Ranger-hunter confrontation called mix-up

11/30/2000

FINDLAY - State wildlife officials say a confrontation between a hunter and park ranger was nothing more than a “misunderstanding.''

Terry Sunderhaus, law-enforcement supervisor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources division of wildlife, District 2, said the dispute between a park ranger and a hunter who was hunting on private property was handled amicably.

A Hancock County Park District ranger stopped the hunter about two weeks ago on private property near a public hiking trail often used by schoolchildren and hikers in Riverbend Recreation Area. The hunter had permission from the property owner to carry a gun.

Mr. Sunderhaus said the park district implied it would be posting more signs along their boundaries to avoid future confusion.

“It is not a hunter-harassment issue,'' Mr. Sunderhaus said. “The parks are receptive to hunting in the proper places.''

Officials with the park district declined to comment.