Michigan man charged with 125 wildlife crimes allegedly killed wolves, bald eagles

Michigan man charged with 125 wildlife crimes allegedly killed wolves, bald eagles



CHIPPEWA COUNTY, MI – A Michigan man has been charged with 125 wildlife crimes following a months-long investigation by the Department of Natural Resources.

Kurt Johnston Duncan, 56, of Pickford was arraigned ­in Chippewa County’s 91st District Court on Wednesday on numerous charges, including illegally harvesting 18 wolves over the past 18 months. He is also being investigated for allegedly killing and disposing of three bald eagles, the DNR said.

Wolves are protected in Michigan and are on the federal endangered species list. Bald eagles are protected under state law, as well as the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Duncan, who today pleaded not guilty to all charges, faces:

  • Up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine for each wolf.
  • Restitution of $500 per wolf.
  • Up to 90 days in jail and $500 fine each for the other wildlife crimes.

“We had a team of conservation officers that worked well together throughout this investigation,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler.

“Investigations like this require a long-term commitment from everyone involved. I want to thank the prosecutors in this case who worked with our officers. We are happy with the outcome and hope this case sets an example to prevent future natural resource crimes.”

Duncan was served four search warrants in March. Other species involved in the charges include deer, turkey, bear and bobcat.

DNR law enforcement detectives said that Duncan was using the animals for a variety of reasons, including crafts, selling, or disposing of them, and stated that he was catching the animals because he could and “likes to do it.”

Conservation officers collected evidence to support the charges and identified additional suspects who are expected to be charged soon, according to the DNR.

Chippewa County prosecutors are seeking $30,000 in restitution to the state for the illegally taken animals. Duncan’s cash bond is set at $500.

Other conditions of Duncan’s bond include having no contact with co-defendants, no possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon, and no engaging in hunting or fishing.

This article was first published by MLive on 20 May 2020. Lead Image: A Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer investigates snares that Pickford resident Kurt Johnston Duncan was charged with using to illegally capture animals. Michigan DNR.


What you can do

Support ‘Fighting for Wildlife’ by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute. Thank you.

 

payment

 

Fighting for Wildlife supports approved wildlife conservation organizations, which spend at least 80 percent of the money they raise on actual fieldwork, rather than administration and fundraising. When making a donation you can designate for which type of initiative it should be used – wildlife, oceans, forests or climate.

 

Dive in!

Discover hidden wildlife with our FREE newsletters

We promise we’ll never spam! Read our Privacy Policy for more info

Supertrooper

Founder and Executive Editor

Share this post with your friends




Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

3 Comments