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Field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers 

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two 

During the 2022-23 white-tailed deer hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, received information that an individual had harvested more than one antlered deer. Following an investigation, Officer Porinchok determined the suspect had harvested more than the legal limit of one buck. The suspect was issued several citations and venison, antlers, and a crossbow were seized as evidence. The suspect was found guilty in Lima Municipal Court and was ordered to pay more than $1,000 in fines and court costs. The venison was donated to a local food pantry and the hunting equipment was forfeited to the State of Ohio. The suspect’s hunting privileges were suspended for three years. 

The end of the school year is an exciting time for teachers and students. This year almost 100 students from Putnam County’s Glandorf and Pandora-Gilboa elementary schools had a field day at their local wetland to learn about natural resources. State Wildlife Officer Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, and Outdoor Skills Specialist Jaron Beck informed the students about frog gigging. The students were given information on how to legally harvest frogs and had the opportunity to gig simulated “pool noodle frogs” with frog grabbers. Everyone had fun and the weather for the event was beautiful.