Chance Levi Jenson, 42, is accused of illegally taking a protected deer and using artificial lights while possessing a firearm.<\/p>\n
The charges stem from a September 20, 2026, investigation northwest of Greenbush.<\/p>\n
According to the criminal complaint, investigators learned that a buck had allegedly been shot using a vehicle’s headlights.<\/p>\n
Late-Night Gunshot Leads to DNR Investigation<\/h2>\n
The investigation began around 2:35 a.m. when Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officers received a report of gunfire.<\/p>\n
A caller reported hearing a rifle shot near 140th Avenue and 250th Street, northwest of Greenbush.<\/p>\n
The caller also reported seeing a pickup truck near the intersection.<\/p>\n
Investigators traced the vehicle’s registration to Jenson.<\/p>\n
Officers later located the pickup parked behind a residence connected to Jenson’s family.<\/p>\n
At approximately 3:15 a.m., conservation officers contacted Jenson about the reported shooting.<\/p>\n
Jenson Allegedly Describes Deer Shooting<\/h2>\n
According to the complaint, Jenson acknowledged being out that night with Ryan Jon Spindler.<\/p>\n
Jenson reportedly said they had been driving around and shooting at skunks.<\/p>\n
He told investigators Spindler had shot a buck deer near the intersection.<\/p>\n
Jenson estimated the animal was a six-point buck.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Jenson said the deer was shot using headlights from the vehicle.<\/p>\n
He also described another vehicle approaching before they could retrieve the deer.<\/p>\n
Jenson reportedly dropped Spindler off at home afterward.<\/p>\n
He showed investigators a mapping application indicating where the deer had allegedly been shot.<\/p>\n
Second Man Allegedly Admits Shooting Deer<\/h2>\n
Conservation officers contacted Spindler at his residence around 3:39 a.m.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, Spindler appeared intoxicated and acknowledged drinking alcohol earlier that evening.<\/p>\n
He allegedly admitted shooting the deer and said he intended to keep it for food.<\/p>\n
Investigators questioned him about the firearm used during the incident.<\/p>\n
Spindler initially identified a .22-caliber rifle as the weapon.<\/p>\n
However, the complaint states he later identified Jenson’s AR-15-style rifle as the firearm used.<\/p>\n
Spindler reportedly told investigators he shot the buck once and believed the animal died immediately.<\/p>\n
The supplied complaint identifies Spindler as the alleged shooter, while Jenson is the defendant charged in this case.<\/p>\n Later that afternoon, investigators contacted Jenson while he was returning to the Twin Cities area.<\/p>\n According to the complaint, Jenson confirmed that his rifle had been used in the shooting.<\/p>\n He arranged for his father to provide the weapon to authorities.<\/p>\n Approximately one hour later, a conservation officer collected the rifle and documented its seizure.<\/p>\n Prosecutors charged Jenson with two hunting violations in Roseau County District Court.<\/p>\n Count 1: Illegally taking or possessing a protected wild animal.<\/strong><\/p>\n The charge alleges involvement in taking a deer outside the lawful hunting season.<\/p>\n It falls under Minnesota Statute 97A.501<\/a>.<\/p>\n Count 2: Using artificial lights to locate or take wildlife while possessing a firearm.<\/strong><\/p>\n The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 97B.081<\/a>.<\/p>\n Both offenses are classified as gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statute 97A.331<\/a>.<\/p>\n Each charge carries a maximum of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n These are potential penalties, not sentences imposed in the case.<\/p>\n The case is filed under court number 68-CR-26-577<\/strong> in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n The complaint was issued with a summons.<\/p>\n No conviction, sentence, or final court outcome was included in the supplied documents.<\/p>\n Readers can follow the case through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n More information about hunting regulations is available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jenson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Near](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Near-Greenbush-Jenson-Charged-in-Night-Deer-Shooting-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Investigators Seize Rifle<\/h2>\n
Two Gross-Misdemeanor Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
Roseau County Court Case<\/h2>\n