Central Ohio – Wildlife District One
In July, State Wildlife Officer Brian Motsinger, assigned to Union County, observed a group of three people fishing near a bridge over Big Darby Creek. When contacted, only two of the individuals had a valid fishing license. The remaining angler was issued a summons for fishing without a license and was ordered to pay $138 in fines and court costs.
State Wildlife Officer Josh Elster, assigned to Pickaway County, was contacted by an angler at Deer Creek Lake. The angler informed Officer Elster that what he believed was a beaver swam towards the boat and attempted to get on. The angler tried to keep the animal away, but it eventually made its way to the rear of the boat and got stuck between the motor and the jack plate. Officer Elster responded to the area and met the boater at one of the courtesy docks. Officer Elster determined the animal was a groundhog, not a beaver. Officer Elster freed the groundhog using a catch pole. As the groundhog swam around the boat, Officer Elster caught it and released the uninjured animal nearby on dry land.
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
State Wildlife Investigator Kevin Good was contacted about a young white-tailed deer buck that was stuck in a fence in Erie County. Investigator Good located the deer and requested the assistance of Castalia State Fish Hatchery Superintendent Andy Jarrett to free the deer from the fence using bolt cutters. As they approached the deer, it freed itself. The deer rested for about 15 minutes before walking off.
State Wildlife Officer Matt D. Smith, assigned to Huron County, received a call about the unlawful take of a Canada goose at a residence. Officer Smith arrived at the residence and discovered a goose had been shot with a rifle. Officer Smith issued a summons for taking a Canada goose unlawfully. The individual was found guilty and paid a $100 fine and $150 in court costs. The court also issued 10 days of jail, suspended, and two years of probation. The goose was seized as evidence and forfeited.
Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three
While on boat patrol on Berlin Lake, State Wildlife Officer Marino Pellegrini, assigned to Portage County, and Natural Resource Officer Jack Todd noticed a group of individuals on shore at Berlin Wildlife Area. The individuals appeared to be standing around a vehicle, approximately a mile from any designated roadway. Officer Pellegrini was dropped off on shore to investigate and found a vehicle stuck in the mud. The driver of the stuck vehicle was issued a summons for operating a vehicle in a non-designated area and paid $220 in fines and court costs. A tow truck was called to extract the vehicle.
This spring, State Wildlife Officer Craig Porter, assigned to Jefferson County, attended numerous events at local schools. During the events, he taught students about native wildlife in Ohio, showed equipment wildlife officers use, taught archery, and helped with youth fishing derbies. Events like these are a great way for wildlife officers to connect with local youth and leave a lasting impression about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four
State Wildlife Officer Cole Tilton, assigned to Guernsey County, encountered a group of anglers along the bank of Salt Fork Lake. He observed one of the anglers discard aluminum cans after finishing a drink. Officer Tilton contacted the group and issued a citation for litter to the suspect. The individual later pleaded guilty in Cambridge Municipal Court and was ordered to pay $200 in fines and court costs.
State Wildlife Officer Ben Smith, assigned to Morgan County, received a call about a Canada goose at Burr Oak State Park that had fishing line wrapped around its legs. Officer Smith responded to the location and used a large fishing net to capture the goose. The line was removed and the goose was observed walking and swimming normally.
Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five
During the spring wild turkey hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Mark Schemmel, assigned to Auglaize County, received information regarding an individual hunting turkeys over bait. The complainant provided information on the property and individual in question and advised Officer Schemmel that the individual was likely actively hunting at the time of the call. Shortly thereafter, Officer Schemmel and Wildlife Investigator Nathan Robinson arrived at the property. They contacted the suspect and found the individual had hunted turkey over an area where corn had been placed. The individual received a citation for the violation and was later found guilty in Auglaize County Municipal Court. The individual paid $193.68 in fines and court costs.
