Indiana man convicted for illegally guiding in Ohio, violating Lacey Act

Wakarusa, Indiana — Dylan Nissley, 32, of Wakarusa, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on Sept. 11 after pleading guilty to three misdemeanor Lacey Act violations.

Nissley was sentenced to two years of probation, which includes a universal fishing and hunting ban for the entire probation period and 144 hours of community service. Nissley also paid $10,000 to the Lacey Act Reward Act, according to a news release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

According to documents in the case, during the spring of 2023 Nissley offered unlawful guided fishing trips on Lake Erie in Ohio. At the time of the trips, Nissley did not possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain license or a valid fishing guide license. He also allowed individuals to double bag, meaning to catch and keep several more walleyes than allowed by the legal bag limit under state law.

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Nissley also violated the Lacey Act in November 2023 during the archery-only portion of the Missouri deer hunting season, according to the USFWS. Nissley killed a buck with a firearm, failed to report all the deer he harvested, and took more than two antlered deer during the season.

“Poaching has no place in America’s hunting and fishing heritage,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “We appreciate the strong support from our partners in Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. This case is a reminder for all hunters and anglers to be diligent when selecting guiding services and ensure you’re working with someone who complies with the law and honors the ethical principles of the outdoors.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Indiana DNR, Ohio DNR, Missouri Department of Conservation, and U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.