Ohio Deer Poaching Penealties

[OhioHunter88]

this is an email from Brett Young of the South Eastern Ohio branch of QDMA...

Here is a copy of an email I sent to State Representative Jimmy Stewart on possibly increases in the penalties imposed on deer poaching. Please add your voice to support for such legislation. Pass around to anyone else who may help our cause. As mentioned below, I added another page to the www.tinesandtails.com website to get people to contact their state representatives and senators on this topic.



Mr. Stewart,



I read with great interest an article in the most recent issue of Ohio Outdoor News that you are considering legislation to increase the penalties for poaching of deer and other wildlife. I would like to extend my support for such legislation. I am a member of the Southeastern Ohio Branch (SEOB) of Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). We are part of a national organization of close to 50000 members and over 150 branches (Ohio currently has 4 branches) throughout North America.

As part of my correspondence to let people know about a fundraiser banquet we held in Nelsonville on February 15th, I spoke to a number of fellow sportsmen. Many of our conversation found their way to trespassing, illegal hunting, spotlighting, and poaching issues in our area. Many people are close to conceding that these activities have always gone on and will always continue. I'm an optimist and think we should always strive to stop these activities so we can all enjoy our limited natural resources ethically. Check with any Ohio whitetail deer outfitter or landowner practicing quality deer management of their property and you will quickly realize an Ohio buck is worth far more than the current $400. Looking at sales of non-resident hunting licenses will further support this statement.

Let me know if there is anything else I or our organization can do. We would welcome your attendance at one of our meetings if you would be interested in talking with local sportsmen on this topic. I've added an advocacy page to our website to try to add support for increasing the punishment for poaching.

Our website URL is www.tinesandtails.com

Many Thanks,
Brett Young
740-384-3844

[Whit1]

We need a movement like that here in Michigan!!!!!!!

[coonskinner]

i can support that...i'd also like to see the leasing and deer farming either stopped or monitored very closely for violations...:mischeif:

[coonskinner]

i can support that...i'd also like to see the leasing and deer farming either stopped or monitored very closely for violations...:mischeif:

OH AND TRESPASSING...SHOULD BE THE DEATH PENALITY OR AT LEAST A LIFE SENTENCE...:mischeif:

[BUCKMASTER76]

OH AND TRESPASSING...SHOULD BE THE DEATH PENALITY OR AT LEAST A LIFE SENTENCE...:mischeif:
I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH A FEW PEOPLE HERE AND THERE HUNTING ON MY LAND AS LONG AS THE ARE RESPECTFULL AND DON'T THOW THERE DAMN TRASH EVERYWHERE. AND IT BURNS MY ASS TO SEE GUY CHASEING DEER OFF MY LAND ONTO THERES AND I HATE THE ONES THAT INVITE EVERYBODY AND THERE NEIGHBOR TO HUNT ON LAND THATS NOT THEIRS.

[BuckSlayer]

I heard from a excellent source that the fines for a buck over 140 inches is now $1800...that should put a dent in some poachers pockets.

[10Gauge]

Unfortunately, the penalties are imposed by judges and the "law" only gives the judge a guideline. The farmers in Ohio have been trying to get a law in the books to confiscate ATV's when people use them illegally (Trespassing) or when they damage crops. This has been turned down by state representatives numberous times and I thin k sportsmen should support this move as well.

When trespassing becomes a mandatory $1000 fine, no if ands or buts then people will think twice. Right now a person is cited, goes to court and the judge throws it out or issues a $20 fine plus cost.....this is not a deterent....I should stop leasing land and just trespass and take my chances it would be much cheaper in the long run!

coon, leasing and/or deer farming isn't a part of the problem either.....I would be willing to bet a free deer hunting trip on a P&Y managed property that hunters who lease are NOT violating ANY of Ohio's hunting regulations or laws.

[bowhunter1023]

I used to shoot with Jimmy Stewart in college. Hell of guy. And a ladies man. I still have some connections in the political world if you want me to see if I can slip something to him. I would be all for having the stiffer penalties for poachers. I think the first offense needs to be a stiff as the law will allow. Sort of a preventative measuer like is happening with DUI's and DWI's.

