Bowhunters and online influencers Josh and Sarah Bowmar had their plea agreement accepted by the United States District Court of Nebraska after a two-year case involving indictments of illegal hunting that stretch back to more than five years ago. They have been sentenced to three years of probation, including the lost privilege to hunting in Nebraska, and tens of thousands of dollars in fines and restitution.
Gear Junkie first shared the news of the sentencing, which totals $13,000 in restitution and $25,000 for each of the Bowmars in fines. Bowmar Bowhunting, LLC is also required to pay $25,000 in fines. This sentencing follows what has been called the largest Nebraska poaching case ever, which led to an eventual 30 guilty pleas, more than $650,000 in fines, and even jail time for some offenders.
In October of last year, the Bowmars pled guilty to unlawfully, willfully, and knowingly conspiring with others to possess, transport, or sell wildlife in violation of the federal Lacey Act. Further charges of hunting wild turkeys without a valid permit, illegally transporting game across state lines, and illegal baiting of wildlife were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
Jacob Hueftle, the couple's hunting guide, and his outfit Hidden Hills Outfitters, LLC, were sentenced more severely. Hueftle faces a 30-month federal prison sentence, $214,375 in restitution, and a 15-year ban on hunting, trapping or any related business.
A total of 97 animals were determined to have been taken illegally as part of the larger case, and 53 years of revoked hunting and fishing privileges were doled out.
READ MORE: ARE POACHING PENALTIES TOO LIGHT?
