Four years after receiving a lifetime hunting ban and prison sentence for illegally killing nine trophy whitetail bucks, a Michigan man is facing new criminal charges following another suspected deer-poaching incident. The November 1 arrest in Van Buren County involved multiple pursuits through the woods, a second-story window escape, and a police K9.
A Michigan man previously convicted of illegally harvesting nine trophy whitetail bucks has been arrested again following a suspected deer-poaching incident in Van Buren County. Justin Ernst, 38, who lost his Michigan hunting privileges for life in 2022, was taken into custody on November 1, 2026, after repeatedly fleeing law enforcement officers.
According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received an alert about a vehicle potentially involved in illegal deer hunting near 60th Avenue and 48th Street in Lawrence Township. Officers discovered the vehicle concealed behind pine trees, but as a deputy approached, the driver reportedly fled into nearby woods carrying a rifle.
An initial search involving a drone failed to locate the suspect. However, deputies discovered a shot deer in a nearby field, and additional deer were subsequently found during an investigation conducted with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Suspect Jumps From Second-Story Window
Investigators eventually located Ernst in the Lawton area. When deputies attempted to contact him, he reportedly escaped through a second-story window and ran into the woods.
Deputies deployed K9 Charlie to track the suspect, but their initial search was unsuccessful. After officers expanded their search, Ernst was spotted near another residence and fled again. A deputy and K9 Charlie pursued him into the woods, where another officer helped apprehend him.
Ernst sustained minor scratches during the pursuit and was medically cleared before being transported to the Van Buren County Jail.
Previous Conviction Involved Nine Trophy Bucks
The arrest is particularly notable because Ernst had already received one of Michigan’s most severe hunting penalties.
In February 2022, Ernst pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the illegal killing of nine trophy whitetail bucks in 2021. Conservation officers had discovered eight illegally harvested bucks in a barn, including five 10-pointers and three 8-pointers. A ninth buck was discovered following an additional tip.
Investigators also recovered firearms, a crossbow, and other evidence during the earlier investigation. Authorities alleged that Ernst had driven through agricultural fields and illegally shot deer at night.
Under his 2022 plea agreement, Ernst received a prison sentence of 18 months to five years, was ordered to pay $25,000 in reimbursement, forfeited seized property, and permanently lost his Michigan hunting privileges.
The latest incident raises renewed concerns about repeat wildlife offenders and the challenges of preventing illegal hunting after license revocations.
New Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Following his November 2026 arrest, Ernst was charged with seven counts of resisting and obstructing, along with felony firearm and driving-related offenses. He was arraigned in the 7th District Court in Paw Paw, where his bond was set at $500,000.
The Michigan DNR continues investigating the suspected deer-poaching violations. Authorities have not yet announced the final number of deer involved or additional wildlife-related charges.
The new allegations have not been proven in court, and Ernst is presumed innocent of the pending charges.
Illegal deer harvesting deprives lawful hunters of opportunities, undermines wildlife management efforts, and can result in substantial criminal penalties. Michigan hunters who witness suspected poaching can contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800, available 24 hours a day.
Stay Informed With Hunterizer
The Hunterizer app helps Michigan hunters navigate hunting regulations, including deer season dates, legal hunting methods, bag limits, shooting hours, licensing requirements, and hunting zone maps. Hunters can also access species information, hunter orange requirements, and after-harvest regulations to help ensure they stay compliant in the field. Hunterizer makes it easier to understand what you can legally hunt at a specific location and date.
