Who Is Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer? Bow-Wielding Wyoming Man Arrested After Killing 9 Deer

A 20-year-old man, Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, faces multiple charges after allegedly killing nine deers in a bow-wielding spree near Cody, Wyoming. An inquiry was launched after officials found the animal carcasses—six does, two bucks, and a fawn—scattered over the area. After a foot pursuit by Wyoming Game and Fish Department game wardens, Wielhouwer brought himself up. Game warden Spencer Carstens saw Wielhouwer carrying a compound bow while on patrol in Park County, which is how the incident started. According to court records, the deer were shot between August 27 and September 4. A few of them had arrow wounds, and one was found floating in a pond.The defendant is charged on eighteen counts pertaining to the unlawful taking of prize animals. Nine counts of wanton destruction of large game and nine counts of unauthorized taking of a big game animal are among them. Class A misdemeanor charges carry a maximum fine of $10,000 and a maximum prison sentence of one year. Security footage obtained by Carstens and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which depicts a silver automobile identical to the one discovered at the pursuit scene, is one piece of evidence used against Wielhouwer. The video has been helpful in connecting Wielhouwer to the crimes.Wielhouwer is being held without bond; his current amount is $36,000. On his behalf, his defense lawyer submitted a not guilty plea. Considering the severity of the allegations and the effect the deaths had on the local fauna, a conviction might carry heavy consequences. The impact of the alleged binge has been exacerbated by successive hard winters that have already put strain on Cody's deer population. Although it is permissible to hunt deer inside municipal boundaries with the right permits and consent from landowners, Wielhouwer lacked the required paperwork. The unique nature of the crime and the seriousness of the allegations have drawn attention to the case. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is still keeping an eye on things.