OHIO — An Ohio hunter is facing fines, jail time, and a long-term hunting ban following a yearslong investigation that resulted in the forfeiture of hundreds of deer antlers.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Steven Niese of Harrod in Allen County was found guilty of three counts of possession of untagged deer parts and three counts of falsifying information while game-checking a deer.
The investigation began in January 2023 after an informant contacted wildlife officers and said “something just seemed strange” following a report that Niese’s son had shot a large buck. Officials said, “The caller thought Mr. Niese had shot the buck instead of his son, and they were right,” according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant. Wildlife officials said law enforcement seized and forfeited 164 sawed-off antlers, 58 antlered deer skulls, two shoulder mounts, and 11 antlers on broken skull caps.
Niese was ordered to pay more than $4,000 in fines and court costs, along with more than $10,000 in restitution. His hunting license was suspended for 10 years in all 50 U.S. states. He was also sentenced to serve nine days in jail, to be served on weekends during specific deer hunting seasons, according to wildlife officials.
