Hickey and a few illegal birds | USFWS
A 21-year-old Ohio man who seemingly paid zero attention to state wildlife laws all while promoting it on TikTok has finally had his day in court. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carter J. Hickey of New Philadelphia has pleaded guilty to 17 wildlife crimes following a multi-year and multi-state investigation.
It was back in May 2025 when pictures (including the one above), along with tips began to pour into both the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. What first began with a few local complaints, soon ballooned into what looked to be a deliberate pattern of violations that allegedly took place across 17 states.
While the details remain vague, what we do know is that Hickey took a variety of wildlife out of season, possessed animals illegally, hunted without permission, used a motor vehicle to spotlight and kill animals, and ignored just about every game-check requirement in the book.
There was even one documented incident where investigators say that Hickey took a big 10-point buck from a public park in Dover.
In total, investigators seized 115 pounds of turkey meat and 47 whole or partial turkey fans, along with three firearms, a bow, hunting blinds, decoys, and other gear used in the crimes.
While committing the violations, Hickey (naturally) posted about his hunting exploits on TikTok, including a pile of false information that made the illegal activity look legitimate. As part of his sentencing, the court ordered him to post an apology on the same channel and write a letter of apology to the City of Dover for the park trespass and illegal buck.
In addition to the public shaming/slap on the wrist, Hickey was hit with over $33,000 worth of financial penalties. Following the convictions, he was ordered to pay more than $12,000 in restitution, $5,500 in fines, and $11,000 in additional penalties. He also had to contribute $5,000 to Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher program, received 15 days in jail, two years of probation, 80 hours of community service, and a five-year ban on hunting and trapping.
Three other unnamed defendants in the case received a combined total of $5,000 in fines, lost their firearms, and had their hunting privileges suspended for two years.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigators stated that Hickey had violated wildlife laws in at least 17 states and had additional states in his sights. The public record so far only details the Ohio convictions and the specific evidence seized there.
“We can’t do this alone, it takes coordination, teamwork and strong partnerships with Tribal Nations, other federal agencies and our colleagues in state conservation agencies,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service release said. “Our special agents in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and our counterparts in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources are trained to safeguard animals and habitats, enforce the law and assist local communities. Many thanks to everyone who made this investigation possible.”
