Central Ohio
State Wildlife Officer Maurice Irish, stationed in Delaware County, and Officer Breyer Ehrnfield, covering central Ohio, responded to a Turn-In-A-Poacher tip about illegal fishing practices. They observed two individuals snagging a muskellunge using a lure with three treble hooks, a violation of fishing regulations. Both suspects were issued summonses for snagging sport fish and using prohibited hooks. They paid a total of $346 in fines and court costs in Delaware County Municipal Court. Citizens are encouraged to report wildlife violations anonymously at 1-800-POACHER (762-2437).
In Union County, State Wildlife Officer Brian Motsinger assisted two anglers and resolved a case of a stolen canoe. After receiving information from an angler about a lost canoe, Officer Motsinger located the last known owner with help from ODNR dispatch. The canoe was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Northwest Ohio
In Huron County, State Wildlife Officer Matt D. Smith provided first aid to a child who had fallen off a bicycle in a gravel parking lot near Attica. Officer Smith treated the child’s injuries and provided bandages.
During the 2023-24 white-tailed deer archery season, State Wildlife Officer Craig Barr from Allen County, alongside Officer Nathan Robinson from Van Wert County, investigated reports of illegal hunting. They found a hunter on private property without permission, who also failed to complete the required game check and lacked a valid deer permit. The hunter was convicted in Lima Municipal Court, fined $150, ordered to pay $500 in restitution, and incurred $145 in court costs. The hunter’s deer parts were forfeited, and they lost hunting privileges for one year.
Northeast Ohio
At the Shreve Swamp Fest, State Wildlife Officers Corey Burroughs, Evan Huegel, and Aaron Brown engaged with the community, providing educational insights about Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area and its wildlife. They displayed skulls and pelts to educate the public.
In Trumbull County, State Wildlife Officer Marty Cisine addressed illegal dumping on Grand River Wildlife Area. Cisine issued a citation to a suspect, who was fined $625 and sentenced to 60 days in jail. The jail time and $250 of the fine were suspended under the condition of no further offenses within a year. The suspect subsequently cleaned up the litter.
Southeast Ohio
State Wildlife Officer Tyler Fields, based in Scioto County, and Supervisor Lee Van Allen investigated a report involving a hunter who had harvested more than one antlered deer in a season. The additional deer was seized, and the hunter was charged with exceeding the limit and hunting without a valid permit. The individual was fined $180, ordered to pay $500 in restitution, and the deer was forfeited to the state with its venison donated to a food pantry.
Southwest Ohio
In July, State Wildlife Officer Jeff Wenning, assigned to Darke County, found an angler fishing without a valid non-resident fishing license on Loramie Creek. The angler was issued a summons and posted a $255 bond in Sidney Municipal Court.
Officers Trent Weaver, Andrew Dowdell, and Matt Hunt, along with District Manager Rick Rogers, Wildlife Communications Specialist Jordan Johnson, and Intern Katie Bruns, contributed to the Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club’s annual youth outdoor skills event. They supported various activities including trap, rifle, and archery shooting, and presented a Wildlife Award to Floyd Weimer, who retired as club president after 49 years of service.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife continues to monitor and address violations while actively engaging with the community to promote conservation and safety.
