ALLEGED ILLEGAL HARVEST OF A PRIZE BUCK EARNS REYNOLDSBURG MAN SEVERAL WILDLIFE-RELATED CHARGES
COLUMBUS, OH – Donald B. Reed, 49, of Reynoldsburg has been charged with 19 misdemeanors related to the alleged illegal taking of a trophy-sized deer in Fairfield County during the 2007 deer archery season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Reed allegedly killed two bucks this past fall in violation of Ohio’s deer hunting regulations, which allow for a hunter to take only one antlered deer per season.
Wildlife investigators said Reed harvested and checked an antlered deer on November 15, then killed a second antlered deer, which was checked on November 22. Reed subsequently entered the second buck, which green scored a gross 208 inches on the Boone and Crockett scale, in three radio station contests, earning cash and merchandise prizes in the process.
Wildlife officers conducted a three-month investigation after receiving a tip on the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) hotline. A search of Reed’s home resulted in charges being filed in Licking County Municipal Court and Fairfield County Municipal Court. The charges filed include taking more than one antlered deer per license year, hunting without permission, failure to check in a deer and possession of untagged deer parts.
A first-time wildlife offense involving the taking or possession of deer could result in fines of up to $500 and a maximum of 60 days in jail, along with a minimum of $400 in restitution for each illegally taken animal. Firearms or bows used in the violations, as well as any animal parts, may be forfeited.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional parties may face misdemeanor charges.
Anyone observing wildlife violations may report illegal activity by calling the TIP hotline toll free at 1-800-POACHER.