[gf319804]

So does this mean I'm gonna have to hang up my spotlight and high powered rifle? :) I agree with you all on this, there must be a stiffer penalty put into place. Poaching is a terrible thing. It takes away from us honest hunters, and if the punks ever get caught doing the poaching, they get a slap on the wrist and it's done. I also believe the state needs to monitor people who have lost their rights to hunt better. Had a guy here close to home a month or so ago that had his liscense revoked for 5 years, and was out hunting with a family member when he was accidentally shot. Now the way I look at it, he got what was coming to him. Shouldn't have been breaking the law AGAIN...but my point is, you can punish people for their wrong doings, but if the punishment isn't sufficient, what's to keep them from going right back out doing it again...

[GMbuck]

How about monitoring kill permits more closely? In my area, the farmers are issued x amount of permits. Some (more than 1 for sure) are deliberately wounding deer using a .22 in the guts. If all goes as planned, the wounded deer runs off and dies somewhere else and the farmer kills several without even using a tag.:mad:

[ohiosam]

I don't think changes in penelties will mater much. What we need is more then 1 game warden in each county. Until there is a real chance of getting caught not much will change.

[tuffshot]

Like any other goverment action or legislation there will be problems. Such as the definition of a poacher and when one is caught the proof of the infraction that can be lessened by a good lawyer finding the loop holes of said legislation.

There are enuff laws on the books right now and still a 20 dollar fine will be levied. Also, what is really the differance between poaching a buck over 140" and any other deer? The fine should be higher? That sends the message that all the QDM guys care about is big bucks.

Sure hope they don't start fining people who hit the big ones with cars and trucks.:p

[ohiosam]

A guy in Mahoning county a couple of years ago admitted to the Highway Patrol Trooper that he hit a deer on purpose. I forget the exact charge but he was charged.

[whit]

slap on the wrist for [privileged] out of state 'poachers?'

http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=7462469

Their court records are accessible at Portsmouth Municipal Court through this link:

http://www.pmcourt.org/

(1) click at bottom of page where it states "Click here to search the court records"
(2) then "accept and enter"
(3) then type name in box #1, with last name first, ie, Goins, Walter D -- 15 charges for David -- 2 charges for Walt; Jennings, Clifford E Sr -- 3 charges)
(4) click on case #
(5) click at top of page "Click here for docket entries" for disposition details


David Goins is a land owner in Scioto County. This info. can be found at the Scioto County Auditor website at this link:

http://oh-scioto-auditor.governmax.com/pro...ner=GOINS+D
Scioto County Auditor

records info. found on campbell county issues

[Mountaineer]

The Ohio Dnr needs to crack down on ATV travel on Publiclands...If i'm going to spend alot of money for Nonresident license and all the other exspenses that go along with hunting Ohio..then the DNR needs to assure a qulity hunting experience...If im going to pay the money..they need to enforce the laws.

I hunt Publicland only in Ohio..dont want to hunt privateland..But the dam atv travel on publicland is ridiculous..The laziness is incredible...People need to get off their butts and walk in not ride stupid atv's...and ya know what..it may improve their health...shed a few pounds here and there.

Dont let me catch you on an ATV on publicland.:rant:

[coonskinner]

Like any other goverment action or legislation there will be problems. Such as the definition of a poacher and when one is caught the proof of the infraction that can be lessened by a good lawyer finding the loop holes of said legislation.

There are enuff laws on the books right now and still a 20 dollar fine will be levied. Also, what is really the differance between poaching a buck over 140" and any other deer? The fine should be higher? That sends the message that all the QDM guys care about is big bucks.

