Troopers spot 9 illegal trophy bucks while investigating domestic complaint

A Van Buren County man is being investigated for illegally hunting nine trophy bucks.

Justin Ernst, 33, of Decatur, could face paying up to $59,500 in reimbursement to the state. According to a release from Lt. Gerald Thayer of the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division, Ernst was charged with over a dozen violations.

“Not only did this felon steal from the natural resource, he also damaged agriculture crops, and has been doing so for some time. The financial penalty is the minimum he should serve," said Thayer.

On Oct. 17, police were investigating a domestic violence complaint when they discovered the animals in a barn. DNR conservation officers subsequently received a tip from troopers and while they were investigating seized eight illegal bucks – five 10-pointers and three with 8 points.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/troopers-spot-9-illegal-trophy-222211998.html