Central Ohio – Wildlife District One
StateWildlife Officer Maurice Irish, assigned to Delaware County, received a hunting without permission complaint after a hunter was seen on a trail camera, and the complainant reported the trail camera was later stolen. Officer Irish responded and contacted an individual matching the suspect’s description. The individual was found in possession of the stolen trail camera and was issued summonses by Officer Irish and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for hunting without permission and theft. The suspect was found guilty and paid $612 in fines and court costs through Delaware Municipal Court.
State Wildlife Officer Nick Oliver, assigned to Champaign County, responded to a call regarding two white-tailed deer bucks whose antlers were locked together. One of the deer had died. Officer Oliver responded and shot an antler on the deceased buck to break the connection and release the second buck. Once freed, the surviving buck left the area on its own. It showed no visible signs of injury and appeared in good condition.
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
While on patrol at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area during the 2025 early teal and goose hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Charles McMullen, assigned to Sandusky County, conducted a routine waterfowl compliance check on a group of hunters as they exited the marsh. Officer McMullen determined that two of the hunters did not possess a valid Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp and issued summonses for the violation. Each defendant paid $195 in fines and costs.
State Wildlife Officer Ryan Burke, assigned to Hancock County, and Wildlife Officer Supervisor Kevin Russell received a phone call regarding two waterfowl hunters who were stuck in a wetland at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area. The hunters had sunk past their knees in muck and were stuck for more than two hours. By the time the officers arrived, one hunter had managed to get free. Officers Burke and Russell helped the second hunter out of the mud using a board. No injuries were sustained, and both hunters were extremely grateful for the help.
Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three
During the 2025-26 white-tailed deer hunting season, State Wildlife Officers Scott Cartwright and Michael Budd, assigned to Carroll and Tuscarawas counties, respectively, initiated an investigation based on a tip from State Wildlife Officer Breyer Ehrnfield, assigned to Belmont County. The officers discovered three individuals had harvested deer and failed to complete the game check process. The officers found that none of the individuals had game checked a deer in previous seasons. The suspects were issued summonses for several game check violations and were convicted in Carroll County Municipal Court. The group was ordered to pay a total of $2,685 in fines and restitution, serve 20 days in jail, and forfeit their hunting licenses for six years.
In January, State Wildlife Officer Marty Cisine, assigned to Trumbull County, and a Maplewood High School teacher, Terry Muresan, administered a hunter education course to 15 Maplewood students for a senior year elective course called Outdoor Appreciation. Students in the course enjoy hands-on experiences in archery, hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife, forestry, and farming. The class visits nearby Mosquito Lake, local farms, Trumbull County Rod and Gun Club, Linesville Fish Hatchery, and other places in the field and on the water. Officer Cisine has assisted Mr. Muresan with the hunter education portion of the class since 2014.
Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four
During the white-tailed deer muzzleloader hunting season in January, State Wildlife Officer Kiri Williams, assigned to Vinton County, received a report of an individual hunting without permission. Officer Williams and Natural Resources Officer David Glenaman later located the suspect coming out of the woods. The suspect was cited for hunting without permission and paid $272 in fines and court costs in Vinton County Municipal Court.
State Wildlife Officer Breyer Ehrnfield, assigned to Belmont County, came across a disabled vehicle while checking ice fishing anglers for licenses. The driver did not have a jack or any tools to replace the flat tire and was having trouble getting cell phone signal to call for assistance. Officer Ehrnfield and another motorist helped the individual change the tire and get back on the road. The driver was very appreciative of the help.
Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five
State Wildlife Officer Alex Almeter, assigned to Greene County, discovered a heavily littered area. While Officer Almeter was observing the area, a vehicle pulled into the parking lot and the driver discarded a mattress on the ground before leaving. Officer Almeter activated his emergency lights and contacted the suspect. Officer Almeter issued the suspect a summons for littering on private property. The suspect was ordered to pay a fine of $135 and complete five hours of community service picking up litter.
State Wildlife Officers Lucas Wildman, assigned to Clermont County, and Nick Oliver, assigned to Champaign County, recently attended the Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show in Loveland. The officers interacted with the crowd of approximately 1,000 people and answered questions. Attendees enjoyed seminars and spoke with fly fishing professionals.
