BURTON, Mich. – Three members of a family from Genesee County were convicted for deer hunting violations in Oscoda County.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources led a three-year long investigation. The three men from Burton committed the crimes from 2014-2016.
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According to the DNR, Joseph Dykes, 33, pleaded guilty to unlawfully using (borrowing or loaning) a hunting license, baiting, and taking deer without a license. He was fined $14,220, of which $12,000 will be restitution to the state for the deer that were taken; sentenced to 45 days in jail or community service; and had his hunting license privileges revoked for this year and the next five years.
Joseph's father Richard Raymond Dykes, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully using a hunting license. He paid $450 in fines and costs, was placed on probation for six months and had his hunting privileges revoked during his probation.
Joseph's uncle Charles David Dykes, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully using a hunting license. He paid $450 in fines and costs, was placed on probation for six months and had his hunting privileges revoked during his probation.
During the DNR investigation, it was also found that Joseph poached a mule deer in Montana. He pleaded guilty in Montana after being charged in the state.
“There’s no place in Michigan’s rich hunting tradition for this type of illegal, unethical behavior,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Kieft, District 5 supervisor for the DNR Law Enforcement Division. “This case should send a clear message that those who abuse our shared natural resources will be held accountable.”
Residents are encouraged to report natural resource violations by calling or texting the Report All Poaching (RAP) program at 800-292-7800.
See Michigan's hunting rules and regulations here.