Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are continuing an investigation of a St. Clair County privately-owned cervid (POC) facility for possible violation of the statewide quarantine on the movement of animals due to the recent discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Michigan.

A recent investigation into a Chesterfield Township man who was spotted transporting elk antlers turned up additional information for the officers to investigate. A search warrant executed at the man's house by the DNR, Chesterfield Township Police Department and the Michigan State Police turned up numerous weapons, the elk antlers and an untagged white-tailed deer. The man, a convicted felon, also was arrested for operating while intoxicated-third offense, driving with a suspended license and weapons violations by the Chesterfield Township police.

DNR conservation officers who interviewed the suspect were able to link the antlers to the St. Clair County POC facility, which is under the state quarantine for the movement of animals. Further investigation turned up another trophy bull elk head at a nearby taxidermy facility, which failed to have proper paperwork for the head.

The conservation officers also determined the two trophy bull elk were illegally removed from the St. Clair County POC facility, in violation of the state quarantine. Violation of the quarantine is a felony.

The case remains under investigation, and officers will consult with the local prosecuting attorney upon completion.

Anyone may report an illegal activity involving natural resources in Michigan to the DNR's Report All Poaching Line at 800-292-7800. Information may be left anonymously, and sometimes monetary rewards are given for information leading to arrests in significant cases. Information also can be reported online on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr under the Law Enforcement section.