There’s been another conviction in the nearly three-year-old Waupaca County deer slaughter case. Nicholas Hermes, 25, of Waupaca entered no contest pleas Tuesday to three counts of mistreatment of animals causing death, and three hunting violations. He’ll be sentenced February 7.
Rory Kuenzi, 27, of Weyauwega was given an 11-year prison sentence to be served at the same time as a 23-year term he’s now serving for an unrelated traffic death. His brother, 26-year-old Robby Kuenzi, is scheduled for trial on the matter in April.
Five deer were slaughtered by snowmobiles in the town of Lind in January of 2009. The deer killings caused strong emotions throughout the country. The landowner closed the trail, causing riders to go for miles out of their way. Animal rights’ groups were angered while snowmobile groups condemned the killings and defended the integrity of their sport.
Jack Barry-WDUX contributed to this report.