A 56-year-old Pickford man was arraigned last Wednesday morning in Chippewa County’s 91st District Court on 125 wildlife misdemeanor charges, following a months-long investigation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.
Kurt Johnston Duncan faces charges that include illegally harvesting 18 wolves over the past 18 months. Wolves are protected in Michigan and are on the federal endangered species list. Duncan, who today pleaded not guilty to all charges, could face:
• Up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine for each wolf.
• Restitution of $500 per wolf.
• Up to 90 days in jail and $500 fine each for the other wildlife crimes.
Duncan was served four search warrants in March. Other species involved in the charges include deer, turkey, bear, and bobcat. DNR law enforcement detectives said that Duncan was using the animals for a variety of reasons, including crafts, selling, or disposing of them, and stated that he was catching the animals because he could and “likes to do it.”
Conservation officers collected evidence to support the charges and identified additional suspects who are expected to be charged in the near future.
“We had a team of conservation officers that worked well together throughout this investigation,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “Investigations like this require a long-term commitment from everyone involved. I want to thank the prosecutors in this case who worked with our officers. We are happy with the outcome and hope this case sets an example to prevent future natural resource crimes.”
The Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking $30,000 in restitution to the state for the illegally taken animals.
Duncan’s cash bond is set at $500. Other conditions of Duncan’s bond include having no contact with co-defendants, no possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon, and no engaging in hunting or fishing.
Anyone witnessing a natural resources crime or having information about such a crime is encouraged to call or text the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.
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