Chippewa County man charged with 125 wildlife crimes
CHIPPEWA COUNTY — A 56-year-old man has been arraigned in Chippewa County’s 91st District Court on 125 wildlife misdemeanor charges.
After an investigation by the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division lasting several months, Kurt Johnston Duncan is facing charges that include illegally harvesting 18 wolves over the past 18 months, and killing and disposing of three bald eagles. Duncan pleaded not guilty to all charges, and faces:
- Up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine for each wolf.
- Up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine for each eagle.
- Restitution of $1,500 per eagle and $500 per wolf.
- Up to 90 days in jail and $500 fine each for the other wildlife crimes.
Currently, wolves are protected in the state of Michigan and are on the federal endangered species list. Bald eagles are also protected by state law, as well as the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Other species involved in the charges include deer, turkey, bear and bobcat.
Anyone witnessing a natural resources crime or having information about such a crime is encouraged to call or text the DNR’s anti-poaching hotline at (800) 292-7800.