A multi-year investigation by the Ohio Division of Wildlife has led to major penalties for a Harrod man accused of illegally taking deer and falsifying hunting records.

Officials say the case involving Steven Niese of Allen County began in Jan. 2023, after a tip raised questions about how a large buck was shot. Investigators later determined Niese, not his son, had killed the deer.

Niese was found guilty of multiple counts of possessing untagged deer parts and falsifying information while checking a deer. Authorities seized 235 antlers, along with numerous deer skulls and mounts.

Penalties include more than $4,000 in fines and $10,000 in restitution, plus a 10-year hunting license suspension in all 50 states. He’ll also spend nine days in jail, served over weekends, during deer season.

Wildlife officials say the case highlights the importance of public tips and enforcement efforts to protect Ohio’s natural resources.