reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.09 | Chief of Division May Amend or Rescind Rules After Investigation.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
If an investigation shows that any part of a rule of the division of wildlife should be modified for any cause not known, fully understood, or present at the time the rule was adopted, the chief of the division of wildlife may amend any part of the rule to meet the new condition or situation, but the amended rule shall be effective not longer than one year from its effective date.
If an investigation shows that such a rule or amended rule should be rescinded for any cause not known, fully understood, or present when the rule or amended rule was adopted, or due to a change in conditions making the rule or amended rule not necessary, the chief may rescind the rule or amended rule and make it ineffective, except that if a rule or amended rule required the approval of the wildlife council for its adoption, it may be amended or rescinded only upon approval of the council.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.10 | Publication of Rules.

Effective:
October 10, 2007
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 77 - 127th General Assembly
In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of wildlife shall adopt, and may amend and rescind, rules that are necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code. Each such rule shall be given publicity by advertising or otherwise as the chief considers necessary or expedient. With respect to any proposed adoption of or change to a rule that regulates the taking of commercial fish or establishes related provisions, the chief shall provide, by certified mail, notification of the proposal to each holder of a valid commercial fishing license issued under section 1533.35 of the Revised Code. As long as a rule of the division of wildlife remains in effect, a copy of it shall be included and printed in any authorized compilation of the division lawbook. All such rules shall be under the seal of the division and shall bear the signature, or a facsimile thereof, of the chief.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.101 | Rules for Taking of Migratory Game Birds.

Effective:
August 14, 2002
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 493 - 124th General Assembly
In addition to any other authority conferred on the chief of the division of wildlife, the chief may adopt rules under section 111.15 of the Revised Code that are necessary to establish acceptable methods of taking migratory game birds together with bag limits and designated seasons, areas, and hours for hunting them.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.11 | Violation of Rules Prohibited.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
No person shall take, kill, possess, transport, buy, or sell any wild animals contrary to any rule of the division of wildlife adopted in conformity with law.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.12 | Limitations on Authority of Chief.

Effective:
September 27, 1974
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 532 - 110th General Assembly
Nothing in sections 1531.08 to 1531.11 of the Revised Code shall be construed to authorize the chief of the division of wildlife to provide or change any penalty prescribed by law for a violation of its provisions, or to change the amount of any license fee or to provide license, except license fees when expressly permitted by a provision in Chapter 1531. or 1533. of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.131 | Enforcing Dumping Prohibitions and Nature Preserve and Trail Rules.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
A wildlife officer shall enforce section 3767.32 of the Revised Code and any other laws prohibiting the dumping of refuse into or along waters, the rules of the department of natural resources adopted under section 1517.02 of the Revised Code, and the rules of the director of natural resources adopted under Chapter 1519. of the Revised Code and shall make arrests for violation of those laws and rules. The jurisdiction of a wildlife officer is concurrent with that of the peace officers of the county, township, or municipal corporation in which the violation occurs.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.132 | Felony Conviction Precludes or Terminates Employment.

Effective:
January 1, 2004
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 490 - 124th General Assembly
(A) As used in this section, "felony" has the same meaning as in section 109.511 of the Revised Code.
(B)(1) The chief of the division of wildlife shall not designate a person as a game protector on a permanent basis, on a temporary basis, for a probationary term, or on other than a permanent basis if the person previously has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony.
(2)(a) The chief of the division of wildlife shall terminate the employment of a person as a game protector if that person does either of the following:
(i) Pleads guilty to a felony;
(ii) Pleads guilty to a misdemeanor pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement as provided in division (D) of section 2929.43 of the Revised Code in which the game protector agrees to surrender the certificate awarded to the game protector under section 109.77 of the Revised Code.
(b) The chief shall suspend from employment as a game protector a person designated as a game protector if that person is convicted, after trial, of a felony. If the game protector files an appeal from that conviction and the conviction is upheld by the highest court to which the appeal is taken or if the game protector does not file a timely appeal, the chief shall terminate the employment of that game protector. If the game protector files an appeal that results in the game protector's acquittal of the felony or conviction of a misdemeanor, or in the dismissal of the felony charge against the game protector, the chief shall reinstate that game protector. A game protector who is reinstated under division (B)(2)(b) of this section shall not receive any back pay unless that game protector's conviction of the felony was reversed on appeal, or the felony charge was dismissed, because the court found insufficient evidence to convict the game protector of the felony.
(3) Division (B) of this section does not apply regarding an offense that was committed prior to January 1, 1997.
(4) The suspension from employment, or the termination of the employment, of a game protector under division (B)(2) of this section shall be in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.133 | Wildlife Violators Compact for Joint Enforcement Operations.

