Kiel teens face ‘thrill killing’ hunting charges
From staff reports March 9, 2006
MANITOWOC – Seven Kiel High School students will face charges of hunting illegally or “thrill killing” small game, said Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources warden Robert Stroess.
The students’ illegal activities, which they often referred to as “critter beating,” began in the spring of 2004. The majority of activity occurred between May and October 2005, Stroess said.
“They were going out and shining for animals, and one or more of them would beat the animal to death with golf club, baseball bats, garden tools, hockey stick and a metal pipe,” Stroess said.
The charges include 155 warnings and 25 citations for hunting violations, Stroess said.
Charges were filed on March 1 and an initial appearance in Manitowoc County Circuit Court is scheduled on April 19, Stroess said.
Stroess said the students will be charged as adults. If convicted, the individuals face fines and revocation of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and confiscation of hunting equipment, Stroess said.