LAKEWOOD TAXIDERMIST CONVICTED OF SELLING TROPHY MOUNTS OF SPORT-CAUGHT FISH
Commercial sale of sport-caught fish in any form is prohibited in Ohio
AKRON, OH – Taxidermist Larry Peterson, 69, of Berea, was recently convicted in Lakewood Municipal Court of selling trophy-mounted sport-caught fish in his Lakewood taxidermy studio, according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The studio, L&D Bait and Tackle, is now closed.
“Mr. Peterson was warned of his violations a week before he was arrested,” explained Jason Hadsell, Cuyahoga County wildlife officer. “He failed to heed my warnings and further action was taken.”
Judge Patrick Carroll convicted Peterson of two misdemeanor counts involving the commercial sale of sport-caught fish. He placed him on two years of probation. Peterson paid $75 in court costs and forfeited 25 fish mounts to the Division of Wildlife. The mounted fish will be donated to nature centers throughout northeast Ohio for use in educational programs.
“Mr. Peterson was looking to make several thousand dollars by selling each of these fish for $135 to $225,” stated Doug Miller, Division of Wildlife law enforcement supervisor for northeast Ohio.
State law prohibits the sale of sport-caught fish (fish harvested by angling) and parts thereof. Fish mounts are included in this law; replicated fish may be sold legally.
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. Submit a TIP