TF, I hope you questions and concerns don't fall on deaf ears. ODNR typically won't tell you much. If you have a friend there you're fortunate, don't believe stories you hear from other hunters, most just talk BS. Scott, how did you get selected for 2003 fall hunt in the Arsenal when applications don't even get mailed until Summer? Are you one of the Alternates from 2001-2002 that didn't get in in 2002 so they're tossing you guys on top? Guess I missed something in the explanations I got from Columbus myself.
TF, Only problem I see it certifying bowhunters with ability. A guy can go to Dicks and buy a x-bow, walk into the arsenal and expect to be permitted to hunt? Yikes! We had to qualify by shooting a minimum score on silohets (remember how much fun that was). A blind man with 1 arm could nearly qualify. I always shot in the 900 to 1000 pt. range. Not great but alot better than a bunch of guys who had no business trying to qualify or hunt there. I've taken state courses and have bowhunted for more than 15 years now but I would expect to have to prove my ability before gaining access. This will take a testing facility, judges, and $$$$ that ODNR won't likely spend. I'd pay a small fee to shoot a course and certify my skills, show my Bowhunter education certificate, and apply for an archery permit for the arsenal. Think they'd go for that? Maybe, Problem is, there are thousands just like me who would. I love seeing flocks of 100+ turkeys, and bears, and yotes in therer too. What a great area! Too bad they didn't sell it to the guys who wanted to make it a hunting preserve. Damn feds hosed us, atleast they're still willing to have deer hunts, just wish they'd get someone in columbus to do it right!