Michigan DNR: Van Buren County Suspect Charged In Poaching Of Nine Trophy Bucks

Press release from Michigan DNR:

Nov. 18, 2021

Contact: Lt. Gerald Thayer, 269-204-7045 Agency: Natural Resources

Nov. 18, 2021

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Officers: Conservation Officers Tyler Cole, left, and Matt Page with eight deer heads that were suspected to have been poached by Justin Ernst, 33, of Decatur. Page located a ninth deer that Ernst took, two days later. Ernst is a convicted felon who is believed to have driven around fields at night, shining and shooting deer. Ernst faces over $59,000 in reimbursement and is scheduled to reappear in court on Dec. 20.

Truck: Justin Ernst, 33, Decatur faces over $59,000 in reimbursement to the state, if convicted, for the suspected poaching of nine bucks in Van Buren County. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Dec. 20.

Antlers: Eight of the nine sets of deer antlers suspected of being poached by Justin Ernst, 33, of Decatur. Ernst faces over $59,000 in reimbursement to the state, if convicted, for the suspected poaching of nine bucks. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Dec. 20.

This press release was produced by the Michigan DNR. The views expressed here are the author’s own.