A Mason County man recently pled guilty to illegally taking/killing a trumpeter swan this spring. James Craig Cameron, 20, admitted to shooting the swan in late April 2009 in Custer Township.

Cameron was ordered to pay $450 in fines and court costs, a $10 conservation fee and to reimburse the State of Michigan $1,500 for the swan. In addition, he will lose his hunting privileges for three years.

Cameron was arrested at his family cabin in Mason County by Department of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation Officer Brian Brosky after a nearly two-month investigation following the discovery of the dead swan by a Custer resident. Numerous tips from the public aided in the arrest and prosecution of Cameron.

Citizens are encouraged to contact the DNRE's Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800 with any information regarding any wildlife or fish violations. A monetary reward is often given for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a violator.