Protecting your Pet During Hunting Season

As we enter the Autumn season, we enter into a season that can unknowingly be a very dangerous time for pets:  Ohio hunting season.  There are many hunters and hunting areas in an around Seville, Wadsworth, Wooster, Rittman, Creston and the surrounding areas of Wayne county.  Even though one of the most basic fundamentals of hunting is to identify and know the target before actually shooting, mistakes can be made.

Though there are many hunters in the area, there are also many non-hunters.  Non-hunters are often unaware of the timing and knowledge of hunting seasons. Below is a chart of common Ohio hunting seasons, when they start and end.  Most run through the fall and winter (IE: Bow and Arrow, Rifle or Shot gun).  Do not assume all hunters always follow the rule books.

White-Tailed Deer:  September 28th, 2013 - February 2nd, 2014
Turkey (Fall):  October 14th, 2013 -  December 1st, 2014
Turkey (Spring):  April 21st, 2014 - May 18th, 2014
Squirrel:  September 1st, 2013 - January 31st, 2014
Grouse:  October 12th, 2013 - January 31st, 2014
Rabbit:  November 1st, 2013 - February 28th, 2014
Pheasant: November 1st, 2013 - January 15th, 2014
Quail: November 1st, 2013 - December 1st, 2013
Fox/ Raccoon/ Skunk/ Weasel/ Possum:  November 10th, 2013 - January 31st, 2014
Coyote/ Wild Boar:  No Closed Season
Groundhog: All year except November 23rd, 2013 to December 8th, 2013

There are many farms and wooded areas in which hunters are permitted to hunt.  There are also numerous areas where hunting is excluded, yet some hunters have been known to ignore posted signs that state the property is off limits for hunting purposes.  If you live in a developed area (Seville, Rittman, Creston, Medina, Lodi, etc.), check on your pet often if they are outdoors for any length of time.  This helps to identify if your pet has gotten out even if they are commonly kept in a fenced area, or on some sort of tie-out.  In the more rural areas, it is safest to use a leash or run to prevent wandering.  Keep in mind that some dogs are frightened by loud noises.  A loud gunshot nearby, may scare them into running away if not contained.

Like Hunters, pets can wear protective gear, such as colorful bandanas, fun sweaters, a bell or a fluorescent collar.  Many collars come in bright colors, such as the well-known “hunter Orange.”  This helps to identify your pet as a non-game species very readily, hopefully preventing the chance of an accidental injury.  If you should happen to see or hear a hunter while out and about with your pet, try to make it known you are in the area.  It is simple to speak up or blow a whistle periodically to alert the hunters to your presence.

For our hunting dogs, extra precautions need to be made.  First and foremost, each hunting animal should have a thorough, healthy pet examination prior to the hunting season. It is imperative that you have the dog examined by your veterinarian to insure that they are healthy enough to take on the activity involved in hunting.  Just like the human hunter, hunting dogs should also wear protective gear.  “Hunter orange” vest, and reflective collars.

At Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic, we are always striving to provide information to keep pets safe.  While this article is not intended to be a discussion in favor or against hunting activities, we recognize the fact that hunting is a popular past-time in out area.  We are here to help should an injury occur.  After hour emergency veterinary services are available through our Orrville Veterinary Clinic location by calling (330)682-2971.

Article Submitted by: Becki Steele