Iowa Wrestlers Admit to Poaching Rabbits on Campus

by
posted on December 3, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (38)

A couple of University of Iowa wrestlers are in the news for doing something really stupid, but hey, maybe all that sucking weight affected their ability to reason. Whatever the cause, police say Alex Meyer and Connor Ryan, both freshmen, have admitted to using at least two air rifles to shoot rabbits after dark, without hunting licenses and, most alarmingly of all, on campus.

Here's my favorite part of the story: When police asked the wrestlers why they shot the rabbits, they said they planned "to make hats," according to the criminal complaints filed against them.

"If they want to hunt rabbits, they can come out to the countryside, either knock on doors and ask for permission to go on private land or come to our public areas," State Department of Natural Resources spokesman Mick Klemesrud told ESPN. "But you can't hunt in town."

The discovery began when an on-campus security guard saw two men, at least one of whom was carrying a "long gun." Officers allegedly followed the wrestlers to their dormitory and found several rabbit skins.

Both men are charged with discharging air rifles within city limits, a simple misdemeanor punishable with a $65 fine or up to 30 days in jail, and with violating a state law that bans hunting after dark, a $93 fine. Meyer was also cited for hunting without a license, which carries a $100 fine.

Latest

Henry Provider And Protector
Henry Provider And Protector

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

New for 2026: Upgraded Benelli M2 Field

Used across waterfowl marshes, turkey woods and upland cover, Benelli's M2 pairs dependability with responsive handling—built to perform in demanding environments while remaining light enough for all-day, on-the-move hunting.

First Look: Remington "Don't Tread on Me" Ammo Buckets

In keeping with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Remington has announced the release of its ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ ammo buckets.

Traditions Firearms Outfitter G3 Line Now Includes 400 Legend

Traditions Performance Firearms has added another straight-wall hunting cartridge to its Outfitter G3 lineup in 400 Legend.

New for 2026: Millennium Treestands Deadlok Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod

Millennium Treestands has launched the DeadLock Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod. Engineered for stability and versatility, this tripod provides a platform for hunters, shooters and outdoor photographers.

New For 2026: Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 Riflescope

Trijicon has come back to the rugged AccuPoint for 2026, this time with an 8X zoom range, wide field-of-view and all the robust qualities tho make this one ideally suited for Africa's Dangerous Game species.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.