Sure hope they don't start fining people who hit the big ones with cars and trucks.:p

well tough thats why it should be called qbm...its about the cost of the deer or should we say buck...yes that 400 dollah translates to maybe makin a million...i do agree on uppin the fine an i think 4 wheelers should be confiscated while trespassin or on public land where its illegal...i also think they need to catch these 4 wheelers drivin on the roads too...:biggrin: qdm thinks bout big bucks,also they need tuh address their members and foll0wers :biggrin: on safe feeding practices practices ...:biggrin:

[Wildman18]

I know that when I ride quads on a buddy's land he has 180ac. and they ride on other peoples land and its all fine. But I have heard of people that are in other places that it was fine to ride on then know signs any thing else. The owner decides to call the police. If the penalty's of riding on the first offence was confiscation of a vehicle would be redicules. I am a avid rider from Mich. to Tenn I've been there. I have over $14,000 in one and would be d=med if that happened. Theirs always an as=hole in the bunch weather its hunters' fishermen' quad riders' sports even politicians don't let the as=holes ruin it for everyone. I've gotten lost in Tenn. and had to find my way out. It was accidental and I didn't damage any thing. It the pricks that damage properly/brake the laws/poach the deer that deserve the stiff penalty. I ride 4 times a year we use maps and it's usually new places. I am human and have gotten lost, should my quad be taken?
Should the deer farms be regulated, yes.
Should there be more game wardens yes in some county's. But remember all we r doing is bring more authority in the woods. I don't want to be checked every 3 times I go to public land. Its up to us as hunters as citizens that need to step up pay more attention. Call the law if something was shot on the side of the road I have hunted with people that have found a blood spot on the edge of the road and all they said was damm road hunters. never call the police. I suggested it and they said what will that do. We need to step up to the plate take the time for the call. people will get caught.
Over the years I have seen people get on the band wagon on things. Remember what we are asking for.

I'm not against making the laws more strict at all. but as soon as something is brought up ten other things come up and some I don't agree with.

I hunt in eastern ohio and I know a lot of locals. I lived there. They ride on Sunday creak land all year. mushroom jensing and so on. Its not a big deal the oil guys smile and waves. Its there way of life. Its during gun and other heavy traffic times that they frown on it. ridicules I my disturb the deer heard. get real. All the hunters scouting and setting up there stands do the same.

Sorry it just burns my britches that out of staters complain about nonsense. Maybe u need to find some privet land to hunt your 2 or 3 times a year. If they are poaching fine them heavier. but don't make this thread more than what it is.

[coonskinner]

I know that when I ride quads on a buddy's land he has 180ac. and they ride on other peoples land and its all fine. But I have heard of people that are in other places that it was fine to ride on then know signs any thing else. The owner decides to call the police. If the penalty's of riding on the first offence was confiscation of a vehicle would be redicules. I am a avid rider from Mich. to Tenn I've been there. I have over $14,000 in one and would be d=med if that happened. Theirs always an as=hole in the bunch weather its hunters' fishermen' quad riders' sports even politicians don't let the as=holes ruin it for everyone. I've gotten lost in Tenn. and had to find my way out. It was accidental and I didn't damage any thing. It the pricks that damage properly/brake the laws/poach the deer that deserve the stiff penalty. I ride 4 times a year we use maps and it's usually new places. I am human and have gotten lost, should my quad be taken?
Should the deer farms be regulated, yes.
Should there be more game wardens yes in some county's. But remember all we r doing is bring more authority in the woods. I don't want to be checked every 3 times I go to public land. Its up to us as hunters as citizens that need to step up pay more attention. Call the law if something was shot on the side of the road I have hunted with people that have found a blood spot on the edge of the road and all they said was damm road hunters. never call the police. I suggested it and they said what will that do. We need to step up to the plate take the time for the call. people will get caught.
Over the years I have seen people get on the band wagon on things. Remember what we are asking for.

I'm not against making the laws more strict at all. but as soon as something is brought up ten other things come up and some I don't agree with.

I hunt in eastern ohio and I know a lot of locals. I lived there. They ride on Sunday creak land all year. mushroom jensing and so on. Its not a big deal the oil guys smile and waves. Its there way of life. Its during gun and other heavy traffic times that they frown on it. ridicules I my disturb the deer heard. get real. All the hunters scouting and setting up there stands do the same.