Effective:
October 18, 2007
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 153 - 127th General Assembly
(A)(1) The chief of the division of wildlife, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may enter into a memorandum of understanding, agreement, or mutual aid compact with the head of any entity of another state, federal entity, or foreign entity that employs or appoints a law enforcement officer who has substantially the same duties as a peace officer, as "peace officer" is defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code, to enable wildlife officers and the specified law enforcement officers to assist each other in the provision of law enforcement services within the jurisdictions that are subject to the memorandum of understanding, agreement, or mutual aid compact.
(2) Employees of the division of wildlife who are serving under the terms of a memorandum of understanding, agreement, or mutual aid compact entered into under division (A)(1) of this section shall be considered as performing services within their regular employment for purposes of compensation, pension or indemnity fund rights, workers' compensation, and other rights or benefits to which they may be entitled as incidents of their regular employment.
(3) Employees of the division of wildlife who are serving under the terms of a memorandum of understanding, agreement, or mutual aid compact entered into under division (A)(1) of this section retain personal immunity from civil liability under section 9.86 of the Revised Code and all rights of indemnification and representation incident to regular employment.
(B) The chief shall adopt rules to enter into a reciprocal agreement with participating states for the enhancement of compliance with hunting, fishing, and other wildlife laws. The agreement is named the wildlife violators compact. The agreement and the rules shall provide for the fair and impartial treatment of wildlife violators operating within participating states in recognition of the violators' due process rights.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.14 | Right of Entry on Land for Research or Investigation.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
Any person regularly employed by the division of wildlife for the purpose of conducting research and investigation of game or fish or their habitat conditions or engaged in restocking game or fish or in any type of work involved in or incident to game or fish restoration projects or in the enforcement of laws or division rules relating to game or fish, or in the enforcement of section 1531.29 or 3767.32 of the Revised Code, other laws prohibiting the dumping of refuse in or along streams, or watercraft laws, while in the normal, lawful, and peaceful pursuit of such investigation, work, or enforcement may enter upon, cross over, be upon, and remain upon privately owned lands for such purposes, and shall not be subject to arrest for trespass while so engaged or for such cause thereafter.
Any such person, upon demand, shall identify himself to the owner, tenant, or manager of such privately owned lands by means of a badge or card bearing his name and certifying his employment by the division.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.15 | Division of Wildlife May Take Fish.

