MEDIA RELEASE__Earlier in 2026, State Wildlife Investigator Brian Bury looked into possible wild turkey violations committed by an Ohio resident. Eleven search warrants later, four defendants pleaded guilty to about two dozen charges, mostly involving turkey violations. The four defendants paid more than $36,000 in fines, restitution, and court costs. Six firearms, a compound bow, about 50 turkey mounts and fans, two layout blinds, and dozens of other items were forfeited. The defendants’ hunting licenses were revoked for a total of seven years.

State Wildlife Investigator Kelsey Brockman received a phone call about a bald eagle that was struck by a train. Investigator Brockman responded and observed that the eagle was still alive but stuck under the train’s headlight. Investigator Brockman safely climbed up the train and removed the eagle. It was taken to Back to the Wild, where it was successfully rehabilitated and released.