Sorry it just burns my britches that out of staters complain about nonsense. Maybe u need to find some privet land to hunt your 2 or 3 times a year. If they are poaching fine them heavier. but don't make this thread more than what it is.

you need to learn your boundaries an stay on it...if yuh catch a trespasser its always oh i thought this was hanks land or sorry but i'm lost...sorry i ain buyin that cause thats what they all say even if theres a fence an posted signs every 50 yds...its trespassin if yuh doan have a perm. slip sayin you can hunt there...an if the lan owner ketches yuh you better jus hope he's a nice guy that lets you go...but if the gw ketches yuh...curtains...:biggrin:

[Wildman18]

I agree hunting on someones land is one thing. I always have permission on the land that I hunt and the paper is always with me. I get a kick out of busting people that don't. But when guys say that their quads need to be taken is another matter all together. I ride a lot it's easy to take a wrong turn on a trail. If its repetitive in an area with signs or been told not to be here then yea strict penalty's are needed. I ride in areas that the trails go on for miles and used by lots of locals with no signs. As you well know that in Athens there are a lot of logging roads and its big country. If somebody wants to ride to there spot that's fine by me, just don't abuse it. In the early '90's Sunday creak one could drive a truck on the logging roads. Now,They are used by locals all year long and it bothers me that people that come to these places 2 to 3 times a year want to push to change things that are just fine as they are. I am anti poacher, I want to make sure that is established.

[Mountaineer]

Riding atv's in areas desiganted are fine..but riding atv's in areas where they are not allowed is wrong...If people are willing to break laws with their atv;s then they are probably breaking laws throughout their lives with anything. A criminal is a criminal...i dont like it when i have to walk in 2 miles and some lazy local atv rider rides in illegally...this crap is going to stop as long as im hunting ohio..at least in the areas that i hunt..i have ways of stopping it.

[coonskinner]

I agree hunting on someones land is one thing. I always have permission on the land that I hunt and the paper is always with me. I get a kick out of busting people that don't. But when guys say that their quads need to be taken is another matter all together. I ride a lot it's easy to take a wrong turn on a trail. If its repetitive in an area with signs or been told not to be here then yea strict penalty's are needed. I ride in areas that the trails go on for miles and used by lots of locals with no signs. As you well know that in Athens there are a lot of logging roads and its big country. If somebody wants to ride to there spot that's fine by me, just don't abuse it. In the early '90's Sunday creak one could drive a truck on the logging roads. Now,They are used by locals all year long and it bothers me that people that come to these places 2 to 3 times a year want to push to change things that are just fine as they are. I am anti poacher, I want to make sure that is established.

well if yuh accidently git on public land an they ketch yuh...they take your quad...unless yuh admit guilt an pay your fine then an there...then yuh git it back...you will not git it back til you pay the fine no matter how long it takes...you doan pay they keep it...:biggrin:

[Wildman18]

Mountaineer You are a funny guy. That's all I have to say.

[hoot gibson]

Unfortunately, the penalties are imposed by judges and the "law" only gives the judge a guideline. The farmers in Ohio have been trying to get a law in the books to confiscate ATV's when people use them illegally (Trespassing) or when they damage crops. This has been turned down by state representatives numberous times and I thin k sportsmen should support this move as well.

When trespassing becomes a mandatory $1000 fine, no if ands or buts then people will think twice. Right now a person is cited, goes to court and the judge throws it out or issues a $20 fine plus cost.....this is not a deterent....I should stop leasing land and just trespass and take my chances it would be much cheaper in the long run!

coon, leasing and/or deer farming isn't a part of the problem either.....I would be willing to bet a free deer hunting trip on a P&Y managed property that hunters who lease are NOT violating ANY of Ohio's hunting regulations or laws.


