WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — A months-long investigation into the unlawful harvest of white-tailed deer has ended in a conviction for a local man, highlighting a series of field reports released by the Ohio Division of Wildlife this week.
State Wildlife Officer John Coffman, assigned to Fayette County, spearheaded the investigation into an individual suspected of illegal hunting activities across both Fayette and Madison counties during the Fall 2025 season.
Fayette County Investigation
Officer Coffman discovered that the suspect was not only harvesting deer unlawfully but was also attempting to circumvent the law by game checking deer under another person’s account.
The digital trail and field evidence led to the suspect being hit with three charges in Fayette County and three additional charges in Madison County. The individual was found guilty on all six counts and ordered to pay over $800 in fines and court costs.
Wildlife Reports from Across the Region
While Fayette County saw significant enforcement action, other wildlife officers across District One and the rest of the state were busy with rescues and surveys:
- River Otter Survey (Fairfield County): Wildlife officials surveyed five local rivers to monitor the state’s growing river otter population. While trail cameras didn’t catch the elusive animals on film during the one-month study, officers confirmed their presence through tracks found at nearly every location.
- Locked Antlers Rescue (Hancock County): Officer Ryan Burke saved a white-tailed buck that was hopelessly locked to a deceased rival. Using a pole saw borrowed from helpful locals, Burke was able to cut the antler of the dead deer, allowing the survivor to bolt back into the woods.
- St. Paddy’s Week Rescue (Stark & Meigs Counties): Officers handled two separate “tangle” calls. In Meigs County, a buck was freed from a backyard hammock after an officer safely shot the antler to break the trap. In Stark County, a hawk was successfully cut free from garden netting and released unharmed.
Enforcement by the Numbers: Clinton & Greene Counties
Anglers at Caesar Creek Lake are being reminded to keep their measuring tapes handy. State Wildlife Officers Isaiah Gifford (Clinton County) and Alex Almeter (Greene County) recently conducted a sting at the docks following complaints of undersized catches.
Three anglers were caught with eight crappie shorter than the 9-inch minimum length requirement. Each was convicted and ordered to pay $150 in fines plus court costs.
Reporting Violations The Division of Wildlife encourages residents to report suspicious or illegal activity. You can remain anonymous by calling the “Turn In a Poacher” (TIP) line at 1-800-POACHER.
