Recent incidents in Wisconsin and Ohio have highlighted severe cases of deer poaching, leading to significant legal consequences for the individuals involved.

Wisconsin Poaching and Animal Cruelty Case

In Wisconsin, 36-year-old Jessica Kroening from Campbellsport, along with her 16-year-old son and two of his friends, have been accused of illegally killing over 100 deer between spring 2023 and July 2024. The group allegedly used spotlights and firearms to hunt deer at night, often leaving the carcasses to rot and occasionally decapitating bucks to collect their antlers. Investigations revealed that the teenagers frequently drove around at night in Kroening’s car, searching for deer to spotlight and shoot from the road. Kroening has pleaded not guilty to charges including illegal shining of deer, contributing to the delinquency of a child, and resisting a conservation warden.

The investigation also uncovered instances of animal torture. In one case, the suspects struck a deer with their vehicle, placed the injured animal in the back seat, and recorded videos of themselves interacting with the suffering deer until it died. Additionally, they captured a fawn, drove it around, and took it home before releasing it back into the wild. Evidence also showed the group harassed other wildlife, including geese, raccoons, possums, and turtles.

Authorities became aware of the poaching activities after neighbors reported a foul odor coming from the back of Kroening’s house. Conservation Warden Zachery Feest investigated and discovered deer heads in black plastic garbage bags near her door. Further investigation led to the discovery of bloodied weapons, including knives and a saw, in her car, as well as two firearms used by the teens.

The suspects have been cited for multiple violations, including discharging a firearm from a motorized vehicle, hunting within 50 feet of a road’s center, and hunting with ammunition not reasonably capable of killing a deer. These citations carry fines between $20 and $60 each. Additional penalties may result from their criminal trials in juvenile court, though those details may remain confidential due to the suspects’ ages.

For the full story, head to themeateater.com

Ohio Poaching Case

In a separate incident in Ohio, 28-year-old Christopher J. Alexander of Wilmington was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay $43,000 in fines for unlawfully harvesting an 18-point white-tailed deer in November 2023. This restitution amount is the highest ever imposed for a single deer in Ohio history. Alexander pleaded guilty to 14 additional misdemeanors, including hunting violations and selling wildlife parts. His hunting license was revoked for 10 years, and he forfeited property used as evidence, including the deer antlers. His sister, Kristina M. Alexander, along with Corey and Zachary Haunert, were also involved and received fines, community service, and license revocations after entering plea agreements.

For the full story, check out americanhunter.org