WI: 18-year-old trapper charged with 'raccoon bashing'

Reedsville man charged with 'raccoon bashing'

Mar. 16, 2011 |

MANITOWOC — An 18-year-old Reedsville man, arrested for “raccoon bashing,” faces three felony charges in Manitowoc County Circuit Court for allegedly mistreating animals and causing their death.

A preliminary hearing for Brandon M. Haelfrisch, 21332 Manitowoc Road, is set for 8:45 a.m. March 24.

According to records:

The alleged offenses occurred between September and November of 2009. On Nov. 16, a conservation warden arrived at Haelfrisch’s residence and interviewed him about his involvement in illegal trapping and raccoon bashing. At first he denied charges, but later admitted to going raccoon and opossum bashing on several occasions.

Haelfrisch said he and some friends would shine spotlights on the animals and he killed the animals using a metal bat or golf club.

He also said he trapped on his land and a neighbor’s land. Traps included muskrat traps. He had not completed a trapper education course and did not have a trapping license.

Haelfrisch said he skinned one raccoon and put it in the freezer in his basement. He then showed the warden bags of raccoon and skunk hides inside a basement chest freezer.

Charges were filed Feb. 23. Bail was set at $1,000 during the initial court appearance March 7.

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