The (ongoing) story of Alexander the Great

If you're an avid deer hunter, you've probably heard about a huge buck taken last November that could land as the new leader in the Ohio Buckeye Big Buck Club's record book. If you haven't heard, let me give you a few details. The story went that Christopher Alexander, best known as CJ, was hunting on a thirty-acre parcel in Clinton County, Ohio, owned by his sister. According to interviews with sports news outlets, CJ explained that the day he bagged the buck was the first time that he'd ever hunted the property. The 28-year-old crossbowman said he had been hunting deer on public property most of the 2023 season and not having much luck. He decided to make the move to the new parcel and give it a try. According to North American Whitetail Magazine, CJ had sold his vertical bow a year ago and purchased a crossbow which ended up broken sometime in October "just prior to deer season." Ohio's statewide bow season actually began Sept. 30. Before he could hunt on the day the buck was killed, CJ borrowed an Excalibur Matrix 380 crossbow from a friend. That friend also had to lend CJ a climbing tree stand so he could use it on the property. CJ said that his own tree stands were erected in other areas. As luck would have it, the young man who had never hunted the property, who was using a borrowed crossbow and arrows with which he'd likely had little experience, while sitting in a borrowed tree stand because his were in an area he apparently hadn't hunted since breaking his crossbow in October, had a once-in-a-lifetime monster buck walk into range. CJ supplied a lot of details to NAWM about his memorable hunt and a simple internet search will take you to the information. That's one lucky hunter and I hope he bought some lottery tickets, too! How much of a monster buck was this deer? Buckeye Big Buck Club secretary chairman Mike Rex, who doesn't live far from the hunter, understood the significance of the deer's size and was willing to stop by and do a "green" measurement (official scoring can only be done after a 60-day drying period). Rex measured the inside spread at 27 2/8 inches, the main beams at 32 inches, and the mass measurements totaled more than 50 inches. Those measurements bring the rack's total score to 235 7/8 gross non-typical and 206 7/8 for a typical whitetail rack. Ohio's current typical record, the one CJ's buck hopes to topple, was taken by Brad Jerman in Warren County in 2004. That deer scored 201-1/8. The non-typical record was taken by Mike Beatty in 2000 in Greene County. That one scored 304-6/8. Obviously, CJ's buck, now being called Alexander the Great, was in the running to move very high on the Big Buck Club record list. To quote Paul Harvey, "Now, the rest of the story." A news release from the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife has thrown a little ice-water on the fire that this big buck had lighted. Rather than give my interpretation, I'll just supply you with the information for your own evaluation. Dated Dec. 26, 2023: "Wildlife officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife are investigating a potential record deer taken during the archery hunting season in Clinton County, Ohio. The deer was reported to have allegedly been taken by Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, on Nov. 9, 2023. "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. "While the investigation continues, Ohio wildlife officers have seized the antlers, cape, and hunting equipment associated with the alleged unlawful taking of the deer." Before jumping to any conclusions, please be reminded that, at the time of this writing, CJ has not been charged with any crime and should be considered innocent unless proven otherwise. The case has not yet been proven, but is alleged. While items were seized, they will be cataloged, analyzed, and kept safely until the investigation comes to a conclusion. If the officers determine that there is enough evidence, then the case will be reviewed for approval by a local prosecuting attorney, appropriate charges filed, and a court date set. Depending upon the circumstances, witness testimony, interviews, photographic and real evidence – the investigation could last weeks and the final outcome could take months. If charges are not approved, CJ gets everything back. What happens if the deer is determined to have been taken illegally? While the case would be a misdemeanor carrying a fine and possible jail time, there's also a section of law concerning the illegal taking of trophy animals, Ohio Revised Code 1531.201. It's meant to act as a strong deterrent to the illegal hunting and poaching of animals that are relatively rare within their specie. In the case of Ohio whitetail deer, if a person(s) is found guilty of illegally killing a buck deer with a gross score of 125 or greater, a special restitution value is then tabulated. The formula looks like this: (gross score–100)² x $1.65. If the numbers for the Alexander buck are plugged into the equation, it looks like this: (235.875 – 100) = 135.875² or 18,462.02 x $1.65 = an additional restitution value of $30,462.32; an amount the judge can levy on offenders. In addition, the buck would never enter the record books. Killing such a buck illegally robs honest hunters from the chance at the trophy and removes its presence from casual wildlife watchers. Situations such as this should serve as a reminder that doing things correctly and within the law is always the best practice. Nobody should willingly place themselves in jeopardy of landing on the wrong side of the wildlife regulations. The results, especially with trophy animals, can be especially costly. Although this is bad enough, the greater loss may well be in what your friends and community learn about your ethics. "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." — Thomas Jefferson Along the way As the New Year approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources invites Ohioans to kick off 2024 with its annual First Day Hike events. Showcasing the beauty of Ohio's diverse landscapes, this initiative encourages individuals and families to enjoy the great outdoors, fostering a healthy start for the new year. First Day Hikes are family-friendly events that cater to all ages and abilities. From wooded trails to lakefront paths, these hikes are an excellent way to reconnect with nature and spend quality time making lasting memories with family and friends. Some locations will feature naturalist-led guided tours, providing insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. First Day Hikes will take place on Jan. 1 at 13 locations — 12 state parks and one state nature preserve. Start times vary by location, and participants are encouraged to check the ODNR website for specific details about the hike they plan to attend. In Northwest Ohio: Van Buren State Park, Van Buren: Celebrate 2024 with a crisp hike along the Yellow Trail. Level: Easy to Moderate. Length: 1 mile loop. Meets at the Horse Camp Parking lot located off Township Road 218. Program is weather dependent. Please dress for the weather. Contact the Nature Center for more information: 419-836-9117. Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon: Ring in the New Year with a winter walk along the fishing pond. Level: Easy. Length: 1.5 mile loop. Meets at Parking lot #7 (next to the Big Hill). Program is weather dependent. Please dress for the weather. Contact the Nature Center for more information: 419-836-9117. Other hike locations include: Pymatuning State Park – Andover 10–11 a.m. Lake Hope State Park – McArthur 10–11:30 a.m. Alum Creek State Park – Delaware 10 a.m.–noon. Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve – Holland 10:30 a.m.–noon. Hueston Woods State Park – College Corner 11 a.m.–noon. Wingfoot Lake State Park – Mogadore 1–2 p.m. Salt Fork State Park – Lore City 1–2:30 p.m. Caesar Creek State Park – Waynesville 1–3 p.m. Shawnee State Park – Portsmouth 1-4 p.m. Indian Lake State Park – Lakeview 2–2:30 p.m. Paint Creek State Park – Bainbridge 3–4 p.m. To view details about these and other events, visit ohiodnr.gov/home and review ODNR's listed events calendar. Step outside •Thursday: Trap and Skeet Practice, open to the public. 4 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. •Jan. 7: Trap Shoot, 1 p.m. Mount Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Delaware Township 186. •Jan. 14: 50-Bird Trap Shoot, Fostoria United Sportsmen, 1324 N. US 23 Fostoria. Practice traps open at 11 a.m., program at noon. Contact Danny Bryant: 567-278-1956. •Jan. 21: 50-Bird Trap Shoot, practice opens 11:30 a.m., program begins 12:30 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. Public welcome. Contact: Sandy Thomas, sandthm@aol.com Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com