EAST PALESTINE Deer carcasses prompt investigation

ODNR has a team of investigators that probe suspected poaching cases.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST PALESTINE -- City police are working with state game officials to determine if it was poachers who dumped deer carcasses near the city lake.
Sgt. John Martin said he has a patrolman working with game officials. He said the city law violated is a prohibition against disposing of dead animals in the city limits, a misdemeanor offense.
Bill Beagle, spokesman for Ohio Department of Natural Resources district office in Akron, wasn't aware of the problem Wednesday. Scott Blattert, ODNR's wildlife officer for Columbiana County, could not be reached.
Beagle, said, however, that ODNR has a team of investigators as well as the state game officers that probe suspected poaching cases.
Turning in poachers: He said ODNR officials encourage anyone with any information about cases such as the one in East Palestine to call the TIP (Turn in a Poacher) line: (800) POACHER.
The phones are staffed by volunteers, he said. Callers can remain anonymous if they choose, but some have received cash rewards if the tips result in an arrest and conviction, Beagle said.
He doubts that legitimate hunters would dispose of game in such a manner.
Councilman Jeff Rowland told council Monday that a citizen alerted him to the problem of the foul-smelling remains of at least four deer and a dog that lie among debris illegally strewn about the shallow-end shore of the lake. One carcass is wrapped in plastic and secured with industrial tape, he said.
tullis@vindy.com