Man Charged With Killing Nine Deer in Wyoming

Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, a 20-year-old man from Michigan, faces 18 misdemeanor charges for allegedly poaching nine deer with a crossbow in Cody, Wyoming, between late August and early September. The deer, including two bucks, six does, and a fawn, were found abandoned with broadhead arrow wounds in various locations, primarily around the Park County Complex. Wielhouwer reportedly taunted authorities on Facebook, posting 'Catch me if you can', and fled during an attempted arrest by game wardens on September 4, before eventually turning himself in. His bail is set at $36,000, reflecting potential restitution of $4,000 per deer if convicted. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $10,000 fine, with a trial scheduled for February 6. The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, which values the area's mule deer population.