Owls Can Now Be Used For Hunting In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Owls can now be used to hunt small game in Ohio.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 28 into law on Tuesday, officially allowing owls to be used in the sport of falconry. That means trained owls can be used to hunt small game in the Buckeye State.

“Ohio sportsmen who know, and participate in, the sport of falconry were clear in their belief that the outdated law excluding owls was unnecessarily restrictive, and I agree. I am proud to see my legislation to ease those restrictions become law. With the governor’s signature, Ohioans in the falconry community can enjoy this wholesome outdoor activity in a whole new way, with a new bird of prey," said state Sen. Frank Hoagland, who introduced the bill.

Under Ohio law, a person who wishes to hunt using birds (falconry) must get a permit through the Chief of the Division of Wildlife. Besides owls (of the family Strigidae), Ohioans can also hunt using falcons and caracaras, and Accipitrids, like hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and certain vultures.

There are approximately 100 licensed falconers in Ohio, according to Mark Kennedy, treasurer of the Ohio Falconry Association. While the law will impact a relatively small number of Ohioans, the change should benefit owl populations locally.

That's because, Kennedy said, falconers develop a special relationship with their hunting partner. In many cases they raise the bird from youth, helping it survive and develop into adulthood. Without falconers, many birds of prey would fall victim to starvation or other fates of nature.

"For us to not be able to fly with owls...it was foolish. We're only doing it to help the bird. We're giving these birds a heck of a better chance of making it than they would have on its own," Kennedy said.