Alexander also pleaded guilty to taking a second antlered buck during the 2023 hunting season.
This was the largest restitution value for a single white-tailed deer in Ohio’s history, according to the ODNR. Restitution increased to $39,696.73 when $4,625 was added for a second unlawfully taken buck during the 2023 hunting season.
Alexander was also sentenced to complete five years of community control and received a 10-year hunting license revocation and forfeited all property seized as evidence, including the trophy deer’s antlers. Finally, he was ordered to pay $1,000 in fines, $1,000 to the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) program, $2,000 in restitution to media outlets, and all court costs.
An investigation was launched by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources after information was provided alleging that Alexander failed to obtain the lawfully required written permission prior to hunting on private property.
Alexander told hunting publications he harvested the deer on a 30-acre property owned by his sister.
Ohio’s Buckeye Big Buck Club secretary Mike Rex greened scored the antlers 206 7 / 8 inches, which could be the number one typical whitetail taken in Ohio, and the number three typical whitetail taken in North America.
Three accomplices connected to the case were also sentenced.
- Corey P. Haunert, 29, of Hillsboro, was charged for attempted tampering with evidence, aiding a wildlife offender in taking or possessing deer (three counts), hunting without permission, and falsification. He was ordered to pay $500 in fines; pay $500 to the TIP program; pay additional court costs; serve 90 days in jail, suspended; complete 200 hours of community service; and complete three years of community control. In addition, his hunting license was revoked for three years and he forfeited a tree stand and crossbow.
- Kristina M. Alexander, 37, of Blanchester, was charged for obstructing official business and aiding a wildlife offender. She was ordered to pay $500 in fines; pay $500 to the TIP program; pay additional court costs; serve 60 days in jail, suspended; and complete one year of monitored time supervision.
- Zachary R. Haunert, 31, of Lebanon, was charged for aiding a wildlife offender. He was ordered to pay $250 in fines; pay $250 to the TIP program; pay additional court costs; serve 60 days in jail, suspended; and complete one year of monitored time supervision.
Outdoor Life magazine reported cell phone records obtained by investigators show how Alexander profited off the poached buck by selling its antlers to an antler buyer; by selling exclusive rights to his story to a hunting magazine and shopping the story around to others; and by signing a promotional deal with a hunting company.