10 . i agree with everything except the later . i know of three guys from out of state who do about what they want , they lease off one guy and trespass on the ones around them . the ones around them are not raising to much ruckuss because the leaser is a friend of theres . so it goes tollerated . and im dont think that just because they come from out of state there not outlaws . p,m, for more fun details , i wont post on here . h

[Mountaineer]

:D ....Well..It just irks me when I put so much effort into trying to do things the right way and trying to get away from the crowds of publiclands..The way to doit is to hike far distances but when you do that and then some dude rides an ATV in...It just blows my fuse..cant stand it...It happened to me on the Wayne this year...I hike in a mile..way before light..and then while im sitting there in my treestand in the dark..I hear the rumble of an ATv off in the distance...It slowly works my way..and wouldnt ya know it..It comes right past me and stops..I shine my flashlight on this guy and he starts swearin and cussin like a madman..He came from the priavteland way down below..maybe he lives there dont know..But i know for a fact that there are No atv's allowed in the Wayne i was in..and this guy breaks the law by riding it in and ruining my hunt.

Just hate laziness thats all:cool:

[jackalope]

:D ....Well..It just irks me when I put so much effort into trying to do things the right way and trying to get away from the crowds of publiclands..The way to doit is to hike far distances but when you do that and then some dude rides an ATV in...It just blows my fuse..cant stand it...It happened to me on the Wayne this year...I hike in a mile..way before light..and then while im sitting there in my treestand in the dark..I hear the rumble of an ATv off in the distance...It slowly works my way..and wouldnt ya know it..It comes right past me and stops..I shine my flashlight on this guy and he starts swearin and cussin like a madman..He came from the priavteland way down below..maybe he lives there dont know..But i know for a fact that there are No atv's allowed in the Wayne i was in..and this guy breaks the law by riding it in and ruining my hunt.

Just hate laziness thats all:cool:

Wait until he goes to his stand and let the air out of all 4 tires.. He's got 2 options. ride the flats and destroy the tires. Or walk all the way home to get a pump or air tank and walk all the way back.....

I did it 2 years ago on the wayne when I was turk hunting.. We were about a mile and a half back set up on a bird that was right over the ridge about 300 yards.. We herd a 4 wheeler coming so we just stayed put.. The guy pulls up not 100 yards in front of us shuts it off and jumps off hitting the call.. The bird gobbled and off he went on foot... My buddy and I watched him cut to the top of a ridge out of sight.. We let the air out of the tires and started walking back... When we got back to camp I called the local GW and told him someone was riding a four wheeler on the wayne and broke down, he should be easy to catch..... Man,, it must have sucked to have 4 flats almost 2 miles back in the woods on the wayne...

[Wildman18]

I am sorry about your bad experiences. I have had some similar well worst and I'm not exaggerating. I'm not advocating the use of them during gun season. I would never leave a quad even on the Wayne ATV trials during gun season. I will say that I use them to take in and take out stands and deer. I know there are a lot of tough guys out there that enjoy telling the story's of dragging the deer 3 miles up hill all the way. I choice to use a quad to retrieve my deer and stand. Hate me it doesn't bother me.

I see lots of deer walking out in the mornings and walking in in the evenings. I'm like you I am the guy that walks in a mile or two.If a guy wants to ride in it doesn't bother me. He misses out on more deer. I do have a problem with them hunting off of them. That I can't stand!

[buckstar25]

Just remember, if you think nobody is watching when you try and sabotage my quad you'll find out quickly that is not the case. So go ahead and keep thinking it's cool to screw with somebody else's stuff, sooner or later your time will come. I would love to find you flattening the tires on my quad or truck.:tsk: Wow that was Jackalope that said that, dude are you serious?

[coonskinner]

Just remember, if you think nobody is watching when you try and sabotage my quad you'll find out quickly that is not the case. So go ahead and keep thinking it's cool to screw with somebody else's stuff, sooner or later your time will come. I would love to find you flattening the tires on my quad or truck.:tsk: Wow that was Jackalope that said that, dude are you serious?

well so it doan feel good when the tables are turned on stealers,poachers an law breakers...i hope the gw got him an call the sheriff on those ridin the township road too...:D