Effective:
October 1, 1953
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly
The division of wildlife may take fish at any time or place, in any manner, for the maintenance or cultivation of fish in hatcheries, or for the purpose of stocking ponds, lakes, rivers, or creeks, or for the purpose of exterminating rough fish in any waters. The division may set aside any waters for the propagation of fish or waterfowl.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.16 | Enforcement and Prosecution of Wildlife Laws and Rules.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
Sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, constables, and other police officers shall enforce the laws and division rules for the taking, possession, protection, preservation, and propagation of wild animals and for this purpose shall have the power conferred upon wildlife officers. Prosecution for offenses not committed in the presence of an officer shall be instituted only upon the approval of the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the offense is committed, or a municipal legal officer within his territorial jurisdiction, or upon the approval of the attorney general, and when the services of counsel are necessary, the attorney authorized by this section to approve the action and who does so shall act as attorney for the prosecution of the case.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.17 | Wildlife Fund.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
All fines, penalties, and forfeitures arising from prosecutions, convictions, confiscations, or otherwise under this chapter and Chapters 1517. and 1533. of the Revised Code, unless otherwise directed by the director of natural resources, shall be paid by the officer by whom collected to the director and by the director paid into the state treasury to the credit of the wildlife fund, which is hereby created, for the use of the division of wildlife. All moneys received from the sale of wild animals under division (J) of section 1531.06 of the Revised Code shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the wildlife fund for the use of the division. All moneys collected as license fees on nets in the Lake Erie fishing district shall be paid by the director into the state treasury to the credit of the wildlife fund for use only in the betterment and the propagation of fish therein or in otherwise propagating fish in such district. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund. The wildlife fund shall not be used for compensation of personnel employed by other divisions of the department of natural resources who are assigned to law enforcement duties in aid of the division of wildlife or for compensation of division of wildlife personnel for activities related to the instruction of personnel of other divisions.
The director of natural resources may use moneys from the fund to make the payments required under section 1501.29 of the Revised Code.
Last updated November 18, 2021 at 10:48 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.18 | Jurisdiction.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
Any judge of a county court or municipal court judge has final jurisdiction within the territory for which he is elected or appointed in a prosecution for any violation of this chapter or Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code, or division rules, and in a proceeding for forfeiture under those chapters or rules.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.19 | Service of Summons on Corporations.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
When an affidavit is filed against a corporation for a violation of this chapter or Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code, a summons, returnable on or before the tenth day after its date, shall be issued directed to the sheriff, constable, or wildlife officer commanding him to notify the accused thereof. The summons together with a copy of the affidavit shall be served and returned in the manner provided for the service of summons upon corporations in civil actions. On or before the return day of the summons served, the corporation may appear by one of its officers or by counsel and answer the affidavit by motion or plea, but upon failure to make an appearance and answer the clerk of the court shall enter a plea of "not guilty." Upon such an appearance being made or plea entered, the corporation shall be deemed present before the court until the cause is finally disposed of.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.20 | Seizure of Property or Device Used in Unlawful Taking or Transporting of Wild Animals.

