With use of hunting bait banned in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, a Huron County jury this week found a hunter guilty for using it in November 2023.
Huron County man Kevin McKee was found guilty by a six-member jury on Tuesday, July 16, about eight months after DNR Conservation Officer Kyle Bucholtz observed him placing bait in a Huron Township field. The patrolling officer conducted a traffic stop on McKee, and provided information that began an investigation into the taking of a seven-point deer on November 15, 2023.
Investigation found that McKee had placed bait in the vicinity of his deer stand and where the deer was shot, in violation of Michigan Law. The defendant was arraigned this past March 26 on a wildlife conservation – taking a deer over bait charge, which was later amended to a charge of Wildlife Conservation – Use of Bait to Aid in the Taking of a Deer.
Following a day-long trial that featured testimony and evidence from Officer Bucholtz, the jury found McKee guilty after a half hour of deliberations. While McKee will not face jail time for the charge, his punishment does include a state mandatory five-year suspension of his hunting license and he is expected to pay $2,000 in restitution, as well as additional fines and costs.
The deer taken by McKee was confiscated by Officer Bucholtz on November 16, 2023, and donated to a needy Huron County Resident.
