Four arrested in Wisconsin deer poaching investigation involving over 100 kills

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) — Authorities have arrested three juveniles and one woman in connection with a large-scale illegal deer poaching investigation in Wisconsin.

According to a press release , investigators from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources spent hundreds of hours over the past two months investigating the alleged killing and mistreatment of whitetail deer and other wildlife across Fond du Lac, Washington, and Dodge counties.

The investigation revealed numerous criminal and non-criminal violations, with local law enforcement estimating that more than 100 deer were shot and/or killed between late spring 2023 and July 2024. One adult woman and three juvenile males were identified as primary suspects.

These alleged crimes occurred within a 200-square-mile region between Campbellsport, Waucousta, Lomira, Theresa, West Bend, and Kewaskum. Most of the activity took place after dark and often continued into the early morning hours.

The suspects allegedly used spotlights to locate deer in fields, shooting them from their vehicle. When a deer was believed to be shot, the suspects would enter the field to identify its sex. Most of the deer killed were left to rot, although the suspects allegedly removed the heads of some bucks, particularly those with large antlers. Some deer were wounded by gunfire but not killed.

Investigators say the suspects also intentionally hit deer with their vehicle. In one instance, a deer survived the impact but was severely wounded. The juveniles reportedly placed the injured animal in the trunk, taking videos and “selfies” with it. The deer was driven to various locations and kept alive in the trunk or back seat for hours before dying.

One video allegedly shows the suspects holding the suffering deer inside their home, where it eventually died. In another incident, the suspects captured a newborn fawn, transported it in a vehicle and took more videos of it, and later released it back into the wild.

The investigation also uncovered evidence that the suspects targeted other wildlife, including geese, raccoons, possums, and turtles, often capturing and harassing these animals before their release.

The suspects face numerous criminal and civil charges, including mistreating animals resulting in death, illegal possession of a firearm, hunting with artificial light, hunting during the closed season, and more. Charges have been referred to the district attorneys’ offices of Fond du Lac and Washington counties, as well as Fond du Lac County Juvenile Intake.

Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt called the incident “senseless, reckless, and indiscriminate,” adding that the acts committed will “shock the conscience of hunters and non-hunters alike.”

The community is reminded that they can report suspected wildlife violations to the DNR Violation Hotline at 1-800-847-9367.

No further details were provided.

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