Ewen hunter found guilty of deer poaching

ONTONAGON — A Ewen man who claimed the “laws of nature” decree that “he did not need a license to hunt deer, was found guilty of just that in an Ontonagon jury trial Thursday. Ronald Ehinger, 68, was charged with two counts of taking an antlered deer with 8 points or more.

Ehinger demanded a jury trial and a 6 person jury heard the case Thursday morning before Judge Janis Burgess. It took the jury ten minutes to find the Ewen man guilty.

A sentencing date will be set. In addition to fines and court costs, Ehinger will be liable for restitution. Restitution is listed as $1,000 for a deer, $2,000 for an antlered deer and $500 per point on an deer with 8 points or more; bringing the possible fine to $8,000.

—Jan Tucker