LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A 26-year-old Clinton County man has been arraigned on 50 combined firearm and wildlife violation charges, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Thomas House, of St. Johns, was arraigned last Thursday.

DNR conservation officers received a tip through the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline on Oct. 13, 2025, regarding a person allegedly shooting deer from a vehicle at night using a suppressed semiautomatic rifle. The investigation determined that House drove around at night, shining and shooting deer from his vehicle before leaving the animals to rot without harvesting them.

The tip indicated the illegal hunting activity occurred multiple times in northern Clinton County and southern Gratiot County.

“This case demonstrates the importance of the public’s partnership with conservation officers,” said Capt. David Malloch, DNR Law Enforcement Division supervisor. “A tip to the Report All Poaching Hotline, combined with the officers’ thorough and lengthy investigation, helped hold an individual accountable for actions that showed a blatant disregard for wildlife and hunting laws. We encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious natural resource activity to report it immediately. We all play a role in protecting our natural resources.”

To report a natural resource crime, call or text the Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800.