This is a case of shining deer out of season, shooting them with rifles, and leaving most of the deer carcasses to rot in the fields and woods about a month before the state’s regular gun-hunting season.
The fourth of six men charged with killing at least 20 white-tailed deer out of season found out his fate late last week. His punishment includes a monetary fine, community service and the loss of his hunting and fishing privileges for three years.
The punishment was handed down last week to Charles Ladwig, 19, who pleaded no contest to illegal shining stemming from poaching activities in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, in October and November 2018.
According to the criminal complaint, Ladwig was one of six men involved in the incidents. Wisconsin wardens were contacted after residents found multiple dead deer that had been shot with firearms. Wisconsin’s gun-hunting season was closed at the time. Many of the deer carcasses had not been field dressed, and only small amounts of meat were harvested.
According to court records, Ladwig admitted to several incidents of shooting deer out of season.
Eau Claire County Circuit Court Judge John Manydeeds fined Ladwig $2,911 and gave him the option of spending 10 days in jail or performing 80 hours of community service. Ladwig also had his hunting and fishing privileges revoked for three years.
Three of the other men involved were punished earlier this year.
•Casey Lewallen, 23. Gun(s) seized. Fine of $2,468. Hunting and fishing privileges revoked for three years.
•Tyler Dawson, 22. Gun(s) seized. Fine of $2,468. Hunting and fishing privileges revoked for three years.
•Joshua Lane, 19. Fine of $1,313. Hunting and fishing privileges revoked for three years.
Two other men — Brandon Hugdahl, 22, and Tyler Thurmond, 21 — have upcoming court dates.