Like following a string of clues on a treasure map that eventually leads to a place where “X” marks the spot, a series of headless whitetail deer carcasses became an unwitting trail of evidence that led Michigan conservation officers straight to a prolific poacher.
The case kicked off in rural Lenawee County late last year when a local hunter reported finding a pair of headless deer near his hunting property. Conservation Officers Andrew Monnich and Joel Hill responded to the initial complaint and, before long, the same tipster called back. On that call the helpful hunter reported that a third headless deer had been discovered in the same area—about 50 yards from the road, still fresh, and clearly shot with a small-caliber rifle.
The pattern pointed to a classic "shoot-and-dump" operation, where deer are killed illegally from roadways, heads removed (likely for antlers or trophies), and meat left to waste. Motivated by a hunch that the offender(s) might return to commit more crimes, officers Monnich and Hill, joined by two additional DNR conservation officers, set up an overnight stakeout in the vicinity.
Early the next morning, their patience paid off. A vehicle was spotted slowly cruising the area without headlights, using lights to scan fields for deer—a clear sign of spotlighting. After following the vehicle, officers initiated a traffic stop.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered a loaded rifle equipped with thermal imaging, perfectly built for late-night shooting along with some drug paraphernalia for good measure. Supposedly realizing that the gig was up, the driver eventually consented to a search of his residence.
What officers found there painted a fuller picture of the scale of the perp’s poaching activities. In the backyard, officers found a buck hanging in a tree that was determined to have been shot 10 days prior and that had already spoiled. They also uncovered five fresh antlered whitetail deer heads.
In total, at least six deer were linked to the suspect—all shot from roadways by someone without a valid hunting license. The headless carcasses dumped near the road had served as literal breadcrumbs, guiding investigators to the source.
In Michigan, penalties for such violations can include hefty fines, restitution (often $1,000+ per deer), license revocation, and potential jail time, depending on the number of animals and circumstances. Thermal imaging equipment, while legal in some contexts, becomes a serious aggravating factor when used for illegal takes.
The Michigan DNR has since sought criminal charges through the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office. As of publication time, no suspect name, age, or additional personal details have been released, which is standard practice while prosecution is pending.
