Poacher Fined Largest Amount for a Single Whitetail in Ohio History

by
posted on December 30, 2024
LEDE Highest Poaching Fine In Ohio History

Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, Ohio, was sentenced in December in Clinton County Common Pleas Court for unlawfully shooting a trophy white-tailed deer buck in November 2023. He was sentenced to pay the maximum restitution for the 18-point trophy buck, $35,071.73. It is the largest restitution value for a single white-tailed deer in Ohio’s history. Restitution increased to $39,696.73 when $4,625 was added for a second unlawfully taken buck during the 2023 hunting season.

Alexander was also sentenced to complete five years of community control and serve six months at STAR Community Justice Center, a locked-down community based correctional facility. He received a 10-year hunting license revocation and forfeited all property seized as evidence, including the trophy deer’s antlers. Finally, he was ordered to pay $1,000 in fines, $1,000 to the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) program, $2,000 in restitution to media outlets and all court costs.
 
Ohio’s Division of Wildlife (DOW) began the investigation into Alexander’s taking of the trophy buck on Nov. 9, 2023, after receiving information alleging the deer was taken unlawfully.
In October 2024 Alexander pleaded guilty to 14 counts related to the incident, along with his unlawful taking of a second antlered deer in the 2023-24 hunting season.

The counts included: illegal taking or possession of deer (two); hunting without a license; hunting without a deer permit; selling illegally taken or possessed deer antlers; spotlighting; hunting without permission (four); tampering with evidence; theft; misdemeanor theft; and falsification. 

“Hunting in Ohio is a time-honored tradition, and there is a proper way to be safe and successful,” Ohio Attorney General David Yost told Fox Weather. “When bad actors like these guys try to cheat the system, it ruins the reputation of Ohio’s respected sportsmen and women–I can’t stand for that.”

Three accomplices connected to the case were also sentenced. Corey P. Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro, Ohio, was charged for attempted tampering with evidence, aiding a wildlife offender in taking or possessing deer (three counts), hunting without permission and falsification. He was ordered to pay $500 in fines; pay $500 to the TIP program; pay additional court costs; serve 90 days in jail (suspended); complete 200 hours of community service; and complete three years of community control. In addition, his hunting license was revoked for three years and he forfeited a tree stand and crossbow.

Kristina M. Alexander, 37, of Blanchester, Ohio, was charged for obstructing official business. She was ordered to pay $500 in fines; pay $500 to the TIP program; pay additional court costs; serve 60 days in jail (suspended); and complete one year of monitored time supervision.

Zachary R. Haunert, 31, of Lebanon, Ohio, was charged and ordered to pay $250 in fines; pay $250 to the TIP program; pay additional court costs; serve 60 days in jail (suspended); and complete one year of monitored time supervision.

Latest

NRA ILA Lede
NRA ILA Lede

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Excise Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Sales

On March 31, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), together with the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Colorado State Shooting Association, Magnum Shooting Center and an NRA member, filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s 6.5-percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition.

The Magnum Research 10mm Magnum BFR Revolver

This 6-shot, single-action revolver may well be the first factory-made handgun chambered in this caliber in over three decades.

Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Applications Being Accepted

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearm industry, has opened the application period for the 2025 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants. They offer a total of $100,000 in financial support for programs that work to expand participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.