Effective:
April 6, 2007
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 443 - 126th General Assembly
Any motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or boat used in the unlawful taking or transporting of wild animals, and any net, seine, trap, ferret, gun, or other device used in the unlawful taking of wild animals, is a public nuisance. Each wildlife officer, or other officer with like authority, shall seize and safely keep such property and the illegal results of its use, and unless otherwise ordered by the chief of the division of wildlife shall initiate, within thirty days, proceedings in a proper court of the county for its forfeiture. A writ of replevin shall not lie to take the property from the officer's custody or from the custody or jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is initiated, nor shall the proceeding affect a criminal prosecution for the unlawful use or possession of the property.
An action for the forfeiture of any such property shall be initiated by the filing of an affidavit describing the property seized and stating the unlawful use made of it, the time and place of seizure, and the name of the person owning or using it at the time of seizure. If the name is unknown, that fact shall be stated. Upon the filing of the affidavit, the court shall issue a summons setting forth the facts stated in the affidavit and fixing a time and place for the hearing of the complaint. A copy of the summons shall be served on the owner or person using the property at the time of its seizure, if the owner or user is known, or by leaving a copy thereof at the owner's or user's usual residence or place of business in the county, at least three days before the time fixed for the hearing of the complaint. If the owner or user is unknown or a nonresident of the county or cannot be found therein, a copy of the summons shall be posted at a suitable place nearest the place of seizure, but if the owner's or user's address is known, a copy of the summons shall be mailed to the owner or user at least three days before the time fixed for the hearing of the complaint. On the date fixed for the hearing, the officer making the service shall make a return of the time and manner of making the service. Upon the proper cause shown, the court may postpone the hearing.
A proceeding for the forfeiture of seized property that is initiated under this section shall not progress to actual forfeiture of the seized property unless so ordered by the court. The court may order the actual forfeiture of the seized property as part of the sentence that it imposes if the owner or person unlawfully using the property at the time of its seizure is convicted, pleads guilty, or confesses that the property at the time of its seizure was being used by the owner or user in violation of law or division rule. Forfeited property shall be the property of the state, to be disposed of as the chief of the division of wildlife directs.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.202 | Liability for Costs Incurred in Investigation of Death of Wild Animal.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
Any person who is responsible for causing or allowing an unauthorized spill, release, or discharge of material into or on any land or any ground or surface water or into the air that results in the death of a wild animal and that necessitates an investigation by the division of wildlife, or who violates section 1531.02 of the Revised Code in a manner that necessitates an investigation by the division regarding the death of a wild animal, is liable to the division for costs incurred in the investigation if the person pleads guilty to or is convicted of causing or allowing the unauthorized spill, release, or discharge or a violation of section 1531.02 of the Revised Code. The costs may include wages and benefits of employees of the division. The chief of the division of wildlife or the chief's authorized representative shall bring a civil action against the responsible person to recover those costs.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.21 | Trial Procedure for Forfeiture or Condemnation.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
The defendant in a proceeding for forfeiture or condemnation under a division rule or this chapter or Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code shall be tried under the Rules of Criminal Procedure and according to law.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.22 | Payment of Costs.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
A person authorized by law to prosecute a case under a division rule or this chapter or Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code shall not be required to advance or secure costs therein. If the defendant is acquitted or discharged from custody, the costs shall be certified under oath by the court to the chief of the division of wildlife, who shall correct all errors therein and pay the person entitled to payment out of the wildlife fund created in section 1531.17 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.23 | Judgment for Costs and Fine or Forfeiture - Lien - Failure to Pay.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
If the defendant in a prosecution or condemnation proceeding under a division rule or this chapter or Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code is convicted, judgment shall be rendered against him for costs in addition to the fine imposed or forfeiture declared. The judgment shall be the first lien upon the property of the person convicted, and no exemption shall be claimed or allowed against that lien. If he fails to pay the fine and costs imposed or if execution issued is returned unsatisfied, the person convicted shall be committed to the county jail or to a workhouse and there confined one day for the amount of the fine adjudged against him, determined as provided in section 2747.14 of the Revised Code. The person convicted shall not be discharged or paroled therefrom by any board or officer except upon payment of the fine remaining unpaid or upon written permission of the chief of the division of wildlife.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.24 | United States Commissioner of Fisheries Authorized to Establish, Operate, and Maintain Fish Hatcheries in Ohio.

Effective:
October 1, 1953
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly
The United States commissioner of fisheries and his authorized agents may establish fish hatcheries in Ohio, and operate and maintain them. Such persons may acquire by lease, gift, or purchase lands and other equipment necessary for such purpose and conduct in any manner and at any time investigations and fish cultural operations as are considered necessary and proper.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.25 | Protection of Species Threatened With Statewide Extinction.

Effective:
July 20, 1988
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 256 - 117th General Assembly
The chief of the division of wildlife, with the approval of the wildlife council, shall adopt and may modify and repeal rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, restricting the taking or possession of native wildlife, or any eggs or offspring thereof, that he finds to be threatened with statewide extinction. The rules shall identify the common and scientific names of each endangered species and shall be modified from time to time to include all species on the list of endangered fish and wildlife pursuant to Section 4 of the "Endangered Species Act of 1973," 87 Stat. 884, 16 U.S.C.A. 1531, as amended, and that are native to this state, or that migrate or are otherwise reasonably likely to occur within the state.
The rules shall provide for the taking of species threatened with statewide extinction, for zoological, educational, and scientific purposes, and for propagation in captivity to preserve the species, under written permits from the chief. The rules shall in no way restrict the taking or possession of species listed on such United States list for zoological, educational, or scientific purposes, or for propagation in captivity to preserve the species, under a permit or license from the United States or any instrumentality thereof.
No person shall violate any rule adopted pursuant to this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.26 | Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund.

