A Michigan man who was charged with 125 crimes against wildlife—including 18 wolves and three bald eagles—told law enforcement detectives that he was catching the animals because he could and “likes to do it.”
Kurt Johnston Duncan, 56, of Pickford was arraigned Wednesday in Chippewa County’s 91st District Court on 125 wildlife misdemeanor charges stemming from an 18-month investigation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, the DNR announced.
Additional suspects are expected to be charged in the near future.
Duncan, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, faces jail, along with fines and restitution payments of $86,500 (based on the penalty structure) for killing the animals, the species of which included deer, turkey, bear and bobcat.
Specifically, he faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for each wolf and bald eagle, with restitution of $1,500 per eagle and $500 per wolf. He faces up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine for each other the other wildlife crimes.
However, the Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is only seeking $30,000 in restitution.
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Bald eagles are protected under state and federal law. Wolves are also protected in Michigan and are on the federal Endangered Species List.
“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.”
DNR served four search warrants to Duncan in March. Law enforcement detectives said Duncan was using the animals for a variety of reasons, including crafts, selling, or disposing of them.
Conservation officers have collected evidence to support the charges against Duncan and identify additional suspects. Duncan’s cash bond was set at $500 with the stipulation he was to have no contact with the co-defendants, possess no firearms or dangerous weapons, and not participate in fishing or hunting.
Photo showing a conservation officer investigating snares Duncan was charged with using illegally to capture the animals is courtesy of DNR. A captured bird can be seen in lower right. A snare can be seen in circle.
