A controversial pair of hunters – known for flaunting their hunting trophies to lots of of hundreds of social media followers – have been fined $133,000 for alleged pet trafficking in Nebraska.
The pair were convicted last week in Omaha federal court in the most important poaching case in state history.
Josh Bowmar, 32, and Sarah Bowmar, 33, of Ohio were amongst dozens accused of participating in dozens of illegal game hunts with Broken Arrow, Nebraska-based Hidden Hills Outfitters between September 10, 2015 and November 6, 2017 , reported the KPVI.
On the time, not-so-great white hunters knowingly pursued white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and other animals and not using a valid license and using bait, in accordance with the unique 2020 indictment, the Every day Mail reported. The document states that they used multiple bait spots to “maximize hunting efficiency and success rate” or “attempt to kill a selected trophy deer”.
The Bowmars then posted recordings of their ill-gotten trophies Youtube and Pages on Instagrameach titled “Bowmar Bowhunting”, where they boast over 300,000 subscribers and 342,000 followers respectively.
![The couple also frequently posts fitness photos on social media.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/bowmarbowhunting-10.jpg?w=1024)
In one in every of the disturbing clips posted January 5, 2017, referenced in the indictment, Josh, a fitness trainer, is seen shooting a white-tailed deer arrow. He later describes how “his fucking horns” fell off after he shot him.
The Bowmars transported these animal trophies to Ohio and elsewhere. In doing so, they violated the Lacey Act, which prohibits “trading in fish, wildlife, or plants which might be illegally harvested, possessed, transported, or sold.”
In October, the trophy hunters pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Nebraska to 1 count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, Field and stream reported. This led to the court dropping 4 other, more serious charges, which mainly involved illegal animal baiting.
![The poaching case was the largest in Nebraska history.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/bowmarbowhunting-14.jpg?w=819)
As punishment for their crimes, the Bowmars were sentenced Thursday to a few years probation and 40 hours of community service. The judge also ordered the archers to pay a $75,000 high-quality – $25,000 for each Bowmar and their Bowmar Bowhunting LLC of Ankeny, Iowa – together with $44,000 in property and $13,000 in damages to Nebraska Game and Park Commission.
The couple can be banned from hunting in Nebraska through the probationary period.
A complete of 39 people were convicted and greater than $750,000 in fines, restitution and forfeiture were collected in what has been called the most important poaching case in Nebraska history.
![Josh and Sarah Bowmar with a precious zloty.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/bowmarbowhunting-15.jpg?w=1024)
The Secret Animal Killing Circle was responsible for taking not less than 97 game animals, starting from turkey to pronghorn, by prohibited means. These include baiting deer, using prohibited weapons, hunting during closed hours and taking mule deer from protected areas.
“This sentencing hearing marks the conclusion of all foreseen legal proceedings against multiple defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides and customers of Hidden Hills Outfitters,” U.S. Attorney Steven Russell said in a press release.
This is not the primary time the Bowmars have been the goal of controversy. In 2016, Josh — who met his wife Sarah in a bodybuilding competition in 2014 — sparked outrage amongst wildlife activists after uploading a video of him fatally impaling a bear he lured in Alberta, Canada.
![Sarah Bowmar with a turkey she beat with a bow.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/bowmarbowhunting-08.jpg?w=1024)
![The Bowmars allegedly participated in dozens of illegal hunts in 2016 and 2017.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/bowmarbowhunting-13.jpg?w=819)
Despite the graphic nature of the killing, the previous college football player was never charged because spear hunting was allowed in Alberta on the time.
In response to objections, Josh stated that the killing was ethical and that “nobody cares more about animals” than hunters.