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A 21-year-old Ohio man who authorities say repeatedly ignored hunting laws across at least 17 states is now paying a steep price.
Carter J. Hickey of New Philadelphia, Ohio, pleaded guilty May 20 to 17 wildlife crimes in New Philadelphia Municipal Court. The case followed a multi-state investigation that began after tips came into the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement.
According to reporting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hickey’s violations were not simple paperwork mistakes or an honest misunderstanding of regulations. Investigators said the case involved a pattern of illegal activity, including taking wildlife during closed seasons, hunting without permission, illegally possessing animals, failing to comply with game-check requirements, and using a vehicle and spotlight to kill wildlife.
Authorities also said Hickey helped others poach turkeys without licenses and allowed turkey takes beyond legal limits.
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The court ordered Hickey to pay more than $12,000 in restitution, $5,500 in fines, and $11,000 in additional penalties. He must also pay $5,000 to Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher program.
His sentence includes 15 days in jail, two years of probation, and 80 hours of community service. He also lost his hunting and trapping privileges for five years.
And it did not stop there.
Hickey forfeited three firearms, a bow, hunting blinds, decoys, and other equipment authorities said was connected to the poaching activity. Officers also seized 115 pounds of turkey meat and 47 whole or partial turkey fans.
The case reportedly had a social-media angle, too. Hickey posted misleading content on TikTok that bragged about his hunting activity, despite many of the alleged actions being illegal. As part of the outcome, he was ordered to post an apology on the platform. He was also required to write a letter of apology to the City of Dover after trespassing and illegally taking a 10-point buck in a public park.
Three additional defendants also faced consequences in the case. Together, they were fined $5,000, forfeited firearms, and lost a combined two years of hunting privileges.
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This is the distinction every ethical hunter understands: hunting is not poaching. Responsible hunters follow seasons, tags, bag limits, landowner permission rules, and fair-chase principles. They help fund conservation through licenses, equipment purchases, and excise taxes. They respect the wildlife and resource that make the tradition possible.
Poaching does the opposite. It takes wildlife outside the system designed to manage populations, undermines the work of conservation officers, and gives honest hunters a bad name.
If you witness a wildlife crime, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asks the public to report it online or call 1-844-FWS-TIPS. Reports can remain anonymous, and tips that lead to a conviction may be eligible for a reward.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.