Harrod man convicted after multi year deer hunting investigation, license suspended for 10 years

An investigation by Ohio Division of Wildlife officers that began in 2023 has led to the arrest and conviction of a Harrod man for multiple violations of Ohio deer hunting laws.

Wildlife officials say the case started in January 2023 after a resident reported concerns surrounding a large buck harvested by the man’s son, alleging the buck was actually shot by Steven Niese, 42. Officers say the tip was confirmed and the investigation later uncovered more than 200 deer antlers connected to the case.

According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, a search warrant was issued and officers seized 164 sawed off antlers, 58 antlered deer skulls, two shoulder mounts, and 11 antlers on broken skull caps. The items were forfeited to law enforcement.

Niese was arrested and his case was heard in Lima Municipal Court, where he was found guilty on three counts of possession of untagged deer parts and three counts of falsifying information during game check.

He was ordered to pay more than $4,000 in fines and court costs, along with more than $10,000 in restitution. Wildlife officials say his hunting license was suspended for 10 years in all 50 states, and he was also ordered to serve nine days of jail time over weekends during specific deer seasons.

A Division of Wildlife spokesperson said Niese has a long history of wildlife violations, and public court records show prior convictions including misdemeanor wildlife cases in Putnam County Municipal Court, along with additional past cases in Findlay Municipal Court.