Gun shots are set to echo through Hocking Hills as turkey season opens Monday; however, some hunters might not be able to wait, and their shots might be heard prematurely as they try to gain the upper hand by taking to the woods a little early.

Hocking County Wildlife Officer Todd Stewart said poaching happens - especially around this time of year.

"(Poaching) definitely goes on," Stewart said. "I wouldn't say there is more of a problem here than in other areas, but you don't hear much about it in Hocking County."

Stewart said deer and turkey are the most frequently poached animals in Hocking County.

Most turkey poaching is done prior to turkey season, he said.

"This week will probably be a big one for turkey poaching," Stewart said.

Division of Wildlife Field Supervisor Terry Hawk, who supervises work in six southeastern Ohio counties, including Hocking County, said Hocking does not have a bigger poaching problem than any of the other areas in his jurisdiction.

"There are a lot of good hunters, but just like in every sport, there are a few who ruin it for everyone," Hawk said.

Stewart said most poachers are not caught, and there is only one way to cut down on poaching - more manpower. There is one wildlife officer for each county in Ohio, he said.

"I think we've tried everything," he said. "I think manpower is the main thing. That's our shortcoming, but the budget only allows for so much. We just have to do what we can."

Stewart said several ways exist to poach turkey besides hunting out of season.

One way is using bait to lure a turkey. Poachers also use small-caliber rifles. Only shotguns are allowed when hunting turkey.

Several ways exist to poach deer besides hunting out of season as well.

The most common method is called jack lighting, which is when a poacher shines a bright light in the deer's face. The deer freezes, making it an easy target. Deer also are shot illegally with high-powered rifles, he said.

The penalties for poaching are stiff, Division of Wildlife District Law Supervisor Mike Taylor said.

First time offenders are charged with a third-degree misdemeanor, while repeat offenders are charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

If convicted, poachers face up to 60 days in jail, a maximum fine of $500, court costs, loss of hunting privileges for a period of one day to five years, forfeiture of the hunting device and restitution costs, which are $400 for deer and $300 for turkeys.

"Poachers could lose up to $1,000 if caught," Taylor said.

"Some people think that is a bit intrusive, but the wildlife belongs to everyone in the state, and it's the Division of Wildlife's job to protect it," he said.

Stewart said despite the penalties, poaching continues, and most poaching in Hocking County is done by a small group of people.

"The basic reason why anyone poaches is just greed," he said.

"They don't want the sportsmen to have the opportunity, and they think they've gotta have it for themselves."

Stewart said most poaching is done in agricultural fields because poachers can see deer in the open.

Most poachers that are caught are caught with the help of tips from hunters or residents.

He said an average of 10 tips a year actually are used to bring in poachers, but most tips do not have enough information to be useful.

Stewart said anyone with information regarding poaching should call (800)-POACHER.

The most useful information is a description or identification of the person, a description of the person's vehicle or a license number, a description of the violation, the location, time, and if the tipster has observed these actions in the past.