Michigan Man Banned from Hunting for Life after Poaching 9 Big Bucks

Maggie Hudlow Feb 23, 2022

On Oct. 17, Michigan State Police were investigating Justin Ernst for a domestic violence complaint when they discovered several deer in a barn where Ernst reportedly spent a lot of time. According to a Michigan Department of Natural Resources press release, the troopers notified MDNR officers Matt Page and Tyler Cole of potential poaching, and the owner of the barn permitted them to search anywhere.

The MDNR officers discovered eight large whitetail bucks in the barn. Two days later, the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline received an anonymous tip that Ernst had poached another deer. Officers confirmed this tip, racking up Ernst’s tally to nine poached whitetails. They also discovered two shotguns, a crossbow, and a spotlight in Ernst’s vehicle.

MI poacher charged

The homeowner said they believed Ernst was under the influence of methamphetamine. They told officers that he would be out all night and a new buck would be in the barn in the morning. Meth previously landed Ernst with felony charges in 2018. He was also charged with illegal taking and possessing whitetail deer in the same year.

While in jail for the domestic violence charge, Ernst denied any connection to the poachings. He claimed he couldn’t hunt due to a revoked hunting license. He faced 15 charges, including nine counts of taking game illegally, two felony firearm violations, and hunting with a revoked license, as well as over $59,000 in fines.

“It’s a shame that this criminal ruined the chance for ethical, legal hunters to have their opportunity to take one of these trophy deer,” Lt. Gerald Thayer of the DNR Law Enforcement Division said in a press release. “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.”

On Feb. 14, Ernst pled guilty to three counts of illegal taking/possessing whitetail deer, obtaining a hunting license while ineligible, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The judge didn’t hold back on sentencing. Ernst lost his hunting privileges for life, must pay $25,000 in fines, and will serve a minimum of 18 months and up to five years in a correctional facility.

"We're satisfied that this criminal will be imprisoned for robbing ethical hunters, damaging crops, and endangering others by recklessly driving through fields and shooting deer at night," DNR Law Enforcement Division Assistant Chief David Shaw said in the press release. "We hope this serious sentence serves its intended purpose and are grateful for the strong message rendered by the 36th Circuit Court."

Poached antlers in truck