COLUMBUS — Applications are being accepted for controlled deer and waterfowl hunts on selected Ohio public areas during the 2015-16 season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Hunters have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a random drawing.

COLUMBUS — Haley Davis, of Bucyrus, has joined Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s field staff to help support county farm bureaus in their operations.

REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently announced approval for local sponsors to purchase agricultural easements on 54 family farms representing 7,512 acres in 26 counties. Local sponsoring organizations, which include land trusts, counties, a township and local soil and water conservation districts, receive funding from the Clean Ohio Fund to manage the local agricultural easement purchase program.

COLUMBUS — A native Ohio butterfly is the featured species for the seventh Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp photo contest, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Butterflies come in a countless number of colors.

COLUMBUS — As summer approaches, many Ohioans will take part in spotting young wildlife. Each year, Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials offer advice for Ohioans to enjoy wildlife from a distance and leave young animals in the wild.

The Wyandot County 4-H program is asking those taking poultry projects to the Wyandot County Fair to complete their projects, as the deadline to switch projects has passed, after the Ohio Department of Agriculture banned all live bird exhibitions in the state earlier this week.