Important Message from the President:
Previously, several OWCOA members and myself met with the Division of Wildlife about some of our concerns regarding issues wildlife control operators face.
Below is a copy of the correspondence I received concerning translocation of squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, and muskrats.
As everyone will see, this letter permit will allow us as professional operators, to use our own discretion for utilizing lethal traps or euthanize these species when deemed necessary.
Obviously, a high degree of responsibility comes with this privilege. We should consider all aspects of the particular situation when determining the proper methods to use. A few dead squirrels dangling off the side of suburban homes might get the permits jerked pretty quickly and jeopardize the changes we are requesting in the Ohio Administrative Code. If you get one of these permits, use good judgment in its application.
Dirk E. Shearer, CWCP, President
Letter Permit Update
In response to recent meetings with several representatives of the nuisance animal trapping industry, the Division of Wildlife is anticipating making changes to the Ohio Administrative Code to better serve the public and the industry. Until such changes can be made and become effective, any nuisance wild animal trapper may request a letter permit which will allow the use of lethal means or euthanasia of the following: squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, and muskrats. Other species may also be requested, and will be given consideration. Such a letter permit will be effective until any rule changes take place which will eliminate the need for the permit, and will not be site specific.
To obtain this letter permit, the trapper will need to contact Melissa Moser, 2045 Morse Road, Bldg G-3, Columbus OH 43229-6693, or via fax at 614-262-1143.
Kenneth J. Fitz
Law Enforcement Program Administrator
ODNR Division of Wildlife
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. G
Columbus Ohio 43229-6693
Copyright © Ohio Wildlife Control Operators Association 2010
12/06/2010 05:17:45 PM