Field reports from Wildlife District 2 Officers
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.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Community Pool closed June 28
- Weekend Doctor: About Rotator Cuff Repair
- WOAL Swim Champs in Wapakoneta July 11-12
- '60s Survivors Band plays fifth annual free concert
- Bluffton Lions to bring all-abilities playground to new Legacy Park
- July 2025 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
- Save the date: July 17 Garden Club is all about herbs
- Bluffton Vacation Bible School, July 13-17 at Bluffton Y
Friday, June 27, 2025
- Foundation launches Rooted to Rise initiative
- Eight vehicle injury crash IR 75 in Hancock County
- Bluffton Mayor commends Safety Services on June 26 injury accident response
- What's in your weekend?, June 27-28-29
- Go wolfhound to Bluffton
- Letter: Ask for veto of HB 96 library provision
- ODNR Offering Hunter Education Instructor Classes
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Bluffton safety services respond to multi-vehicle accidents on I-75
- Travel opportunities update from Bluffton Senior Center
- Send July 2025 Community Calendar items to the Icon
- National Night Out is August 5, planning is in final stages
- Bluffton Senior Center activities schedule for July 2025
- Does your business have summer hours? Post them on the Icon
- Bluffton, Ohio ranks 4th in Ohio for bike network quality