Field reports from Wildlife District 2 Officers
Distributed on October 1 by the Ohio Division of Wildlife
In 2023, State Wildlife Officer Matt. D. Smith, assigned to Huron County, learned that an individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm had harvested a white-tailed deer with a firearm and falsely game-checked the harvest. Officer Smith also discovered a felony warrant for the suspect’s arrest. When Officer Smith apprehended the suspect, he discovered a concealed firearm and two antlered deer mounts that were untagged. He later learned of additional wildlife violations. This spring, the individual was charged for several misdemeanor wildlife violations and a felony charge of possessing a firearm unlawfully. The defendant was found guilty of the felony and sentenced to one year in prison and two years of supervised parole. A handgun and antlered deer mounts were forfeited to the state, and the individual paid more than $1,000 in fines, court costs, and attorney fees.
State Wildlife Investigator Travis Abele was conducting a license compliance check near South Bass Island when he contacted an angler with a crankbait stuck in an ear. Investigator Abele boarded the vessel and removed the treble hook from the crankbait. He then followed the boat back to South Bass Island State Park and safely removed the hook once on shore. The angler was grateful for Investigator Abele’s assistance.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, Nov. 13-19
- ODOT prepping for first snow of the season
- Mason named OBL 2024 Banker of the Year
- October 2024 land transfers in Bluffton school district
- November chamber meeting explores member news, Blaze plans and flag etiquette
- Bluffton EMS by the numbers: October 2024
- Children left unattended in running vehicles can lead to abductions
- Icon search function goes from 0 to 30
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Tickets and streaming information for Nov. 22 Pirate football playoff game
- Spirit Bus for November 22 football playoff in Findlay
- Tea Bag Exchange & Tasting at BPL, November 21
- Letter: University students learn about Fair Trade
- Join volunteer crew for 2024 Ream Display-Blaze of Lights setup
- Village of Bluffton asks for updated utility billing contact information
Monday, November 18, 2024
- Dorothy P. Moser operated Moser Electric
- Multi-agency active shooter drill to be held at Apollo
- Adopt-a-Family for Christmas via Bluffton Food Pantry
- Pirate football to play Hamler Patrick Henry at Findlay
- The "Brice" Presbyterian Church cornerstone
- Pirate football to face Patrick Henry in region finals