He Bragged About Hunting on TikTok — Then the Court Made Him Apologize There. 🦃📱
Ohio hunter Carter Hickey, 21, has been ordered to publicly apologize on the same social media platform where he once bragged about his hunting exploits.
Hickey pleaded guilty to 17 wildlife-related offenses connected to illegal hunting and poaching across at least 17 states. Authorities said the violations included hunting during closed seasons, hunting without permission, illegally possessing wildlife, and using a vehicle to kill animals.
Investigators also seized 115 pounds of turkey meat, 47 turkey fans, firearms, a bow, and other hunting equipment.
His punishment includes 15 days in jail, 80 hours of community service, two years of probation, more than $28,000 in fines and restitution, and a five-year ban on hunting and trapping. He was also ordered to forfeit firearms and other equipment connected to the offenses.
But perhaps the most unusual part of the sentence involved TikTok.
Because Hickey had used the platform to boast about his activities and spread false information, the court ordered him to return to social media and post a public apology to his followers. He was also ordered to write an apology to the city of Dover over trespassing and illegally taking a 10-point buck from a public park.
It’s a striking reminder that social media posts can come back to haunt you—especially when they document behavior that later becomes evidence.
The platform he once used to celebrate his hunts is now the place where he has to publicly take responsibility. 📱⚖️🦌