A South Carolina man was found guilty of multiple wildlife infractions, Ohio's Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reports.
Christopher M. Waters, 44, of Loris, acknowledged his guilt on 12 counts related to illegal deer and wild turkey hunting activities in Knox County following an ODNR Division of Wildlife investigation that found his violations occurred from December 2022 through November 2023 during his visits to Ohio. According to Ohio's Department of Natural Resources, he entered his plea in November 2024. He received a judgment that included $4,110.67 in restitution, $300 in fines, forfeiture of hunting gear, and a three-year revocation of his hunting license.
Violation charges against Waters encompassed hunting without appropriate licenses and permits, unlawful deer and turkey possession, rules breaches such as spotlighting and utilizing motor vehicles for hunting, hunting outside legal hours, and using improper firearms. Two additional defendants in the case also admitted to several infractions, facing their own penalties and license suspensions.
Complementing Waters' case, Cody Muncie, 35, from Howard, was convicted of five violations, including failure to check in harvested deer and false reporting during the game checking process, for which he must pay $5,741.25 and fines amounting to $200, and Douglas Hartman, 40, of Mount Vernon, found guilty on similar counts but to a lesser degree, faces $1,000 in restitution and identical acceptable value, both men having relinquished their hunting privileges for two years.
The Division of Wildlife, which operates with public cooperation, stresses the value of community involvement in safeguarding Ohio’s wildlife. It invites anyone who spots violations to use the Turn in a Poacher hotline. The agency's state officers also advance public safety and conservation education. ODNR outlines its commitment to the delicate balance of utilizing and protecting natural resources. Its website offers further details on these initiatives.
