By David Fleet

Editor

A Groveland Township deer hunter will maybe think twice before showing off his big buck on social media again.

Conservation Officer Justin Muehlhauser of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported that at 5 p.m., Nov. 2 a deer hunter posted a picture of an eight-point buck on Facebook that he shot on state land near Barron Road in Groveland Township. The conservation officer received a tip from Report A Poacher that the suspect had not purchased a hunting license.

Muehlhauser advised the man that the tag was actually purchased at 8:51 p.m., Nov. 2. The suspect said that he really thought that he had a license. He said that he always buys his license on his birthday in September and he went to tag the deer, but he couldn’t find the tag. It wasn’t until he went to the store for a replacement that he found out that he hadn’t bought a license yet this year.

Muehlhauser informed the man that the deer was taken illegally and seized the antlers as evidence. Charges are being sought by Oakland County.

Lt. Dan Bigger of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, a 14-year veteran, said thanks to the tips from Report A Poacher justice was served.

“We monitor social media websites,” said Bigger. “Posting pictures online of deer or any game has become more common today. We appreciate the tips, whether online or in the field—it’s all important. There are far more hunters than conservation officers.”

The suspect could be facing some stiff penalties and restitution for shooting a big buck under the trophy-size rack laws enacted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in February 2014. Rather than a flat restitution fee of $1,000 for poaching, the fine is now greater based on the deer’s antlers following the changes in the law.

The base fee for poaching any deer in Michigan, with or without antlers, is $1,000; Hunters who poach an antlered deer pays an additional restitution of $1,000. For an antlered deer with eight to 10 points, an additional $500 per point is added to the restitution. For an antlered deer with 11 or more points, an additional $750 per point is added to the restitution.

“In addition to $4,000 in restitution for the eight points, the suspect faces $500 in fines, plus loss of hunting privileges for this year plus three and court costs,” added Bigger.

The horns and meat were confiscated by law enforcement.