COLUMBUS — Hunters and other individuals seeking information about white-tailed deer-gun hunting seasons or wanting to report state wildlife law violations may take advantage of extended call center hours, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) general hunting information hotline will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18, for the 10th annual youth deer-gun season. Staff will also be available to answer calls prior to and during the deer-gun season, Nov. 26-Dec. 2 and Dec. 15-16.

The deer-gun season is when many of Ohio’s hunters have last-minute questions, and ODNR Division of Wildlife staff is ready and available to assist them. Special call center hours prior to and during the state’s deer-gun season include:

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18.

8 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Dec. 2.

8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16.

The hotline will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

Ohioans are encouraged to help enforce state wildlife laws by reporting violations to the division’s Turn-in-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline by calling 800-POACHER (762-2437). Established in 1982, the TIP program allows individuals to anonymously call toll-free to report wildlife violations. The 800-POACHER hotline is open for calls 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Tips concerning wildlife violations can also be submitted at wildohio.com. Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash award.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.