By Dale Evans
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has launched an investigation of the potential record book buck taken by Christopher J. Alexander (CJ) of Wilmington, Ohio. The deer was reported to be taken on Nov. 9, 2023 during the archery season in Clinton County, Ohio.
The ODNR launched their investigation after receiving information that Alexander failed to obtain the written permission to hunt private property that is required by law. While this investigation is under way, the Ohio wildlife officers have seized the antlers, cape, and all hunting equipment that was associated with the unlawful taking of the deer.
To read the full press release from the Ohio DNR click here (https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/deer-poaching-case?mibextid=Zxz2cZ ).
North American Whitetail STAFF was not only shocked, but disappointed to hear this news. After being the first to break this story and having an exclusive interview with Alexander back in November, we have monitored this investigation closely.
Advertisement
The Ohio DNR is expected to call in an official scorer to have the antlers measured for potential restitution, which could include fines in the ballpark of $50,000. These precedents have been set in the past with previous case where a man from Holmes County, OH was fined nearly $30,000 for the illegal harvest of a trophy buck . As well as a buck taken in Adams County, OH back in 2009 that scored 197 2/8 inches . The state valued the restitution of over $23,000 plus court cost.
Stay tuned as we here at NAW plan to continue to monitor this developing story.
