A man is facing 18 wildlife-related charges based on allegations that he went on a killing spree with a bow in Cody, leaving nine dead mule deer scattered around town.
Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer was arraigned early Tuesday on nine counts of taking a big game animal without a license and nine counts of wanton destruction of a big game animal, according to documents from Park County Fifth Judicial District Circuit Court.
Each misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.
In an email to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday, Wyoming Game and Fish spokeswoman Breanna Ball stated that game wardens are “investigating the killing of multiple deer — including bucks, does and fawns — that were killed and abandoned in the town of Cody. Game wardens have identified a suspect, an arrest warrant has been issued and law enforcement agencies are attempting to locate this individual.”
In a follow-up email, Ball stated that, “A suspect is now in custody, charges have been filed and arraignment occurred this morning for this individual. The investigation is ongoing, no further details are available at this time.”
No age or residence was listed in court documents for Wiehouwer.
An affidavit written by Wyoming Game and Fish Game Warden Spencer Carstens and filed with court documents stated that a witness told wardens that Wielhouwer had been staying at the witness’ house in Cody.
The witness described Wielhouwer as “a black male 5-10, 145 pounds, with dreadlocks and around 20 years of age,” according to the affidavit.
Carcass Found Floating In Pond
Two bucks, six does and a fawn were killed, and the carcasses were found with broadhead hunting arrow wounds, according to court documents.
The carcasses were discovered between Aug. 27 and Sept. 4, according to court documents.
Most of the carcasses were found around the Park County Complex, including a dead doe that was floating in a pond at the complex.
Carcasses were also found on 15th Street and Alger Avenue in Cody.
Foot Chase
Carstens and another game warden were on patrol near the Park County Complex at about 10 p.m. Sept. 4 when they heard a sound “consistent with at shot from a compound bow,” according to the affidavit.
Carstens saw somebody carrying a compound bow and “shining a light on the ground.”
He described the person as a “young black male with dreadlocks.”
The person ran, and Carstens chased him.
“During the pursuit, I observed a dead mule deer doe (deer #9) on the ground where the individual was observed,” according to the affidavit.
Carstens continued to give chase, but lost sight of the person running on 14th Street toward Markham Reservoir.
Hunting Deer In Town Legal, Under Certain Conditions
Cody has a robust urban mule deer herd. It is technically legal to hunt deer with a bow within town limits in Wyoming. But only under special conditions, usually established by local municipal authorities.
Hunters must have licenses and prior permission from property owners.
For instance, the Sheridan Police Department has arranged special archery deer hunts in some open spaces within city limits.
Hunters are required to pre-register with the police before going out after deer.
Contact Mark Heinz at mark@cowboystatedaily.com
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