Effective:
September 26, 2003
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 95 - 125th General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the nongame and endangered wildlife fund, which shall consist of moneys paid into it by the tax commissioner under section 5747.113 of the Revised Code, moneys deposited in the fund from the issuance of wildlife conservation license plates under section 4503.57 of the Revised Code, moneys deposited in the fund from the issuance of bald eagle license plates under section 4503.572 of the Revised Code, moneys credited to the fund under section 1533.151 of the Revised Code, and contributions made directly to it. Any person may contribute directly to the fund in addition to or independently of the income tax refund contribution system established in section 5747.113 of the Revised Code. Moneys in the fund shall be disbursed pursuant to vouchers approved by the director of natural resources for use by the division of wildlife solely for the purchase, management, preservation, propagation, protection, and stocking of wild animals that are not commonly taken for sport or commercial purposes, including the acquisition of title and easements to lands, biological investigations, law enforcement, production of educational materials, sociological surveys, habitat development, and personnel and equipment costs; and for carrying out section 1531.25 of the Revised Code. Moneys in the fund also may be used to promote and develop nonconsumptive wildlife recreational opportunities involving wild animals. Moneys in the fund from the issuance of bald eagle license plates under section 4503.572 of the Revised Code shall be expended by the division only to pay the costs of acquiring, developing, and restoring habitat for bald eagles within this state. Moneys in the fund from any other source also may be used to pay the costs of acquiring, developing, and restoring habitat for bald eagles within this state.
All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund. Subject to the approval of the director, the chief of the division of wildlife may enter into agreements that the chief considers appropriate to obtain additional moneys for the protection of nongame native wildlife under the "Endangered Species Act of 1973," 87 Stat. 884, 16 U.S.C.A. 1541-1543, as amended, and the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980," 94 Stat. 1322, 16 U.S.C.A. 2901-2911, as amended. Moneys appropriated from the fund are not intended to replace other moneys appropriated for these purposes.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.27 | Payments to Counties for Land Use by State.

Effective:
April 6, 2007
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 443 - 126th General Assembly
The chief of the division of wildlife shall pay to the treasurers of the several counties wherein lands owned by the state and administered by the division are located an annual amount determined in the following manner: in each such county one per cent of the total value of such lands exclusive of improvements, as shown on the auditor's records of taxable value of real property existing at the time when the state acquired the tract or tracts comprising the lands.
The payments shall be made from funds accruing to the division from fines, penalties, restitution, and forfeitures deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the wildlife fund created in section 1531.17 of the Revised Code. The allocation of amounts to be paid from those sources shall be determined by the director of natural resources.
The payments to the treasurers of the several counties shall be credited to the fund for school purposes within the school districts wherein the lands are located.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.28 | Contract With Private Persons for Creation or Improvement of Wildlife Habitat.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
The division of wildlife, in the management of lands owned, leased, or administered by it or under agreement with it, may contract with private persons for the creation or improvement of wildlife habitat thereon. Such a contract may be paid for in money, materials, services rendered, or goods produced incidentally to the contract, whichever is advantageous to the state.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.29 | Prohibiting Polluting State Land or Water.

Effective:
November 20, 1973
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 453 - 110th General Assembly
No person shall place or dispose of in any manner, any garbage, waste, peelings of vegetables or fruits, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, parts of automobiles, wagons, furniture, glass, oil, or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature on any state owned, controlled, or administered land, or in any ditch, stream, river, lake, pond, or other watercourse, except those waters which do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface or underground waters, or upon the bank thereof where the same is liable to be washed into the water either by ordinary flow or floods. This section does not apply to any substance placed under authority of a permit issued under section 6111.04 of the Revised Code or exempted by such section from its terms.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.30 | Cooperative Management Fund.

