down extended by the threat from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Here is the full text of the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s press release on the subject.

Note the new special social distancing requirements the Wildlife Division is imposing on the three locations as well as the strong recommendation about making reservations first.

Note as with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ web site being down it will be more difficult to navigate further information.

Class A shooting ranges at Deer Creek, Grand River, and Woodbury wildlife areas will reopen to the public on Thursday, May 21, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

These three shooting ranges were initially closed in March 2020 as a safety precaution because of COVID-19 concerns.

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a preferred shooting time, as ranges will be operating at 50% capacity. The Division of Wildlife will accept reservations beginning Monday, May 18.

Reservations can be made by calling the numbers provided below, from 

Monday to Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m..

Shooting times are broken into 70-minute blocks, with 20 minutes in between to allow for proper cleaning.

Visitors with reservations should arrive and check in no later than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled shooting time. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows within the 70-minute block.

State-owned Class A ranges that are reopening include:

• Deer Creek Wildlife Area shooting range, located at State Route 207 & Cook Yankeetown Road NE, Mt. Sterling 43143. Reservation phone number: (614) 644-3925.
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• Grand River Wildlife Area Shooting Range located at 6693 Hoffman Norton Road NW, Bristolville 44402. Reservation phone number: (330) 644-2293.
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• Woodbury Wildlife Area Shooting Range located at 23370 State Route 60, Warsaw 43844. Reservation phone number: (740) 589-9930.

Deer Creek and Grand River shooting ranges are open Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shooting range at Woodbury will be open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors are asked to follow all social distancing guidelines and respect others’ personal space while at the shooting range. In addition, visitors are also encouraged to follow this guidance to stay safe:

• Follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines on personal hygiene prior to heading to the range, including hand washing, carrying hand sanitizer, staying home if you feel sick, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
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• The range restroom will be open, but guests should anticipate short closures for areas to be cleaned and sanitized. Bathroom hand driers and drinking fountains are not available.
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• Masks are highly recommended to be worn at all times while using the range, in addition to proper eye and ear protection.

Shooting benches will be disinfected regularly with a commercial disinfectant. Shooters are encouraged to bring a towel or blanket to protect firearms and equipment. Shooters should also plan to provide their own eye and ear protection, targets and target holders.

Unsupervised shotgun, pistol and rifle ranges, as well as archery ranges on state properties, also remain open.

A shooting range permit is required to shoot at Class A (supervised rifle and pistol), Class B (unsupervised rifle and pistol) and Class C target ranges (unsupervised clay target shotgun).

A shooting range permit is not required at Class D (unsupervised archery) or other ranges not classified by the Division of Wildlife (other fees or purchases may apply).

Purchase an annual or daily shooting range permit through the Division of Wildlife’s online store or any location where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. An annual permit costs $24 and a daily permit is $5.

An annual shooting range permit and hunting license combo is available to Ohio residents for $29.12.

- By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischk@Ameritech.net

JFrischk4@gmail.com