Man Faces Eight Poaching Counts in Van Buren Court
A 38-year-old Lapeer County man was arraigned after allegedly fleeing deputies investigating illegal deer hunting in Lawrence Township.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Hunting
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources arraigned a Lapeer County man on eight natural resources violations in Van Buren County 7th District Court on Friday, November 13, 2026. He was arrested November 1 after allegedly fleeing deputies who were investigating possible illegal hunting in Lawrence Township.
Why it matters
The case shows how deputies and the DNR track alleged poaching after a hunting license has been revoked, and it underscores the consequences when suspects allegedly resist arrest. For the state's hunting community, it is a reminder that revoked licenses are enforced in the field.
The Michigan DNR is seeking $22,000 in reimbursement, and bond was set at $500,000 for the eight natural resources counts. The allegations, including the alleged killing of five deer, remain unproven pending further court proceedings.
The players
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing Michigan's fish, wildlife, and natural resources and enforcing hunting and fishing laws through its conservation officers.
The details
Deputies reportedly spotted the suspect's vehicle after receiving an alert about possible illegal hunting in Lawrence Township. The man allegedly jumped from a second-story window in Lawton and fled again before being taken into custody. He was charged with firearm and driving-related offenses in addition to the resisting and obstructing counts.
Timeline
2022: The suspect's hunting license was permanently revoked.
November 1, 2026: The suspect was arrested after fleeing deputies in Lawrence Township.
Friday, November 13, 2026: The suspect was arraigned in Van Buren County 7th District Court.
Lifestyle Context
Michigan's license-revocation rules under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act allow the state to pursue added penalties when someone allegedly hunts while barred from doing so. This arraignment tests how those rules are applied to repeated alleged violations in the field.
Hunters in Michigan who rely on a valid license should confirm their status before the season, since revocations are enforced in the field. Landowners and hunters can also report suspected illegal activity to the DNR to help conservation officers respond.
The takeaway
Checking your license status before each season and reporting suspected poaching are simple steps that help protect Michigan's deer herd. Violations like these are prosecuted through the courts, so the outcome of this case will depend on proceedings still to come.
Further reading
For more on the rules governing licensed hunting, browse the Hunting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 99.9 Y Country.
