The following field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers were released on January 24:

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two

State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, received a picture from a local resident of an invertebrate found in a private pond. After some consultation and research, the invertebrate was found to be a freshwater jellyfish. Originating from China, these animals have found their way to Ohio via fish stockings, aquatic plants, and waterfowl. They are not known to cause harm to humans or the environment and are not considered an invasive species.

While conducting sport fish enforcement on Lake Erie, State Wildlife Investigator Kelsey Brockman and State Wildlife Officer Nathan Robinson, assigned to Van Wert County, observed a Michigan charter boat fishing in Ohio waters. The boat did not have an Ohio guide sticker displayed, which is required for charters operating in Ohio. Further, the boat’s captain did not have an Ohio fishing guide license. He was charged for serving as a fishing guide in Ohio waters without a guide license. He was found guilty in court, paid a $200 fine, and was sentenced to 180 days in jail suspended pending no similar violations for one year.

Central Ohio – Wildlife District One

In November 2022, State Wildlife Officer Adam Smith, assigned to Logan County, received a call regarding three white-tailed deer found dead near downed power lines. Officer Smith found a 15-point buck, 8-point buck, and doe in the ditch beneath the power lines. After the scene was safe, the deer were examined, and it was determined that they died from electrocution. The Richland Township Fire Department plans to display mounts of the antlered deer at the fire station as a reminder of the dangers of downed power lines. The venison from the three deer was salvaged and given to a local resident. 

State Wildlife Officers Chad Grote and Antoinette Freet, assigned to Marion and Licking counties, respectively, contacted a group of campers at Delaware Wildlife Area. One member of the group provided a false identity to the officers. It was later discovered that the individual had felony arrest warrants from several counties. The officers arrested the individual and took them to the Marion County Jail.

Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three

During the 2022 white-tailed deer archery hunting season, State Wildlife Officers Michael Budd and Scott Cartwright, assigned to Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, respectively, received a hunting without permission complaint. The officers located a hunter on the property and issued a summons for hunting without permission. The individual was found guilty in Carroll County Municipal Court, sentenced to 30 days in jail, and ordered to pay $245.

In November 2022, State Wildlife Officer Tom Frank, assigned to Mahoning County, received a call from a frustrated hunter who reported hunter harassment. Officer Frank presented the case to the county prosecutor, who approved charges for hunter harassment. The suspect was issued a summons and ordered to pay $171 in fines and court costs.

Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four

During the 2023 white-tailed deer muzzleloader hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Darin Abbott, assigned to Lawrence County, received a complaint about shooting from the road. Officer Abbott determined that one individual was responsible for the complaints. Summonses for hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle and shooting from a public roadway were issued. Charges are pending in Lawrence County.

Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five

State Wildlife Officer Supervisor Matt Hoehn received information that goose and duck carcasses were dumped in and next to the Miami and Erie Canal. State Wildlife Officer Mark Schemmel, assigned to Auglaize County, and State Wildlife Officer Brad Buening, assigned to Mercer County, located a suspect and determined he was responsible for the illegal dumping. He was issued a summons with a $400 bond. 

State Wildlife Officer Matt Bourne, assigned to Clark County, and State Wildlife Officer Mark Schemmel, assigned to Auglaize County, recently worked a booth at the National Fishing Expo in Cincinnati with fish management staff Deb Walters, Mike Porto, and Kelsea Downs. They provided information to the public and promoted the 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy. The application period for wildlife officer candidates is open until Sunday, Jan. 29. For more info go to ohiodnr.gov/careers.