Distributed on October 1 by the Ohio Division of Wildlife

In 2023, State Wildlife Officer Matt. D. Smith, assigned to Huron County, learned that an individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm had harvested a white-tailed deer with a firearm and falsely game-checked the harvest. Officer Smith also discovered a felony warrant for the suspect’s arrest. When Officer Smith apprehended the suspect, he discovered a concealed firearm and two antlered deer mounts that were untagged. He later learned of additional wildlife violations. This spring, the individual was charged for several misdemeanor wildlife violations and a felony charge of possessing a firearm unlawfully. The defendant was found guilty of the felony and sentenced to one year in prison and two years of supervised parole. A handgun and antlered deer mounts were forfeited to the state, and the individual paid more than $1,000 in fines, court costs, and attorney fees.

State Wildlife Investigator Travis Abele was conducting a license compliance check near South Bass Island when he contacted an angler with a crankbait stuck in an ear. Investigator Abele boarded the vessel and removed the treble hook from the crankbait. He then followed the boat back to South Bass Island State Park and safely removed the hook once on shore. The angler was grateful for Investigator Abele’s assistance.