Hunting and fishing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. Today, more than 370 refuges are open to the public for hunting and many fish hatcheries allow hunting on their lands.

In northwestern Ohio, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, along the Lake Erie shoreline, sportswomen and men of all backgrounds and abilities can experience the outdoors in amazing places. Federal officials are proposing to update the Ottawa Refuge hunting programs and is seeking public comment on the changes.

The proposed changes include opening 247 new acres to hunting of migratory game birds, upland game and big game per state of Ohio regulations.

Everyone is invited to review draft documents related to this change, including the Hunt Plan Amendment and the Categorical Exclusion for the hunting program. These documents will be available for public comment for 60 days, through the end of May. The documents will be also be available for additional comment during the Federal Register public comment period.

All documents are electronically available on the refuge website at fws.gov/refuge/Ottawa/. You can contact the refuge at 419-898-0014 or ottawa@fws.gov to request either printed or electronic copies.

The public comment period is an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes with staff and to provide individual comments on the draft plan. Submit comments to the refuge by mail by sending them to:14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 or email ottawa@fws.gov.