Mixed Bag: Penned deer kills Belmont County woman

St. Clairsville, Ohio — A Stewartsville woman was killed Nov. 14 after being attacked by a deer kept on her family’s property, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to the residence at about 10:27 p.m. Nov. 14 for a report of an animal attack, according to an account by WTRF TV. When they arrived, family members told them the victim, Jodi Proger, had been trapped inside an enclosure with a male deer that had become aggressive.

Relatives tried to reach her and attempted to kill the animal before deputies arrived, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies shot the deer to secure the scene and allow first responders access to the victim, the TV station reported.

Proger died from her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Belmont County coroner’s office was called to assist with the investigation.

Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack said no foul play is suspected. The Ohio DNR has been notified and is working with the Ohio Department of Agriculture as the investigation continues.

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Freshwater Fishing Hall Of Fame Offers Youth Writing Contest

Hayward, Wis. — The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame reminds young people to submit entries to the Lindsay Sale-Youth Writing Contest by Jan. 10, 2026. The Hall encourages stories about your most memorable fishing trip. Prizes are available for 1st place ($300), 2nd ($200) and 3rd ($100.)

Winners will be announced by May 15 and winning stories will be published in the spring issue of the Hall’s “Splash” newsletter.

The contest is open to youth between the ages of 12 and 15 (parental consent required). Limit one entry per person. All stories must be the work of the entrant, without the use of AI. Stories need to be between 200 and 500 words long, and entries will be judged by qualified outdoor journalists, photographers, and educators.

Complete contest details are available online at: www.freshwater-fishing.org/lindsay-sale-tinney-award-entry-form/.

— compiled from DNR, Staff, and Wire reports