KALKASKA COUNTY, Mich. – Two men were arraigned in Kalkaska County court on charges that they illegally killed deer and inhumanely killed a porcupine.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers launched the investigation in 2022 after a tip was sent in through the DNR Report All Poaching hotline.
Officers found that a group of people had committed multiple wildlife crimes, including shooting deer from a vehicle, game-tagging violations, and animal cruelty.
Nicholas Patnode, 19, and Zander Garrett, 20, were arraigned Monday, May 6, 2024, in Kalkaska County District Court. The alleged violations occurred throughout the county during October through November 2022.
The man are accused of killing at least six deer, including a 9-point buck from the window of a truck. They are also accused of inhumanely killing a porcupine.
Patnode is facing 11 charges, including:
- Two counts of killing, torturing animals, a third-degree felony punishable by up to four years in jail and/or $5,000 in fines.
- Six counts of wildlife conservation violation – general violations. Each is a misdemeanor punishable of up to 90 days in jail per count and/or $500 each.
- One count of hunting and fishing license violation – using another’s license, a misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $250 in fines.
- One count of wildlife conservation violation – taking game from a vehicle; a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.
- One count of wildlife conservation violation – possessing a bow or crossbow in a vehicle operated on public land or roads. The offense is a misdemeanor carrying a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.
Garrett is facing several charges, including:
- One count of killing, torturing animals.
- One count of wildlife conservation violation – taking game from a vehicle.
- One count of wildlife conservation violation – possessing bow or crossbow in a vehicle operated on public land or roads.
Both men were arrested on April 12 on felony charges. Their bond was paid and they were released the next day. They are expected back in court on May 20.
A third man, who the DNR is not naming due to his age at the time the crime was committed, made a plea agreement through the county’s juvenile court.