Bowhunting Company, Celebrity Owners Found Guilty for Poaching Wildlife in Nebraska, Fined $750,000

In Omaha, Nebraska, a federal court handed down sentences to a famous couple and their bowhunting business for planning to break the Lacey Act, which forbids wildlife trafficking and poaching. They were fined a total of $750,000.

Largest Known Case of Poaching in Nebraska

The largest known case of poaching in Nebraska was the subject of the prosecution of Josh Bowmar, Sarah Bowmar, and Bowmar Bowhunting LLC of Ankeny, Iowa.

The Bowmars admitted guilt to a misdemeanor conspiracy charge in the US District Court of Nebraska last year. In return, four additional, more serious charges were dropped, most of which related to claims that hunting sites had been improperly baited.

Michael D. Nelson, a United States Magistrate Judge, gave them each a three-year probationary period and 40 hours of community service on Thursday.

Nelson also mandated that the Bowmars pay a $13,000 restitution fee, a $44,000 money judgment in place of foregoing certain property, and a $75,000 fine, or $25,000 each for the Bowmars and the business.

Hunting in Nebraska

The Bowmars are prohibited from hunting or taking part in any hunting-related activities in Nebraska while they are on probation.

United States Attorney Steven Russell stated in a press release that the Bowmars engaged in about five hunts annually at Hidden Hills Outfitters, a big game guiding and outfitting company close to Broken Bow, starting in September 2015 through November 2017.

The Bowmars conspired to move wildlife, or portions of it, from Nebraska to Ohio while engaging in commercially facilitated hunting when they should have known that doing so was against state law, Russell claimed.

The Bowmars broadcast hunting activities that took place in Hidden Hills using the internet and social media platforms, such as their Bowmar Bowhunting website, Instagram page, and YouTube channel.

According to a 2020 article published in the MeatEater, an anonymous tip led Nebraska wildlife officials on a five-year investigation. Investigators have connected over 100 people from 21 states-including well-known citizens and a television personality-to the illegal taking of big game animals and their trans-state transportation in what is being dubbed the largest poaching case in state history.

$750,000 Fine

In a press release, Russell stated that the sentencing hearing marked the conclusion of all anticipated prosecutions of numerous defendants in connection with offenses committed by Hidden Hills Outfitters' owners, guides, and customers.

In total, 39 people were found guilty in the lengthy case involving Hidden Hills Outfitters, and over $750,000 in fines, restitution, and forfeitures were collected.

According to the Des Moines Register, Additionally, Josh Bowmar's criminal trial for a fire that occurred on his property last year is scheduled to begin in April. As a result of the fire spreading to a neighbor's property and destroying a cabin, Bowmar was accused of using a weapon or explosive recklessly.

Also Read: Manhunt Ensues After Poacher Using Bow and Arrows Left Black Bears to Die in Agony 

Unlawful Hunts

Additional 13 people had their cases adjudicated by administratively abandoning various wildlife trophies obtained through illegal hunts at Hidden Hills Outfitters.

The underlying infractions involved at least 97 illegally taken wild turkeys or big game animals, including deer taken in baited areas, pronghorn, deer, and wild turkeys taken with tools or firearms that were not allowed to be used during the appropriate hunting seasons, deer taken from the road during closed season hours or without a valid permit, and mule deer taken in the Mule Deer Conservation Area.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and the Law Enforcement Division of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conducted a joint investigation into the incident, Billings Gazette reports.

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