Ted Strickland

Protecting Rights and Resources for Ohio’s Sportsmen

Since becoming Governor, Ted Strickland has maintained his commitment to protecting the interests of Ohio’s sportsmen.  Governor Strickland has worked to expand public lands for hunting and fishing, protected the Division of Wildlife in tough budgetary times, continued to stand for 2nd Amendment Rights, and ensured that the management of the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture are dictated by practical needs rather than politics.

Among the Governor’s accomplishments on behalf of the rights and resources for Ohio’s Sportsmen are:

• Earning a consistent  'A' Rating from the National Rifle Association.
• Preserving 2nd Amendment rights. When in Congress, Ted Strickland voted against the assault weapons ban in President Clinton’s Crime Bill and voted to block gun manufacturers from being held liable for legally sold firearms used to commit violent crimes. 
• Ensuring funding for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. In tough budget times, Governor Strickland protected the Ohio Division of Wildlife by not allowing funds to be diverted to purposes outside the Division of Wildlife. The Division of Wildlife is self-sustaining, and Governor Strickland recognizes the importance of ensuring that fees paid by sportsmen are used to serve sportsmen.
• Supporting concealed carry. As Governor, Ted Strickland supported concealed carry as a common sense extension of the 2nd Amendment rights of Ohioans. 
• Protecting those forced to act in self-defense. Governor Strickland signed the Ohio Castle Doctrine legislation into law that protects victims of crime and restores the presumption of innocence to those forced to act in self-defense.
• Expanding public lands for hunting and fishing. Governor Strickland has greatly expanded the public lands available to Ohio sportsmen for hunting and fishing.  In 2010, 16,000 acres of new state forest in Vinton County will open up for public hunting and Wingfoot Lake in Portage County will be open for fishing.  
• Cracking down on poachers. In an effort to crack down on poachers, Ohio has become a part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact to track and catch poachers that operate across state lines.  Governor Strickland also significantly increased fines on poachers to create strong financial disincentives for poachers who deprive law-abiding Ohio sportsmen of the opportunity to hunt trophy bucks and other species. 
• Implementing new technology for a proud Ohio tradition. Governor Strickland has implemented a new online program to match hunters with private landowners interested in opening their land up for deer management.  This pilot program currently operates in Harrison, Jefferson and Tuscarawas Counties and 72 private landowners have signed up to allow access to their properties.