Woman involved in poaching of over 100 area deer makes initial court appearance

The woman accused of a poaching deer with three teenagers in Dodge, Washington and Fond du Lac counties made her initial appearance in court Monday, December 2, 2024, in Washington County, and released on a $5,000 signature bond.

Jessica Kroening, 36, of Brownsville, faces multiple charges, including illegal shining of deer, which she did with the teenagers in a poaching scheme authorities say was done to ultimately make European mounts. A type of mount where all the fur and flesh of a deer head is taken off, leaving only the skull of the animal.

Investigators believe well over 100 deer were shot or killed between late spring 2023 and July this year.

They say the crimes occurred in the 200 square mile region between Campbellsport, Waucousta, Lomira, Theresa, West Bend, and Kewaskum, with Much of the activity occurring after dark.
The suspects are thought to have shot deer they found by shining a spotlight into fields. In most cases the deer were just left to die, but if the deer was a male with a rack, the heads would be cut off.

In addition to the deer, investigators obtained evidence to believe these suspects also targeted and harassed other wildlife including geese, raccoons, possums, and turtles.

Kroening’s hearing in Washington County is set for December 30th.

Initially, Kroening was also going to be charged in Fond du Lac County though no charges have been filed at this time.