BARRY COUNTY, MI - A curious puppy led a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer to an out-of-state hunter who allegedly took two deer illegally, according to a law enforcement report.
Conservation Officer Richard Cardenas was in Barry County recently when he saw an ORV with what appeared to be two hunters taking a deer back to a home. He pulled into the home’s driveway. While he waited to talk to the hunters, Cardenas said he saw a puppy walk into a pole barn on the property and come back out carrying a deer leg in its mouth, the report said.
After talking with the hunters, the officer learned that the person who killed the deer he saw on the ORV was from out of state, and did not have a Michigan hunting license.
“The puppy reappeared and led CO Cardenas to a trash bag with additional antlered deer parts inside of it,” the report said. “After some more questioning, it was found that the suspect had hunted and harvested a deer during the archery season as well.”
The DNR is seeking multiple charges against the hunter through the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office.
READ MORE
DNR offers accelerated conservation officer training academy for first time
DNR to hire 1,200 seasonal employees to work at Michigan state parks