Judge Orders Ohio Man, 21, to Apologize on Social Media After Hunting Illegally in 17 States

An Ohio man has faced significant penalties after admitting to a series of illegal hunting and poaching activities that spanned at least 17 states. Carter J. Hickey, aged 21, from Tuscarawas County, recognised his wrongdoing in a court appearance earlier this year. As a result of his actions, he has been fined a whopping £28,500 and banned from hunting for five years.

Hickey’s illegal activities first came to the attention of wildlife officials in May 2025. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources received multiple complaints about his hunting practices, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. What started as a local concern escalated into a complex multistate case that revealed extensive violations across several jurisdictions.

On 20 May, Hickey pleaded guilty in New Philadelphia Municipal Court to an array of wildlife-related offences. The charges included taking wildlife during closed seasons, illegally possessing animals, hunting without appropriate permissions, and even running over animals with his vehicle. According to wildlife authorities, Hickey’s actions breached laws across numerous states, with indications that even more violations were on the horizon.

His punishment not only encompasses financial penalties but also criminal repercussions. Hickey has been sentenced to spend 15 days behind bars and must comply with a probation period of two years. Additionally, he is mandated to undertake 80 hours of community service and has been stripped of various hunting equipment, including firearms and other gear used in the commission of his offences.

Highlighting the impact of his illegal activities, Hickey was also required to post a public apology on his social media accounts. The Fish and Wildlife Service alleged that he had previously utilised platforms such as TikTok to boast about his unlawful hunting escapades, misleading the public about the legality and morality of his actions.

Moreover, as part of his sentencing, Hickey must issue a personal letter of apology to the city of Dover for trespassing and unlawfully taking a 10-point buck from a local public park. This requirement underlines the broader implications of poaching, which not only threatens wildlife populations but also undermines trust within the hunting community.

The repercussions of Hickey’s actions extend beyond personal consequences and reflect a growing concern among wildlife authorities regarding illegal hunting practices. The Fish and Wildlife Service emphasised that poaching damages far more than individual species; it erodes the very fabric of responsible hunting traditions, which many families strive to pass down through generations.

In their statement, the Fish and Wildlife Service reiterated the broader implications of such violations, stating, “It harms trust and puts honest hunters at a disadvantage. It steals opportunities from families who hope to pass down responsible outdoor traditions and threatens the very wildlife populations we work to conserve.”

As this case illustrates, illegal hunting and poaching have severe consequences, not just for the perpetrator but for society as a whole. The actions of individuals like Hickey can have lasting impacts on wildlife conservation efforts and the integrity of hunting as a respected outdoor activity. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with hunting and the importance of adhering to wildlife laws designed to protect both animals and ethical hunting practices.