Wildlife Investigation Near Nankin, Unveils Illegal Sales Operation

Joe Lyons • August 2, 2024

Nankin, OH – Residents of the village of Nankin, located in the southern part of Orange Township, were taken aback early Tuesday morning when multiple Ohio Wildlife Officers’ vehicles converged on the Nankin Ball Park. The sudden presence of law enforcement was linked to a significant investigation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Officers and investigators from District Two in Northwest Ohio and District Three in Northeast Ohio executed a search warrant on County Road 601 in Ashland County, targeting the commercial sales of fish and wildlife. The investigation, which had been ongoing for approximately a year, culminated in Tuesday’s operation.

ODNR Division of Wildlife Investigations Administrator Jeff Collingwood provided insights into the case during a phone interview. “In this particular case, it was both fish and wildlife that were being either caught or harvested and then sold for profit. In Ohio, anything that’s sport caught, such as walleye or perch, or harvested game species, such as deer or turkey, can be consumed personally but cannot be sold for profit,” explained Collingwood.

When asked about any charges resulting from the search warrant, Collingwood stated, “No charges have been filed as of yet. The investigation is ongoing, and we hope to present charges to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.” He noted that the investigation began following a tip about potential commercial sales of wildlife, which led to the determination that an individual was indeed engaged in illegal activities.

Several items were seized from the residence as evidence, according to Collingwood. He also referenced Section 1531.02 of the Ohio Revised Code, which outlines prohibited activities related to the ownership and sale of wild animals in the state. The code states that wild animals, unless legally confined or privately owned, belong to the state and cannot be sold or transported unlawfully.

To protect Ohio’s wildlife, Collingwood encourages anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of wildlife violations to report them. Reports can be made by calling or texting 1-800-POACHER