Dylan Nissley, a 32-year-old resident of Wakarusa, Indiana, has been sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to three misdemeanor violations of the Lacey Act. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
As part of his sentence, Nissley is subject to a universal ban on fishing and hunting for the duration of his probation and must complete 144 hours of community service.
Court documents indicate that in the spring of 2023, Nissley conducted unlawful guided fishing trips on Lake Erie in Ohio without holding a valid United States Coast Guard Captain License or a proper fishing guide license. During these trips, he permitted clients to exceed legal limits by catching and keeping more walleye than allowed. In November 2023, during Missouri’s archery-only hunting season, Nissley used a firearm to kill a buck, failed to report all harvested deer, and took more than two antlered deer—further violating the Lacey Act.
“True sportsmen and sportswomen understand that the North American model of wildlife conservation depends upon everyone—and especially guides—following the relevant laws and regulations when harvesting game,” announced Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “Dylan Nissley disregarded those rules, and in doing so he violated the federal Lacey Act. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement team, he has been held to account for his unlawful acts.”
“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.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as well as state resources departments from Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, along with assistance from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.