Effective:
March 13, 1986
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 269 - 116th General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the cooperative management fund. All revenue generated on land owned by the United States army corps of engineers and managed by the division of the wildlife of the department of natural resources pursuant to an agreement with the corps shall be credited to the fund. All money in the fund shall be spent for fish and wildlife management purposes and for the management and maintenance of the area managed by the division. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.31 | Ohio River Management Fund.

Effective:
October 8, 1992
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 167 - 119th General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the Ohio river management fund, which shall consist of moneys received by the division of wildlife pursuant to negotiated mitigation settlements from persons who have adversely affected the fish and wildlife of the Ohio river or their habitats and of gifts and contributions made to it. The fund shall be used for the preservation, development, and management of the Ohio river through the acquisition of critical habitat areas, monitoring of fish and wildlife populations, expansion of programs for the production and stocking of game fish, and research and development of methods for improving public access to the Ohio river. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.32 | Wildlife Habitat Trust Fund.

Effective:
September 17, 1991
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 268 - 119th General Assembly
There is hereby created the wildlife habitat trust fund, which shall be in the custody of the treasurer of state and shall not be a part of the state treasury. The purpose of the fund is to facilitate the acquisition and development of lands for the preservation, propagation, and protection of wild animals. The fund shall consist of money received from gifts, donations, bequests, and other moneys contributed to the division of wildlife for the purposes of the fund. Investment earnings of the fund shall be retained by the fund until transferred to the wildlife habitat fund as required by section 1531.33 of the Revised Code. The principal of the wildlife habitat trust fund shall not be spent for any purpose.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.33 | Wildlife Habitat Fund.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
(A) The wildlife habitat fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of the investment earnings of the wildlife habitat trust fund created in section 1531.32 of the Revised Code; gifts, donations, bequests, and other moneys contributed to the division of wildlife for the purposes of the fund; moneys collected under division (H) of section 1531.06 of the Revised Code; contributions collected under section 4503.568 of the Revised Code from issuance of the "Ohio Bullfrog" license plate; and moneys received by the division pursuant to negotiated mitigation settlements from persons who have adversely affected fish and wildlife, or their habitats, over which the division has jurisdiction under this chapter or Chapter 1533. of the Revised Code other than fish and wildlife of the Ohio river or their habitats.
(B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section, the fund shall be used by the division to acquire and develop lands for the preservation, propagation, and protection of wild animals.
(2) The contributions from the "Ohio Bullfrog" license plate shall be used for the protection and preservation of wetlands in Ohio and for educational programs pertaining to the bullfrog and similar wetland animals.
(C) All expenditures from the wildlife habitat fund shall be approved by the director of natural resources.
(D) Quarterly each fiscal year, the treasurer of state shall transfer the investment earnings of the wildlife habitat trust fund to the wildlife habitat fund.
Last updated August 12, 2021 at 10:49 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.35 | Wildlife Boater Angler Fund.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
The wildlife boater angler fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of money credited to the fund pursuant to section 5735.051 of the Revised Code and other money contributed to the division of wildlife for the purposes of the fund. The fund shall be used for boating access construction, improvements, maintenance and repair of dams and impoundments, and acquisitions, including lands and facilities for boating access, and to pay for equipment and personnel costs involved with those activities, on waters on which the operation of gasoline-powered watercraft is permissible.
Last updated August 12, 2021 at 10:50 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1531 | Division of Wildlife › Section 1531.99 | Penalty.

