Central Ohio: State Wildlife Officers Mark Williams and Chad Grote have resolved a case involving the illegal harvest of white-tailed deer. During the 2023-24 hunting season, officers discovered that one individual had harvested four deer, exceeding the county’s limit of three. Another person had used a permit to tag one of these deer. Both individuals were fined $160 each and ordered to pay $115 in court costs. The permit holder was cited for improperly using a permit, while the hunter was charged for exceeding the bag limit.
In a community outreach effort, State Wildlife Officer Brian Motsinger from Union County attended a family fishing event. Officer Motsinger highlighted the importance of purchasing fishing licenses and discussed how license fees support the sport. He also provided a hands-on lesson in knot tying, promoting fishing as a valuable family activity.
Northwest Ohio: State Wildlife Officer Ethan Bingham of Williams County responded to a call about a common loon found in a residential yard. The loon, appearing unharmed, was relocated to Lake La Su An Wildlife Area and released into a lake, as loons require large bodies of water for flight.
In Wood County, State Wildlife Officer Eric VonAlmen cited four individuals fishing at Mary Jane Thurston State Park for littering. The group left behind plastic bait containers and a trash bag. Each suspect received a $150 fine for stream littering.
Northeast Ohio: State Wildlife Officer Zach Hillman, stationed in Summit County, facilitated the donation of mallard duck wings from a group of hunters to the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. The wings will aid in the rehabilitation of wild mallards with damaged flight feathers.
State Wildlife Officer Matt Madgar, assigned to Geauga County, investigated a hunter who had harvested multiple white-tailed deer without proper permits over three years. The individual was fined $1,157 and had hunting privileges revoked for one year. Additionally, a buck mount and venison were forfeited.
Southeast Ohio: State Wildlife Officer Jerrod Allison, working in Coshocton County, addressed issues of unauthorized driving and gate damage at Woodbury Wildlife Area. After obtaining evidence, Officer Allison issued a summons to an individual for driving in restricted areas, resulting in a $175 fine.
State Wildlife Officer Scot Gardner in Washington County dealt with numerous black bear sightings over a three-day period. Gardner confirmed the presence of at least two bears and advised residents to give the animals space, as they are often young males traveling in search of new habitats.
