Three teenage boys and a 36-year-old woman are suspected of shooting and killing more than 100 deer over a wide area in eastern Wisconsin.
According to the Fond du Lac County sheriff’s office, the illegal activity took place from spring 2023 through July, spanning Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Washington counties.
The suspects allegedly used a spotlight at night to locate deer in open fields, then shot them. Some of the bucks, particularly those with large antlers, had their heads severed.
In addition to shooting deer, the group reportedly drove around with the intent of hitting the animals on roadways.
Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt shared further troubling details about their behavior. “Selfies” were reportedly taken with a deer that had been struck by a vehicle, and the suspects transported the wounded animal in the trunk or back seat of their car.
“They drove around to various locations with the deer still alive and suffering in the trunk or back seat and continued to produce video clips documenting their travels with the wounded deer,” Sheriff Waldschmidt said in a statement.
The cruelty extended beyond deer. Investigators believe the group also harassed other wildlife, including geese, raccoons, possums, turtles, and more.
The suspects, all from Campbellsport, a small town located roughly 50 miles northwest of Milwaukee, are currently under investigation, with charges being prepared for referral to local prosecutors.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 19 October 2024. Image Credit :Billy F Blume Jr/Shutterstock.
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