Deer Killed on Michigan Golf Course by Convicted Felon

A deer was found dead on a driving range at a golf course in Michigan. Authorities from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported that the animal had been shot with a rifle linked to a convicted felon.

Michigan Penalties for Deer Poaching

Michigan offers hunters plenty of legal opportunities to harvest a whitetail deer so there should be no need to harvest the animal illegally. Still, every year we hear many stories of illegal poaching in the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

In Michigan, deer poaching is considered a serious misdemeanor. Convictions carry mandatory fines ranging from $200 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, and the loss of hunting privileges for three years. Offenders must also pay a minimum restitution of $1,000 per deer, with higher fees for antlered bucks, starting at $1,000 for the deer plus an additional $500 or more for each antler point.

Read More: Michigan Man Charged for Harassing Deer Hunters

Deer Slain on Michigan Golf Course by Felon

It’s well known that deer often visit golf courses in Michigan, where hunting is prohibited, offering them a safe environment and abundant food. In theory, a deer in Michigan doesn't have anything to worry about when hanging around a golf course other than a stray golf ball falling out of the sky on a deer.

According to MLive, the DNR says that finding a dead deer on a golf course driving range in Clinton County led them to a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm and admitted to shooting the young deer with a .22.

A witness directed DNR officers toward the location where the gunshot was heard. Following a trail of footprints, a conservation officer tracked them to nearby properties. When confronted, the suspect admitted he didn’t expect to actually hit the deer.

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