Two Mississippi men, Dawson Brown, 25, and Jase D. Smith, 24, both of Poplarville, have pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations for illegally hunting white-tailed deer in southeast Ohio. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced that the men were ordered to pay a combined $15,054.37 in restitution, serve jail time, and face a three-year hunting ban in Ohio and potentially 47 other states.
In Belmont County Court, Brown admitted to seven charges, including hunting with a motor vehicle, using a firearm during archery season, hunting after legal hours, possessing untagged deer parts, and lacking nonresident hunting licenses and deer permits. Two of the illegally taken deer had antlers scoring 166-2/8 and 154-5/8, qualifying for trophy restitution. Brown was ordered to pay $13,169.37 in restitution, $865 in fines and court costs, serve 30 days in jail (with 360 days suspended), and complete three years of probation. His hunting privileges in Ohio were revoked for three years, and he forfeited five firearms, a spotlight, venison, and four antlered deer skulls to the Division of Wildlife.
Smith faced charges in both Muskingum and Belmont County Courts. In Muskingum County, he pleaded guilty to four charges: hunting without permission, lacking a nonresident hunting license and deer permit, and failing to game check a deer. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, ordered to pay $1,885 in restitution and $249.25 in fines and court costs, and banned from hunting in Ohio for three years. In Belmont County, he admitted to possessing untagged deer parts, incurring $605 in fines and court costs, three years of probation, and a concurrent hunting ban. Smith forfeited a crossbow, spotlights, a deer mount, and two antlered deer skulls.
Both men were entered into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning their three-year hunting suspensions in Ohio will likely extend to 47 other states, including Mississippi. The ODNR emphasized its commitment to protecting Ohio’s wildlife, noting that public tips via the Turn in a Poacher hotline (1-800-POACHER) are crucial for enforcement. Anonymous reports leading to convictions may result in rewards.
Ohio wildlife officers, with statewide authority, enforce regulations, protect natural resources, and engage communities through conservation education and wildlife management programs. The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve.
System: conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources for sustainable use. For more information, visit wildohio.gov.
Reference: Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (2025). Two Mississippi men plead guilty to wildlife violations in southeast Ohio.
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