An Ohio hunter is facing fines, jail time, and a long-term hunting ban after a years-long investigation that resulted in the forfeiture of hundreds of deer antlers.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Steven Niese of Harrod, Allen County, was convicted of three counts of possession of untagged deer parts and three charges of fabricating information when game-checking a deer.
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The inquiry began in January 2023, when an informant called wildlife officers and stated that “something just seemed strange” after hearing that Niese’s son had shot a huge buck. According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the caller believed Mr. Niese had shot the buck rather than his son, and they were correct.
As part of the inquiry, investigators carried out a search warrant. Wildlife officials reported that law enforcement seized and forfeited 164 sawed-off antlers, 58 antlered deer skulls, two shoulder mounts, and 11 antlers on fractured skull caps.
Niese was ordered to pay fines and court expenses totaling more than $4,000, as well as more than $10,000 in restitution. His hunting license was suspended for ten years in all fifty states. He was also sentenced to nine days in jail, which will be served on weekends during particular deer shooting seasons, according to wildlife officials.
