25 Convicted in Deer Poaching Case

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said over 25 people including 20 juveniles in Muskingum County were convicted on 161 deer poaching charges.

The ODNR said the investigation spanned a two year period after complaints surfaced of white tailed deer being illegally shot near Philo.

In 2014 wildlife officials observed a vehicle spotlighting deer in a hay field. The vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and it became unsafe for officials to continue the pursuit.

Then in December of 2015 the State Highway Patrol provided a lead in the case when they pulled over an adult and four juveniles and found three dead deer in the vehicle. This led to additional suspects.

The 25 individuals in this case were ordered to pay over $1,600 in fines and over $3,000 in court costs and have to complete a combined 440 hours of community service.

Items seized during the investigation were turned over to ODNR that included firearms, deer parts and ginseng.