WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — One of two men charged with dozens of hunting violations pleaded not guilty Monday, while the second has not had a chance to review the charges yet.
Eric Feavel, 40, of Fox Crossing, faces one count of failing to obtain required deer hunting approval, 25 counts of illegal shining of deer, and 24 counts of bail jumping.
Travis Vander Heiden, 37, of Appleton, faces one count of failing to obtain required deer hunting approval, 25 counts of hunting after license revocation, and 25 counts of illegal shining of deer.
In court Tuesday, Feavel waived a preliminary hearing and entered not guilty pleas. A demand for a speedy trial was made, but a trial date was not immediately set.
As for VanderHeiden, efforts to send him the criminal complaint by mail have been unsuccessful. A prosecutor emailed it to him Tuesday. A balance of initial appearance was set for next Tuesday, to give him time to review it.
According to the criminal complaints, a DNR warden responded to a field off County U about midnight on Nov. 12, due to a decapitated buck which was found in a field.
The warden noticed a vehicle traveling slowly, with someone shining deer with a handheld-flashlight out the driver’s window. The warden stopped the vehicle, noticed a cocked crossbow and bolts inside.
A check of the people in the car determined Vander Heiden was revoked from all hunting privileges. Feavel was wearing an ankle bracelet.
VanderHeiden admitted the two were shining deer. He said he was trying to start a taxidermy business, and used the meat for food.
The DNR matched the bolts in the vehicle with those in proximity to the headless buck.
“Vander Heiden said that he and Feavel have been shining and shooting at deer since 2019. Vander Heiden said the only person he shines and shoots deer with is Feavel. Vander Heiden does this to spend time with Feavel and because he enjoys eating venison,” the complaint states.
Vander Heiden estimated he shined and shot 15 deer in fall 2021, and Feavel shined and shot 15-to-20. In fall 2020, Vander Heiden admitted to shining and shooting five alone, and another five with Feavel. In fall 2019, he shined and shot about 15, and the two together shot another 15.
