That would be awful. There will be no more hunting… It’s difficult to imagine. But, as far as I can tell, a punishment like this, robbing such holy privileges, must be well-deserved.
According to Fox News, Michigan game officials have imposed this penalty. I’m curious as to what he did…
Poaching, to be precise. If we even wish to classify them as hunters, they are at the very bottom of the “hunter” continuum.
There is no regard for a game that the rest of us genuinely like and appreciate. Killing for trophies in an illegal, unjust, and unethical manner is the polar antithesis of the hunter’s image. The punishment meted out to poachers is frequently justifiable.
This man had to learn the hard way, fighting the law and the law alone.
Justin Ernst plead guilty to multiple charges following an investigation and raid of his property. The officers found 9 trophy bucks that had all been harvested illegally.
This is the type of guy that ruins every bit of hard work you put into a season chasing after a big one. Only for Ernst to shoot it at night out on a joyride.
Ernst plead guilty to one count of felony possession of a firearm, one count of obtaining a hunting license when ineligible, and three counts of illegally possessing whitetail deer.
He also racked up $25,000 in fines and 18 months to 5-years in the joint.
Wow, the law came down hard. But, that is a good thing for hunters, especially in this area.
DNR officials began investigating Ernst after a tip was given. During the ongoing investigation, the police were called to his house of a domestic dispute, during which the officers noticed the excessive amount of deer and investigated farther.
Once again, the criminal seems to be their own worst enemy.
DVID Shaw from the Michigan DNR, was happy with the results.
“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.
We hope this serious sentence serves its intended purpose and are grateful for the strong message rendered by the 36th Circuit Court.”
Glad this guy is out of the woods and not causing trouble. Hunters around there should be back to having a fair chance at a big one. A harsh punishment, much deserved.
This article by Jacob Dillon was first published by WhiskeyRiff.com on 13 March 2022.
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