10/12/24 Four Suspected of Poaching Hundreds of Deer
12 October 2024 News
Multiple charges are being referred against three 16-year-old Campbellsport boys and a 36-year-old Campbellsport woman for killing over 100 deer from the spring of 2023 to July of this year. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department and Department of Natural Resources conducted hundreds of hours of combined investigation into the incidents. The activity involved killing and mistreatment of whitetail deer and other wildlife in southeastern Fond du Lac, northern Washington, and northeastern Dodge Counties. The alleged crimes occurred in the 200 square mile region between Campbellsport, Waucosta, Lomira, Theresa, West Bend, and Kewaskum. The suspects allegedly drove around at night “shining” and shooting deer. If it was a buck with large antlers they would remove the head. Sheriff’s officials said they would also intentionally hit deer with their vehicle. In one such incident the deer did not die, and they put it in the vehicle and drove around taking selfies with the deer. They also took it home and produced videos of it walking around in agony. It eventually died. The suspects also targeted and harassed other wildlife including geese, raccoons, possums, and turtles. Fifteen different criminal charges and hunting-related violations are being referred against the suspects. Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt says a single tip was the launching point for the investigation, but after that the public came forward with more information.
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