Central Ohio – Wildlife District One
In March, State Wildlife Officer Mark T. Williams Jr., assigned to Franklin County, attended the Central Ohio Fishing Seminar at Walnut Springs Middle School. During the event, several organizations provided informational seminars on a variety of fishing topics. Fish management staff from the Ohio Division of Wildlife presented about minimum length requirements and the effects they have on species across Ohio reservoirs. Officer Williams answered questions regarding fishing regulations at Hoover Reservoir and other central Ohio waters.
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
State Wildlife Officer Payton Phenicie, assigned to Wyandot County, received information regarding potential wildlife violations committed by a group of hunters. During the 2024 white-tailed deer gun hunting season, Officer Phenicie contacted the group and discovered multiple violations. Three individuals received summonses and pleaded guilty to taking more than one antlered deer per licensed year, possessing a shotgun or rifle loaded with more than three shells, and providing false game check information. Two antlered deer were seized as evidence and one individual paid $500 in restitution.
State Wildlife Officer Ethan Bingham, assigned to Williams County, recently attended the annual Williams County Maple Syrup Festival. Officer Bingham worked with the Williams County Sharpshooters 4-H Club and Ohio Division of Wildlife management consultant Mark Witt to offer archery and BB gun shooting opportunities to approximately 2,000 attendees.
Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three
In March, State Wildlife Officer Zach Hillman, assigned to Summit County, received reports of a white-tailed deer with its head stuck in a plastic container. Officer Hillman enlisted the help of Dr. Gary Riggs, DVM, as well as several Ohio Division of Wildlife staff to remove the container from the deer’s head. The deer eventually knocked the container off its head. The Division of Wildlife asks the public to be mindful about outdoor decorations and disposed containers because these items can cause issues for wild animals that come into contact with them.
In November 2024, the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Search Rescue Tracking Team received a request for assistance in locating an individual who had gotten lost near Leesville Lake. Search Rescue Tracking Team officers responded and formulated a search plan. They coordinated a joint effort with Muskingum Watershed Conservation District rangers, Carroll County Sheriff deputies, and volunteers from ETHOS Rescue Operations. The individual was located, treated by EMTs, and returned safely home.
Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four
In April, State Wildlife Officer Chris Dodge, assigned to Hocking County, attended a meeting at the Izaak Walton Hocking County Fish and Game Club. Officer Dodge gave a presentation on current events in the Division of Wildlife, regulation changes, and upcoming season dates and outdoor activities. The club’s members always welcome the Ohio Division of Wildlife and enjoy asking questions and sharing stories.
In early spring, State Wildlife Officer Jeff Berry, assigned to Muskingum County, was patrolling Dillon Lake when he noticed anglers near the spillway. Officer Berry knew that some anglers unlawfully snag saugeye in the spillway in the spring and he set up surveillance. Officer Berry watched an individual snag two saugeye and contacted the angler. The suspect was issued two summonses for taking sport fish via an unlawful method. The individual pleaded guilty to the charges in Muskingum County Court and was sentenced to complete 50 hours of community service.
Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five
While checking fishing licenses at Winchester Reservoir, State Wildlife Officer Gus Kiebel, assigned to Adams County, contacted an individual who was fishing without a license. Officer Kiebel issued a summons for the violation, but the individual failed to resolve the citation in court. A month later, Officer Kiebel encountered the same individual at the reservoir and booked the suspect into Adams County jail for the weekend for failing to appear in court. The defendant then paid $135 in court costs.
