Otsego Co. Man charged; DNR demands additional charges for deer poaching

November 26, 2024

Amanda Forrester / [email protected]

The MDNR said an Otsego County man is facing charges after he was arrested for allegedly poaching deer.

Cecil Edward Day, 59, of Johannesburg, was arrested at his home on November 18 after the MDNR said they received an anonymous tip with evidence that Day had “exited a vehicle with a rifle and shot a deer on private property.” ”

Conservationists reportedly found two more deer that had reportedly been shot and abandoned in the same area, including a “large, nine-pointed trophy buck” after further interviews.

Day was indicted on Nov. 19 on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon, possession of a firearm with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08% and no hunter’s orange, according to an MDNR news release.

Day was previously convicted by the DNR between 2018 and 2020, authorities said. These convictions include possession of a firearm by a felon, taking deer from a motor vehicle, trespassing, no hunter’s orange and possession of an untagged deer.

Authorities said Day is currently in the Otsego County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing.

The MDNR said they are demanding additional fees for deer poaching.

“The MDNR encourages all hunters to follow season rules, be respectful of other hunters and natural resources, and keep safety first at all times,” the news release said.

Michigan’s firearms deer season closes on November 30.

More information about deer hunting can be found at michigan.gov/deer.

(photo credit: MDNR)