Field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife officers

Central Ohio – Wildlife District One

In late winter, State Wildlife Officer John Coffman, assigned to Fayette County, was called about a heavy skunk odor in a homeowner’s crawl space. Officer Coffman arrived at the location and discovered a skunk under the home. Unfortunately, the skunk was trapped and died under the home. Officer Coffman was able to reach the skunk and removed it for the homeowner. As a reminder, skunks become more active as winter comes to an end.

In November 2020, State Wildlife Officer Jade Heizer was one of several presenters speaking to a local elementary school in Galena for their annual career connections day. Officer Heizer prepared to present virtually from Alum

Creek State Park, using the lake as the backdrop. Officer Heizer brought white-tailed deer antlers and a wild turkey fan to show the children as she discussed her profession. Because of technical difficulties, the virtual presentation was adapted to become an audio presentation where Officer Heizer discussed the daily role of an Ohio wildlife officer, what led her into the field, and other similar careers in natural resources. The children were excited about listening to Officer Heizer’s presentation, and had plenty of questions to ask. School staff thanked Officer Heizer for participating in the event.

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two

In March 2020, State Wildlife Investigator Brian

Baker, assigned to the Lake Erie Unit, observed a man fishing for yellow perch in West Harbor. The man had a 5-gallon bucket filled with water, and Investigator Baker could see numerous fish in the bucket. The man continued to fish and put perch in the bucket for a while, then loaded his fish into his truck and left. A short while later, Investigator Baker noticed the man had returned to the same location and began catching and keeping perch again. Investigator Baker then contacted the man as he was getting his fish filleted in Port Clinton. After talking with the man, he admitted that he had taken 70 yellow perch, 40 over the legal daily bag limit. The man was written a summons for overbagging and the fish were surrendered as evidence.