Dept Ag(BOAH) vs DNR

In Ohio, the legislation that was recently passed gives full authority over deer farms and hunting preserves to the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture (ODA). The only involvement that ODNR has is an initial pen inspection and the resulting initial license which must be issued (not may be issued) if all requirements are met. This initial license costs $40.00 and is good as long as the farm remains in business. Same thing for preserves except that the license fee is $1000 to cover the cost of ODNR flying over and doing an infrared search of the preserve to ensure all wild deer have been removed. From then on, ODA issues the license renewal every year.



ODNR still has enforcement authority over law violations but may only come on your property if you are involved in a criminal investigation. They no longer have the right to stop by anytime and ask to check your records.

In my opinion, the DNR should have NO right to have anything to do with MY LIVESTOCK. My deer are not there natural resource, period. It's the same way here, initial inspection for wild deer and then it's Dept of AG who "controls" us. Fortunatly our state vet and the others here in that dept. are great people to work with. Our Game Fish & parks is more interested in raising mountain lions and wolves then protecting and managing the deer, elk, pheasants and waterfowl of the state. If it was up to them, no one would be able to own deer and elk and all the private land would be open to the public so they could ruin it just like they have been doing for decades.