Up North Progressive

Kurt Johnston Duncan, 56, was found guilty of poaching 18 wolves and numerous other animals on Tuesday, Octover 13, 2020. The Pickford resident pleads guilty to seven counts of poaching in September.

Chippewa County District Court Judge, Eric Blubaugh, imposed a sentence of paying $36,240 in fines, 90 days in jail, and revoking all hunting and trapping privileges in Michigan and 47 other states. Duncan also lost ownership of all firearms and snares seized by authorities.

Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division had this to say about the sentencing:

This is a historical case for the division and department. We hope this poaching case acts as a deterrent to criminals for committing future wildlife crimes such as this. Our officers did an excellent job working as a team and building this investigation so it could move quickly through the criminal justice system.

Duncan poached wolves, bald eagles, deer, bobcat, turkeys, and other game and wildlife. He used some of the animals for commercial purposes.

If you witness anyone poaching wildlife and game animals call the DNR’s report all poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.