Central Ohio – Wildlife District One
State Wildlife Officer Nick Oliver, assigned to Champaign County, received a report of an individual shooting a raccoon from a roadway. Officer Oliver located two bullet casings at the scene. A suspect was identified and issued two summonses for shooting from a public road and hunting a raccoon during the closed season. The individual paid $138 in court costs and was ordered to serve 10 days of suspended jail time, 12 months of probation, and 20 hours of community service.
In June, State Wildlife Officer Brian Motsinger, assigned to Union County, assisted the Union County Sheriff’s Office with their first Cops and Bobbers event at their training complex. Sixty children were taught how to fish and about fishing safety and spent time fishing. Everyone had a great time and the event was a success!
Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
State Wildlife Officer Michele Butler, assigned to Erie County, received a phone call from a hiker who observed a juvenile bald eagle on the ground at Dupont Nature Preserve. The eagle appeared to be injured and could only fly a short distance. The hiker stayed in the area to assist Officer Butler and a wildlife rehabilitator in locating the eagle. Thanks to the teamwork of all involved parties, the eagle was safely captured and transported to Back to the Wild for evaluation and care. After a brief rehabilitation, the eagle was released near where it was found.
State Wildlife Officer Austin Dickinson, assigned to Defiance County, received a Turn In a Poacher complaint of multiple individuals snagging fish below the Power Dam on the Auglaize River. Officer Dickinson responded to the area and observed two individuals snagging and keeping channel catfish. Upon contacting the individuals, Officer Dickinson determined the anglers did not have valid fishing licenses. The catfish was seized as evidence. Multiple summonses were issued for fishing without a license as well as snagging and keeping sport fish. Both individuals were found guilty and paid a combined $300 in fines and court costs.
Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three
In July, State Wildlife Officers Cory Burroughs, Mike Greer, and Zach Hillman, assigned to Lorain, Cuyahoga, and Summit counties, respectively, participated in the Badges and Bobbers fishing event hosted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol at Findley State Park. This free, family-friendly event brought together children for a day of outdoor fun while families engaged with officers from multiple law enforcement agencies. Officers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wellington Police Department, Streetsboro Police Department, ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, and Ohio Division of Wildlife participated in the festivities. In addition to fishing, the children learned basic archery skills and enjoyed lunch alongside officers. This event provided a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, and spend time together in a fun, welcoming environment.
Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four
State Wildlife Officer Anthony Lemle, assigned to Noble County, worked litter enforcement at Mohawk Dam over the July 4th weekend. Officer Lemle observed an individual throw a glass bottle on the rocks along the Walhonding River and then leave the area. Officer Lemle conducted a traffic stop on the suspect and issued a citation for stream litter. The subject pleaded guilty in Coshocton County Court and was ordered to pay $185 in fines and court costs.
Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five
Last fall, Law Operations Manager Jason Keller and K-9 Officer Scout were asked to assist the Warren County Sheriff’s Office with locating evidence connected to a shooting. During the search, K-9 Scout successfully located 12 rifle rounds in a tree line. The case recently concluded in court, where the suspect was found guilty on two counts of attempted murder and sentenced to more than 32 years in prison.
State Wildlife Officer Micah Collier, assigned to Brown County, recently attended the Mobile Hunter Expo in Wilmington. Officer Collier engaged with attendees on general wildlife information and answered questions about hunting and fishing regulations.
