Make Safety a Part of Your Outdoor Adventure
Ohio provides us an abundance of opportunities to hunt, fish, hike, camp, bike and many other outdoor pursuits. The ODNR encourages you to get out and explore and to always remember that safety is an important part of any day spent in the outdoors.
Safety Tips for All Outdoors Adventurers
- Check the forecast and have a plan if severe weather strikes
- Let someone know where you are going, when you leave and when you plan to return
- Bring an adequate supply of water and a cell phone for emergencies
- Be courteous to your fellow outdoors enthusiasts
- Follow posted rules and regulations
- Safety In the News
Camping
- Only camp in designated areas
- Build campfires within the fire ring – never leave a fire unattended
- Use caution around campfires and keep an extra close eye on children
- Have a well-supplied first aid kit
- Set boundaries for young people and remind them to use the buddy system.
Hunting
- Don't hunt alone
- Wear hunter orange
- Be sure of your target and practice gun safety
- Use caution when you get in or out of a tree stand
- Take a hunter safety course even if you've gone hunting before
Boating
- Always wear a lifejacket – make sure those on children are properly fitted and secured
- Follow the nautical "rules of the road"
- Never mix alcohol and boating
- Stay within the limit of the boat's maximum carrying capacity
- Keep an eye on the sky for bad weather; be alert to open water conditions and avoid fast-moving water
Hiking
- Stay on the designated trail
- Get an early start to avoid the heat of the day – don’t overexert yourself
- Carry ample amounts of water and some snacks
- Bring along a small first aid kit, sun block and insect repellent
- Each hiker should carry a trail map marked with a designated meet up spot in case anyone gets separated from the group
Biking
- Always wear a helmet
- Stick to the trail
- Keep an eye out for holes, dips, rocks or other trail obstructions
- Pass others with care; and ride at a controlled speed
- Ride with a friend
Fishing
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted
- Use caution when casting, baiting and removing hooks
- Handle fish carefully
- Wear a lifejacket if fishing from a boat and be aware of changing weather conditions
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
- Wear protective headgear and eye protection
- Drive an ATV that is age and size appropriate
- Supervise riders younger than 16 years of age
- Stay on designated trails and drive at a safe speed
- Take a safety course (ATVSafety.org)
Check out all the videos on the Ohio DNR YouTube Page
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has an abundance of great programs and places that are available to all Ohioans. You can see all of the videos below, or go directly to our
YouTube channel to interact with us there.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Photo Collection
The Ohio DNR has amassed a significant collection of photos over the years of everything related to the workings, and holdings of the Department. We have cataloged and tagged the photos to make them easily accessible and readily available to the public.
Photos provided on this site are considered public property and may be distributed or copied unless otherwise noted. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is required.
Photos may be reused provided that they are accurately reproduced and the source is credited. Reproduction is permitted provided that:
- Physical copies are not sold
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources is acknowledged as the source on all copies
Modifications are not permitted without the consent of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. No such reproduction shall suggest that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the reproduction; nor shall any such reproduction suggest that it was made with the endorsement of, or in affiliation with, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
More information can be found on the Department's policy web pages.
