Pickaway County, Ohio – July 14, 2025
A local angler was cited for fishing without a valid license at Deer Creek Wildlife Area, according to a recent report from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. State Wildlife Officer Josh Elster, who is assigned to Pickaway County, discovered the violation while patrolling the area and issued a citation. The individual was ordered to pay $170 in fines and court costs through Washington Court House Municipal Court.
The citation was one of many incidents reported by Ohio wildlife officers this summer as they enforce hunting and fishing regulations and engage with local communities through outreach events.
Across the state, other notable actions included:
- In Union County, Officer Brian Motsinger assisted with a “Passport to Fishing” event, helping kids learn fishing basics and supporting first-time anglers.
- In Hancock County, a hunter exceeded the deer limit by taking two antlered bucks. He was fined and lost hunting privileges for one year.
- In Fulton County, Officer Adam Stachler rescued a stranded deer fawn from an old silo, successfully reuniting it with its mother.
- In Summit and Lorain Counties, officers charged a waterfowl hunter for baiting ducks with corn at Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area.
- In Gallia County, cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission led to a conviction for illegally checking a deer harvested by another person.
- Officers in Belmont and Noble Counties led youth instruction in archery, water safety, and conservation at an environmental camp.
- In Hamilton and Clermont Counties, an individual faced charges for illegally moving fish between waterways and failing to check harvested deer. Multiple fines and court penalties were issued.
- At the Adams County Fair, local wildlife officers took part in the annual frog jumping contest, helping kids participate in the fun.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife encourages residents to stay informed about regulations and to report violations through the TIP (Turn In a Poacher) hotline at 1-800-POACHER (762-2437).
