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Johnny Clay, 37, of Minford, Ohio is no stranger to southern Ohio wildlife officials, cited for 10 deer hunting violations over the years. The huge trophy deer he illegally killed in September, 2009, set a Buckeye standard when Clay was ordered Friday to pay $23,572 in restitution in Adams County Court.
The deer's trophy antlers measured 197 2/8 inches according to Boone & Crockett Club guidelines, the largest typical white-tailed deer harvested in North American in 2009. It would have ranked fourth in Ohio's Buckeye Big Buck Club standings. It is now the property of the Division of Wildlife.
Clay pled guilty to taking a deer out of season, hunting property without the landowner's permission and a failure to have a valid hunting license or deer permit.
A confidential informant contacted wildlife officers Chris Rice and Chris Gilkey last March, said district law enforcement supervisor Dave Brown. Clay had checked the Adams County deer in Kentucky, reporting it as a legal kill during the Kentucky archery season, but trail camera photos revealed it was killed in Ohio.
"It was the largest amount of restitution we'd ever sought," said Brown. Clay, who has served jail time for deer violations in the past, was also fined $1,500, forfeited his bow to the state and lost his hunting privileges for life. Ohio is a member of the 34-state Wildlife Violator's Compact, which makes it illegal for Clay to hunt in all of those states.
Trail Cams are good for more than catching deer!!!!
_ _ _Death Comes Out the End of This Thing _ _ _
Im glad he has to pay thousands and lose the mount. Maybe they should shoot HIM out of season!!!!!!!!!
