DNR deer poaching investigation results in

sentencing of Allegan County man

Contact: Lt. Gerald Thayer, 269-685-6851

Agency: Natural Resources

Jan. 22, 2018

An Allegan County man has pleaded guilty to deer poaching as the result of an
investigation by Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation
officers.
Colton Anderson, 22, of Plainwell was sentenced Jan. 18 in Allegan County 57th
District Court to 60 days in jail, $30,250 in reimbursement to the state and the
loss of hunting privileges for seven years.
The investigation began when Conservation Officer Richard Cardenas received
information about an illegally killed deer in Barry County. Officer Cardenas went
to Anderson’s residence and observed multiple sets of deer antlers hanging in
the garage. The antlers had 2015 deer licenses attached to them.
After obtaining a search warrant, Cardenas and fellow Conservation Officer
Justin Ulberg searched Anderson’s garage and seized an 11-point, 5-point, 7-
point and five 8-point sets of antlers. The licenses attached to the antlers
belonged to people who were not living at the residence.
Cardenas contacted the individuals who purchased the 2015 licenses, and all
claimed they were unaware that Anderson was illegally using their licenses.
In addition to illegally hunting with someone else’s deer licenses, Anderson’s
hunting privileges already had been revoked after a 2014 conviction of illegally
killing a deer with a rifle in Allegan County.
Cardenas requested the Allegan County Prosecutor’s Office charge Anderson for
hunting while his privileges were revoked, using another person’s kill tags, and
five counts for each violation of taking more than the legal limit of antlered deer.
The Prosecutor’s Office authorized the charges and a warrant was issued for
Anderson’s arrest.
“The success of this case is due to the dedication and in-depth investigative work
of Conservation Officer Cardenas,” said Sgt. Christopher Holmes, acting area
law supervisor for the DNR. “Michigan conservation officers are well-versed in
law enforcement investigative skills and techniques. The work done by Officers
Cardenas and Ulberg is an outstanding example of these capabilities. We also
appreciate the public’s assistance with this case. The willingness of citizens to
get involved and alert the DNR when they have information is critical. Our
partnership with the public helps us protect our shared resources and hold
violators accountable.”
The Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide contains all of the information hunters
should know before taking to the field, such as regulations, season dates and
bag limits.
The DNR reminds citizens that they can help protect Michigan’s natural
resources by reporting violations to the Report All Poaching (RAP) program.
Anyone who offers information that leads to a successful conviction may be
eligible for a reward through the program. Citizens with information are
encouraged to call or text the RAP line at 800-292-7800. While people can
remain anonymous, they must provide their names if they wish to be eligible for a
reward. The RAP line is a convenient, effective way for citizens to report the
illegal taking of fish or game, or damage to our natural resources. The line is
open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Michigan conservation officers are elite, highly trained professionals who serve in
every corner of the state. They are fully commissioned peace officers with
authority to enforce the state’s criminal laws. Learn more
at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the
conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural
and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information,
go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.