LOGAN COUNTY POACHER CONVICTED OF KILLING DEER WITH RIFLE
Poacher ordered to pay more than $1,500; hunting privileges revoked
COLUMBUS, OH – A Bellefontaine resident will not be participating in Ohio’s hunting opportunities for the next four years, following his conviction on multiple state wildlife violations. Charles “Joe” J. Wilson was found guilty of seven wildlife violations in the Bellefontaine Municipal Court, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Acting on information derived from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Wildlife Officer Kevin Russell visited Wilson and observed numerous untagged white-tailed deer parts. Wilson claimed ownership of most of the pieces and stated he was doing taxidermy work as a hobby. He did not have records for most of the animal parts and later admitted to spotlighting and shooting one of the deer with a .22 caliber rifle at night.
Wilson was found guilty of taking deer after legal hours, killing deer along a roadway, shooting deer with a rifle during the archery season, spotlighting deer while possessing a hunting device, and hunting deer with the aid and use of a motor vehicle. In addition, he was also found guilty for failing to immediately temporarily tag a deer and failing to permanently tag a deer. He was ordered to pay over $1,100 in fines and costs and $500 in restitution for the unlawful taking of deer. His hunting license was also suspended for four years.
The Division of Wildlife encourages anyone who is aware of a possible violation of wildlife laws to call the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) line at 1-800-POACHER. Callers can remain anonymous.
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For Further Information, Contact:
Wildlife District One, Law Enforcement
(614) 644-3925