Near Greenbush: Jenson Charged in Night Deer Shooting

ROSEAU COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Saint Michael man faces two gross-misdemeanor hunting charges following an alleged nighttime deer shooting near Greenbush.

Chance Levi Jenson, 42, is accused of illegally taking a protected deer and using artificial lights while possessing a firearm.

The charges stem from a September 20, 2026, investigation northwest of Greenbush.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators learned that a buck had allegedly been shot using a vehicle’s headlights.

Late-Night Gunshot Leads to DNR Investigation

The investigation began around 2:35 a.m. when Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officers received a report of gunfire.

A caller reported hearing a rifle shot near 140th Avenue and 250th Street, northwest of Greenbush.

The caller also reported seeing a pickup truck near the intersection.

Investigators traced the vehicle’s registration to Jenson.

Officers later located the pickup parked behind a residence connected to Jenson’s family.

At approximately 3:15 a.m., conservation officers contacted Jenson about the reported shooting.

Jenson Allegedly Describes Deer Shooting

According to the complaint, Jenson acknowledged being out that night with Ryan Jon Spindler.

Jenson reportedly said they had been driving around and shooting at skunks.

He told investigators Spindler had shot a buck deer near the intersection.

Jenson estimated the animal was a six-point buck.

According to the complaint, Jenson said the deer was shot using headlights from the vehicle.

He also described another vehicle approaching before they could retrieve the deer.

Jenson reportedly dropped Spindler off at home afterward.

He showed investigators a mapping application indicating where the deer had allegedly been shot.

Second Man Allegedly Admits Shooting Deer

Conservation officers contacted Spindler at his residence around 3:39 a.m.

According to court documents, Spindler appeared intoxicated and acknowledged drinking alcohol earlier that evening.

He allegedly admitted shooting the deer and said he intended to keep it for food.

Investigators questioned him about the firearm used during the incident.

Spindler initially identified a .22-caliber rifle as the weapon.

However, the complaint states he later identified Jenson’s AR-15-style rifle as the firearm used.

Spindler reportedly told investigators he shot the buck once and believed the animal died immediately.

The supplied complaint identifies Spindler as the alleged shooter, while Jenson is the defendant charged in this case.

Near Greenbush: Jenson Charged in Night Deer Shooting

Investigators Seize Rifle

Later that afternoon, investigators contacted Jenson while he was returning to the Twin Cities area.

According to the complaint, Jenson confirmed that his rifle had been used in the shooting.

He arranged for his father to provide the weapon to authorities.

Approximately one hour later, a conservation officer collected the rifle and documented its seizure.

Two Gross-Misdemeanor Charges Filed

Prosecutors charged Jenson with two hunting violations in Roseau County District Court.

Count 1: Illegally taking or possessing a protected wild animal.

The charge alleges involvement in taking a deer outside the lawful hunting season.

It falls under Minnesota Statute 97A.501.

Count 2: Using artificial lights to locate or take wildlife while possessing a firearm.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 97B.081.

Both offenses are classified as gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statute 97A.331.

Each charge carries a maximum of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

These are potential penalties, not sentences imposed in the case.

Roseau County Court Case

The case is filed under court number 68-CR-26-577 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The complaint was issued with a summons.

No conviction, sentence, or final court outcome was included in the supplied documents.

Readers can follow the case through Minnesota Court Records Online.

More information about hunting regulations is available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Jenson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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