West Salem Man Poaches Trophy Buck, Gets Hunting License Revocation

ASHLAND, OH – A West Salem man shot a trophy buck in Ohio, transported it to West Virginia, checked it in as an archery kill, and then learned that wildlife officials were watching him the whole time according to ODNR Division of Wildlife.

Robert E. Cogar, 63 of West Salem, Ohio pled “no contest” in Ashland Municipal Court for interfering with a Wildlife Officer, failing to permanently tag a deer, and possession of an untagged deer. Fines, court costs, and restitution totaled $1,347.00. The Honorable Judge Jacob Fridline revoked Robert’s hunting license for three years, ordered Robert to serve one year probation, and suspended 180 days of jail.

“This is a case where a poacher thought he could outsmart us by taking his deer out of state, but we were on his trail the whole time,” remarks Division of Wildlife Law Enforcement Supervisor Doug Miller. “Mr. Cogar’s case should serve as a reminder to would-be poachers that we take the laws protecting Ohio’s wildlife very seriously in this state,” continues Miller.   

The Division of Wildlife encourages anyone who is aware of a possible violation of wildlife laws to call the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) line at 1-800-POACHER. Callers can remain anonymous. Click here for TIP form.