Effective:
March 4, 2008
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 238 - 127th General Assembly
(A) Whoever violates section 1531.02 of the Revised Code, or any division rule, other than a rule adopted under section 1531.25 of the Revised Code, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(B) Whoever violates section 1531.02 of the Revised Code concerning the taking or possession of deer or violates division (K) of section 1531.06 or section 1531.07 or 1531.29 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree on a first offense; on each subsequent offense, that person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(C) Whoever violates section 1531.25 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(D) Whoever violates section 1531.02 of the Revised Code concerning the buying, selling, or offering for sale of any wild animals or parts of wild animals, the minimum value of which animals or parts, in the aggregate, is one thousand dollars or more as established under section 1531.201 of the Revised Code, is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree.
(E) A court that imposes sentence for a violation of any section of this chapter governing the holding, taking, buying, selling, or possession of wild animals, including, without limitation, section 1531.11 of the Revised Code, may require the person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to the offense, in addition to any fine, term of imprisonment, seizure, and forfeiture imposed, to make restitution for the minimum value of the wild animal illegally held, taken, bought, sold, or possessed as established under section 1531.201 of the Revised Code. An officer who collects moneys paid as restitution under this section shall pay those moneys to the treasurer of state who shall deposit them in the state treasury to the credit of the wildlife fund established under section 1531.17 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1533 | Hunting; Fishing › Section 1533.01 | Hunting - Fishing Definitions.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
As used in this chapter, "person," "resident," "nonresident," "division rule," "rule," "closed season," "open season," "take or taking," "possession," "bag limit," "transport and transportation," "sell and sale," "whole to include part," "angling," "trotline," "fish," "measurement of fish," "wild birds," "game," "game birds," "nongame birds," "wild quadrupeds," "game quadrupeds," "fur-bearing animals," "wild animals," "hunting," "trapping," "muskrat spear," "channels and passages," "island," "reef," "fur farm," "waters," "crib," "car," "commercial fish," "fishing," "fillet," "part fillet," "round," "migrate," "spreader bar," "fishing guide," "net," "commercial fishing gear," "native wildlife," "gill net," "tag fishing tournament," "tenant," "nonnative wildlife," "reptiles," "amphibians," "deer," "domestic deer," "migratory game bird," "accompany," "all-purpose vehicle," "wholly enclosed preserve," "commercial bird shooting preserve," "wild animal hunting preserve," and "captive white-tailed deer" have the same meanings as in section 1531.01 of the Revised Code.
Last updated August 12, 2021 at 10:51 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1533 | Hunting; Fishing › Section 1533.03 | Prevention of Authorized Hunting, Trapping, or Fishing Prohibited.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
(A) No person shall purposely prevent or attempt to prevent any person from hunting, trapping, or fishing for a wild animal as authorized by this chapter by any of the following means:
(1) Placing oneself in a location in which he knows or should know that his presence may affect the behavior of the wild animal being hunted, trapped, or fished for or otherwise affect the feasibility of the taking of the wild animal by the hunter, trapper, or fisherman;
(2) Creating a visual, aural, olfactory, or physical stimulus intended to affect the behavior of the wild animal being hunted, trapped, or fished for;
(3) Affecting the condition or location of personal property intended for use in the hunting, trapping, or fishing activity.
(B) No person shall fail to obey the order of a peace officer or wildlife officer to desist from conduct that violates division (A) of this section.
(C) This section applies only to acts committed on lands or waters upon which hunting, trapping, or fishing activity may lawfully occur. This section does not apply to acts of a peace officer, the owner of the lands or waters, or a tenant or other person acting under authority of the owner on the lands or waters.
(D) Upon petition by a person who is or reasonably may be affected by conduct that violates or will violate division (A) of this section and a showing by that person that the conduct has occurred in a particular place and may reasonably be expected to occur in or near that place again, a court of common pleas may enjoin the conduct in accordance with Civil Rule 65.
(E) As used in this section, "peace officer" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code, and "wildlife officer" has the same meaning as in section 1531.13 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1533 | Hunting; Fishing › Section 1533.031 | Prevention of Hunting by Creating Noise Prohibited.

