Central Ohio – Wildlife District One
State Wildlife Officer Austin Levering, assigned to Knox County, patrolled Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District property for unlawful ATV use. He encountered two individuals driving on an illegal trail system on the property. The suspects were each issued a summons to Mount Vernon Municipal Court for operating a vehicle in a non-designated area.
State Wildlife Officer Austin Levering, assigned to Knox County, followed up on a white-tailed deer hunting case. Officer Levering found that the suspect harvested a deer and failed to complete the game check process. In addition, Officer Levering learned that the individual had purchased a deer permit a day after harvesting a deer. Officer Levering also discovered six sets of deer antlers with no confirmation code on the suspect’s property. Officer Levering seized the antlers and issued summonses to appear in Coshocton County Municipal Court. Charges are pending.
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
State Wildlife Officer Ryan Kennedy, assigned to Hardin County, contacted a hunter at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area on the opening day of dove hunting season. Officer Kennedy found that the subject’s firearm did not have a plug and issued a citation for hunting migratory game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. The hunter received a fine of $150. Hunters are reminded to check their shotguns prior to a migratory game bird hunt to ensure the gun is plugged and can only hold three shells.
State Wildlife Investigator Brian Bury observed a novice boater struggling with a trailer at a boat launch. The boater was alone and several other boaters were waiting to get in or out of the water. Investigator Bury offered his assistance and helped secure the boat safely on the trailer. The boater appreciated the assistance and learned new trailering tips.
Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three
State Wildlife Officers Randy White, assigned to Lorain County; Michael Greer, assigned to Cuyahoga County; and Dan Shroyer, assigned at-large in northeast Ohio, worked at the Cleveland Community Pollinator Garden. The officers brought water for the plants and cleaned the space. This community garden was spearheaded by State Wildlife Officer Supervisor Scott Denamen, who worked with area residents, the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center of Cleveland, Metro West Community Development, and Lincoln West High School to establish a community outreach and education location in Cleveland.
State Wildlife Officers Craig Porter and Nick Turner, assigned to Jefferson and Harrison counties, respectively, responded to a call regarding a wildlife violation. Officers Porter and Turner found that an individual had harvested an antlered white-tailed deer at night with a rifle. The deer and the rifle were seized as evidence. The suspect was issued summonses for hunting after legal hours and for using an unlawful firearm to harvest a deer. The defendant was found guilty in Jefferson County Court and paid $445 in fines and court costs.
Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four
In September, State Wildlife Officer Ted Witham, assigned to Jackson County, observed an angler using a cast net at Jackson Lake State Park. Officer Witham contacted the angler and discovered that the individual had caught several bluegill and a largemouth bass with the cast net. The suspect received a citation for catching sport fish with a cast net. The bluegill and bass were returned to the water. The individual pleaded guilty to the violation in Jackson County Municipal Court, was found guilty, and paid $185 in fines and court costs.
Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five
State Wildlife Officer Trent Weaver, assigned to Montgomery County, encountered two adults fishing in the youth fishing pond at Sycamore State Park. Officer Weaver contacted the anglers and found that neither of them had purchased an Ohio fishing license. Each angler was charged for the violation and the individuals paid $120 in fines and $150 in court costs.
State Wildlife Officers Jasmine Grossnickle, assigned to Miami County, and Logan Ambrister, assigned to Shelby County, assisted with hunter education courses in their counties. The officers presented hunter education information to the students and answered questions. In Ohio, hunters are required to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. The Ohio Division of Wildlife offers three types of hunter safety courses: instructor-led training, home-study, and online courses. Hunter and trapper education programs are designed for every age and ability. Find more information on hunter education courses near you at wildohio.gov.
