First case in Ohio involving new restitution value for white-tailed deer

Chillicothe, OH - Two men convicted of the illegal taking of white-tailed deer have been ordered to pay restitution of $12,988 according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The Honorable Judge Thomas E. Bunch presided and assistant law director Michele Route prosecuted today over the first case in the State involving white-tailed deer restitution under Ohio's revised restitution law. The law went into effect March 2008 and allows the Ohio Division of Wildlife to seek an increased recovery value on all illegally harvested wildlife.

Cory A. Posey, 19, of South Salem has pled guilty to charges of taking a deer with a rifle, deterring an officer, taking a deer after hours, and taking more than one buck in a license year. Posey will pay $100 in fines, additional court costs, and $6,494 in restitution. He will serve 200 hours of community service, five years of community control and hunting privileges suspended for five years.

Kyle E. Kruger, 20, of Washington Court House has pled guilty to charges of spotlighting, deterring an officer, and aiding an individual in the unlawful taking of a wild animal. Kruger will pay $100 in fines, additional court costs, and $6,494 in restitution. He will serve 200 hours of community service, five years of community control and hunting privileges suspended for five years.

Ohio Upland Habitat Initiative and new CRP SAFE practice target specific focus area

Ohio Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) announce a new voluntary conservation program for landowners in Henry and Fulton Counties. The Ohio Upland Habitat Initiative (OUHI) offers landowners cost share dollars for landowners who wish to establish or maintain high quality habitat for pheasants, quail and host of other species of wildlife.

Interested landowners within the focus area will have their choice of signing up for distinct practices that specifically address the limiting factors for pheasant and quail habitat in Ohio. Funds are to be distributed to landowners on a first come, first serve basis. There is a $2,000 per landowner per year limitation.