(WWJ) A man identified by state officials as a "habitual wildlife offender" is facing charges for poaching deer in southwestern Michigan.
Justin Ernst, 38, of Lapeer County, was arraigned on Friday, November 13, in Van Buren County’s 7th District Court.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, he's facing eight counts of natural resources violations for alleged poaching on October 31 and November 1, in Paw Paw and Lawrence townships.
The DNR said Ernst, whose hunting license was permanently revoked in 2022, was charged with illegally taking five deer, including two nine-points and one eight-point.
Ernst faces $22,000 in reimbursement for the following:
- Killing deer outside of firearm season with a firearm (five counts).
- Hunting while revoked (one count).
- Off-road vehicle trespassing (one count).
- Recreational trespassing (one count)
.“We believe our department has highlighted the severity of these continued crimes by Ernst, and he is essentially robbing the public of a valued resource,” said Brandon Kieft, chief of the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division, in a statement “We hope these charges will help prevent further issues with this habitual offender.”
The DNR said Ernst faces additional, non-poaching charges requested by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. Details about those charges were not immediately released.
Michigan's regular firearm deer hunting season is open November 15 – November 30, 2026, statewide. (Early antlerless season is September 12–13). A license is required.
Get complete information on deer hunting from the Michigan DNR at this link.
