Van Buren County man gets prison, lifetime hunting ban in Michigan

Decatur, Mich. — A Van Buren County man received prison time, a large fine, and a lifetime ban from hunting in Michigan for poaching nine trophy bucks nearly five years ago.

Justin Ernst, of Decatur, pleaded guilty in February to three counts of illegal taking and possessing of whitetail deer, one count of obtaining a hunting license when ineligible, and one count of felon in procession of a firearm, the Michigan DNR stated. Ernst, 33, was sentenced to serve 18 months to five years in prison. He was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and received a lifetime loss of hunting privileges.

“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,” said David Shaw, assistant chief of the Michigan DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “We hope this serious sentence serves its intended purpose and are grateful for the strong message rendered by the Court.”

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On Oct. 17, 2021, Michigan State Police were investigating a domestic violence complaint involving Ernst, the DNR said. Troopers contacted conservation officers after they saw several deer in a nearby barn where Ernst frequented.

Conservation officers then seized eight illegal bucks from the barn, including five 10-pointers and three eight-pointers. Two days later, the DNR received an anonymous tip stating that Ernst took another deer. Conservation officers later confirmed that Ernst indeed poached his ninth trophy buck.

Ernst was previously convicted in 2018 for illegally taking or possessing whitetail deer, the DNR said.