Effective:
November 21, 1997
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 209 - 122nd General Assembly
(A) No person shall purposely prevent or attempt to prevent any person from hunting a wild animal as authorized by this chapter by creating noise or loud sounds through the use of implements when the use of the implements is intended primarily to affect the behavior of the wild animal being hunted, when the hunting is taking place on lands or waters upon which the hunting activity may lawfully occur, and when the noise or loud sounds are created on lands or waters other than the lands or waters upon which the hunting activity may lawfully occur. "Implements" does not include items being used in the due course of farming, forestry, or commercial practices.
(B) Upon petition by a person who is or reasonably may be affected by conduct that violates or will violate division (A) of this section and a showing by that person that the conduct has occurred in a particular place and may reasonably be expected to occur in or near that place again, a court of common pleas may enjoin the conduct in accordance with Civil Rule 65.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1533 | Hunting; Fishing › Section 1533.04 | Use of Suppressor.

Effective:
March 23, 2015
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 234 - 130th General Assembly
(A) A person who holds a valid hunting license issued under this chapter and who hunts game birds or wild quadrupeds may use a suppressor attached to a gun that is authorized to be used for hunting by section 1533.16 of the Revised Code while hunting, provided that the person is authorized to possess the suppressor under state and federal laws and has registered the suppressor in accordance with the "National Firearms Act," 68A Stat. 725 (1934), 26 U.S.C. 5841, et seq., as amended.
(B) As used in this section, "suppressor" means any device used for diminishing the sound of any shot, bullet, or projectile that is discharged from a gun that is authorized to be used for hunting by section 1533.16 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1533 | Hunting; Fishing › Section 1533.051 | Commercial and Noncommercial Propagation of Raptors.

Effective:
December 29, 2023
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly
(A) The chief of the division of wildlife may authorize commercial and noncommercial propagation of raptors by rules adopted pursuant to section 1531.08 of the Revised Code. The rules shall be consistent with federal regulations governing raptor propagation.
(B) No person shall propagate raptors without a permit to do so issued by the chief. The duration of the permit shall be consistent with applicable federal requirements.
The fees for permits shall be set by the chief in amounts sufficient to cover the expenses of the division in exercising its authority under this section and may vary according to the type of permit. Moneys received from the sale of permits shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the fund established in section 1533.15 of the Revised Code.
(C) The chief shall issue a commercial raptor propagation permit in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:
(1) The applicant holds a license or permit in another state.
(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a person who propogates raptors in a state that does not issue that license or permit.
(D) A permittee may use a raptor possessed for propagation in the sport of falconry only if the permittee is in compliance with section 1533.05 of the Revised Code and the raptor is reported under permits issued under both that section and this section.
(E) This section does not apply to propagation of raptors by the state, any agency of the state, the United States, any agency or instrumentality thereof, or any zoological park.
Last updated December 29, 2023 at 7:22 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1533 | Hunting; Fishing › Section 1533.07 | Protection Afforded Nongame Birds.

Effective:
April 6, 2007
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 443 - 126th General Assembly
No person shall catch, kill, injure, pursue, or have in the person's possession, either dead or alive, or purchase, expose for sale, transport, or ship to a point within or without the state, or receive or deliver for transportation any bird other than a game bird, or have in the person's possession any part of the plumage, skin, or body of any bird other than a game bird, except as permitted in Chapter 1531. and this chapter of the Revised Code, or disturb or destroy the eggs, nest, or young of such a bird.
This section does not prohibit the lawful taking, killing, pursuing, or possession of any game bird during the open season for the bird. Bald or golden eagles and ospreys shall not be killed or possessed at any time, except that eagles or ospreys may be possessed for educational purposes by governmental or municipal zoological parks, museums, and scientific or educational institutions. European starlings, English sparrows, and common pigeons, other than homing pigeons, may be killed at any time and their nests or eggs may be destroyed at any time. Blackbirds may be killed at any time when doing damage to grain or other property or when they become a nuisance.
Each bird or any part thereof taken or had in possession contrary to this section constitutes a separate offense.