Greenbush Man Accused of Shooting Deer While Drunk

Greenbush (trfnews.i234.me) — A Greenbush man faces four hunting charges after an alleged late-night deer shooting in Roseau County.

Ryan Jon Spindler, 42, is charged in Roseau County District Court.

All four charges are gross misdemeanors.

The case stems from an incident during the early morning hours of September 20, 2026.

Rifle Shot Reported Near Greenbush

According to the criminal complaint, authorities received a report of a rifle shot around 2:35 a.m.

The shot was reportedly heard near 140th Avenue and 250th Street northwest of Greenbush.

A pickup truck was then seen in the area.

Investigators later spoke with the truck’s owner.

He allegedly said he and Spindler had been driving around shooting at skunks.

The complaint alleges Spindler then shot a buck deer.

Authorities were told the deer was illuminated by the vehicle’s headlights when it was shot.

Authorities went to Spindler’s Greenbush residence shortly before 3:40 a.m.

The complaint says Spindler showed signs of significant alcohol impairment.

Investigators reported slurred speech, poor balance, and an odor of alcohol.

Spindler allegedly admitted shooting the deer and offered to show authorities where it was located.

He initially claimed a .22-caliber rifle was used.

The complaint says he later admitted using another man’s AR-15-style rifle.

Spindler allegedly said he intended to retrieve and eat the deer.

Spindler allegedly told authorities he had consumed several alcoholic drinks that evening.

He also reportedly acknowledged that hunting while intoxicated was illegal.

The complaint says Spindler failed three field sobriety tests.

A preliminary breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of .198.

He was arrested and transported to the Roseau County Detention Center.

A later breath test recorded an alcohol concentration of .20, according to the complaint.

Spindler is charged with hunting with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

He also faces a charge of hunting with an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

A third charge alleges he illegally took or possessed a protected deer outside the legal season.

The fourth charge alleges use of artificial light to locate or take a wild animal while possessing a firearm.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Information about Minnesota hunting laws is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The charges are allegations. Spindler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.