Sarah and Josh Bowmar have made their name as online fitness and hunting influencers that promote a healthy lifestyle, ethical hunting, and family values. But in 2020, that reputation faced scrutiny when they were charged with a legal case called 'the most extensive poaching sting in Nebraska history.'
The Bowmars were faced with five counts of hunting violations, including hunting wild turkeys without a valid permit, illegally transporting game across state lines, and baiting wildlife. The couple initially pleaded not guilty on all counts, but worked out a plea deal instead. Eventually, the duo pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and were ordered to pay a hefty fine.
That cringeworthy situation could have been the end of the Bowmar hunting empire, but life goes on. The couple have continued to hunt and pursue their fitness goals, plus start a family. Let's take a look at how these influencers have rebuilt their lives after the scandal.
The Case That Almost Took Them Down
The Bowmars hunted at Hidden Hill Outfitters multiple times between 2015 and 2017, and during that time broke multiple laws, which included hunting over bait, at night with lights, out of season, after hours, and from roads.
Instagram, Sarah Bowmar
In return for pleading guilty to misdemeanor conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, the Bowmars had the other charges they faced—including illegal transportation of wildlife, illegal baiting, and hunting without permits—dropped. After the Bowmars were formally charged with a misdemeanor and accepted a plea deal in January 2023, the couple was ordered to pay $130,000 in fines and serve three years' probation, and they lost hunting privileges in Nebraska for those three years.
They acknowledged the mistakes they made in Nebraska and took responsibility for their actions.
"I don't want it to come across as if this conspiracy charge isn't a big deal because it most certainly is, Josh Bowmar said in an Instagram video. "It comes with hefty fines, probation, and even hunting restrictions in Nebraska. So, this is serious, and we are taking it that way."
Where Are the Bowmars Now?
The Bowmars had built their empire on the pillars of bowhunting, fitness, and family. They still enjoy bowhunting and do so extensively, traveling around the world on hunting adventures. Through Bowmar Hunting, they also launched several consumer products, including the signature Bowmar Nose Button. Their big game hunting adventures can be viewed on their YouTube channel.
"Bowhunting is more than a sport," Josh Bowmar said. "It's a way to connect with nature and advocate for its preservation,"
The Bowmars have become invested in a number of charitable endeavors, supporting the Dallas Safari Club's anti-poaching efforts and calling themselves advocates for ethical hunting methods. The Bowmars have also donated tens of thousands of meals to families in South Africa and Mozambique through hunting.
The couple is also meticulous in maintaining several healthy-lifestyle and health-based brands. They are co-owners of Bowmar Fitness, Bowmar Nutrition, and APEX Protein Snacks. They focus heavily on health and wellness, and they are certified as nutrition specialists and ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) fitness trainers. Sarah Bowmar is also an AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates)-certified prenatal and postpartum trainer.
The couple share two children, a daughter named Oakley and a son named Dean, whom they bring with on travels across the globe, including a six-week hunting safari this year. On her social media channels, in addition to her fitness and hunting content, Sarah Bowmar also focuses on children and motherhood.
Read More: How One Poacher's Social Media Posts Led to 32 Federal Charges
