In something of a reverse Robin Hood style of scheme, 35 individuals have been convicted after withholding deer meat destined to food banks and flipping it on the black market for profit. The convictions come after a detailed investigation, aptly referred to as “Operation Donor Deer”, by the Ohio DNR’s Division of Wildlife and included over 55 violations.
As many of us know, selling venison that is harvested from the wild is strictly prohibited under law, a rule designed to protect wildlife populations and prevent the exploitation of public resources. In the Buckeye State, the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC 1501:31-15), makes it unlawful to buy, sell, or offer for sale any deer or its parts taken from the wild, with limited exceptions for items like hides, antlers (without velvet), feet, and taxidermy products.
Farm-raised deer meat differs slightly as it can be sold if it meets inspection standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or state equivalents, as it's treated like livestock rather than wild game. For wild venison, the only legal pathways for distribution are personal consumption, gifting to others, or donation to approved programs. Ohio's deer donation initiatives, such as those partnered with organizations like Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, allow hunters to drop off legally harvested and game-checked deer at participating processors. These processors then prepare the meat for free distribution to food pantries, shelters, and needy families, helping combat food insecurity while reducing waste from surplus harvests.
This particular investigation centered around a local deer processing operation said to be a partner with the state’s donation initiatives, but instead, used the donated venison for their own personal financial gain. At the center of the probe was Rod's Custom Deer Processing in Harrisville, a literal chop-shop owned by 59-year-old Rodney Shields.
After getting wind of some nefarious activities down at Rod’s place, ODNR wildlife officers quietly launched “Operation Donor Deer” which aided them in uncovering a massive donate-for-profit scheme. According to reports, hunters would legally harvest deer, complete the required game check (obtaining a confirmation code to verify the kill), and donate the carcasses to the Rod’s under the assumption they’d benefit charities.
Well, rather than take in donations from the rich (at least in deer) and give to the poor, Shields and associates allegedly diverted the meat for commercial sale. While exact operational details—such as pricing, buyers, or concealment methods—aren't fully detailed in public reports, the violations included possessing untagged deer parts, failing to keep accurate records, and illegal sales. This essentially turned a charitable process into a black-market operation, with meat meant for free community distribution being monetized. Other infractions involved improper game checking and obstructing justice, suggesting attempts to cover up the activities.
The probe, which spanned months, involved 35 individuals, though most were minor players like out-of-state hunters who failed to properly tag or check their deer.
The convictions, handed down in Harrison County courts earlier this month, saw the ringleader, Rodney Shields, plead guilty to seven charges, including felony counts of obstructing justice, theft by deception, and illegal sales, plus misdemeanor theft and possession of untagged deer. He was ordered to pay $16,500 in restitution, which is set to be split between affected victims (donors whose meat was stolen and sold) and the ODNR Division of Wildlife, along with 17 months of suspended jail time and two years of community control.
Other key figures included Robert Sliva, 66, of Harrisville, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanors for illegal sales, record-keeping failures, and untagged deer possession, received a $500 fine, court costs, one year of probation, and 30 days of suspended jail. Thomas Bibeau, 53, from Deerfield, New Hampshire, admitted to a misdemeanor for improper game checking, facing a $500 fine, court costs, one year of probation, a one-year hunting license suspension, and 60 days suspended jail.
Collectively, the 35 defendants were hit with $6,313 in fines, eight years of combined hunting license suspensions, and 24 months of suspended jail time.
