A man prohibited from possessing firearms was arrested in Delta County, Michigan after investigators discovered dozens of guns at his home during a wildlife enforcement investigation, officials said.
The case began when conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources were already investigating the suspect, who had a prior conviction for second-degree homicide.
According to a report from the DNR’s Great Lakes Enforcement Unit, Conservation Officer Steve Butzin and Cpl. Chris Lynch contacted the man after spotting him riding an off-road vehicle on a public roadway without a helmet or proper permit.
During questioning, the suspect admitted he had shot a deer with a firearm and said the animal was at his home. Officers later confirmed the deer had been killed by a gunshot and learned a firearm was located at the man’s nearby deer blind.
Authorities said the suspect fled on his ORV toward the blind, prompting officers to set up a perimeter and call for backup. He eventually surrendered peacefully.
Investigators later determined the suspect had hidden the firearm somewhere else on his property after returning to the blind.
During a search of the property, officers recovered the weapon along with evidence related to the deer harvest. A further search of the home uncovered 35 firearms, including four unregistered handguns, which were seized.
The investigation remains ongoing as the DNR works with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to trace the firearms and with the Michigan State Police crime lab to process evidence.