Seven Convicted in Multi-Year Northwest Ohio Wildlife Investigation
Seven people have been convicted of 15 state charges and one federal charge following a multi-year wildlife investigation in northwest Ohio, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
The investigation began when Seneca County Wildlife Officer Brock Williamson received a Turn-in-a-Poacher, or TIP, report concerning a possible wildlife violation involving Owen Schumm of Tiffin. As officers investigated the original complaint, they reportedly uncovered additional violations involving six other individuals.
The convictions resulted in a combined $9,122 in fines, court costs and restitution. Penalties also included a two-year hunting and trapping license revocation, 270 suspended jail days and 65 hours of community service.
The combined financial penalties included:
$3,915 in state fines
$2,727 in state court costs
$1,930 in federal fines and court costs
$550 in restitution
Owen Schumm
Schumm, identified by wildlife officials as the primary suspect, was convicted of:
Aiding a wildlife offender in hunting from a motor vehicle
Two counts of killing migratory geese with a rifle
Killing a nongame bird identified as a killdeer
Killing a nongame bird identified as a woodpecker
Littering
Two counts of possessing untagged deer parts
Exceeding the daily possession limit for doves, a federal charge
Schumm was ordered to pay $1,200 in state fines, $1,480 in state court costs, $1,930 in federal fines and court costs, and $550 in restitution.
He was also sentenced to 240 days in jail, all suspended; 50 hours of community service; and a two-year revocation of his hunting and trapping privileges.
Six Others Convicted
Evan Palmer was convicted of hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle. He was ordered to pay a $150 fine and $372 in court costs and complete 15 hours of community service.
Dillon Bogner was convicted of killing an opossum through an illegal method. He was ordered to pay a $75 fine and $125 in court costs.
Jacob Hossler was convicted of stream littering and ordered to pay an $85 fine and $125 in court costs.
Scott Schumm was convicted of hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle. He was ordered to pay a $75 fine and $125 in court costs.
Ace Long was convicted of taking migratory game birds during the closed season and taking migratory game birds from a motor vehicle. He was ordered to pay $150 in fines and $125 in court costs.
Tanner Lemley was convicted of hunting waterfowl without an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp. He was ordered to pay a $50 fine and $125 in court costs.
Public Encouraged to Report Suspected Poaching
Turn In a Poacher is a nonprofit organization funded largely through donations. The program allows people to report suspected wildlife violations confidentially and may offer monetary rewards when information leads to a conviction.
Anyone who observes suspicious wildlife activity can call 1-800-POACHER (762-2437) or submit information through the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s online reporting system.
Donations to support TIP may be made payable to TIP Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 1, Chandlersville, OH 43727-0001.
