General Info

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources - the Division of Wildlife was created by the General Assembly in 1873 to deal with declining fish populations in inland lakes and streams. It issues permits and licenses and enforces laws for fishing, hunting and trapping. The division conducts various aquatic education, recognition and competitive sport fishing programs. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages the fisheries of more than 124,000 acres of inland water and above 7,000 miles of streams. It also participates in a variety of education projects designed to increase the knowledge of citizens who have an interest in wildlife resources. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources-the Division of Wildlife supports Project WILD, which is an environmental conservation education program designed to supplement existing curriculum and to create an awareness and appreciation of the wildlife resources.