DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officer (CO) Ethen Mapes and Probationary Conservation Officer (PCO) Alex VanWagner on patrol in Ontonagon County when they observed a running vehicle parked on an off-trail vehicle (ORV) trail with its hazard lights on. Upon contact with the vehicle, all four occupants were found to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured vehicle, operating an unregistered vehicle as well as refusing a preliminary breath test. One passenger was arrested for possessing a concealed pistol while intoxicated. Both suspects were lodged at the Ontonagon County Jail.
CO Jenni Hanson assisted the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department with the search for a lost 21-year-old female. The woman utilized her cell phone to advise dispatch that she had gotten turned around in the woods while on foot searching for a vehicle that she and her husband had gotten stuck in earlier in the day. She was unaware that her husband had already removed it. By this time, it was dark, she had low battery percentage on her phone, and she was turned around. CO Hanson and a Gogebic County deputy utilized the county's side-by-side to locate the woman and bring her safely back to town.
CO Jared Ferguson and PCO Phil Helminen followed up on a complaint from the Michigan State Police (MSP) of a hunting accident. Through the investigation, it was determined two subjects were grouse hunting in Dickinson County when one hunter flushed a grouse and fired two shots at it. As the grouse circled around him, he fired a third shot. At that point he heard his hunting partner yell and when he went to check on him, he found him bleeding from his face. The hunter was taken to the hospital for his treatment of his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
COs Cody Smith, Dave Miller, and John Kamps conducted a small game patrol utilizing a grouse decoy. The COs interacted with many hunters throughout the day. Many positive checks and several violations including three violations for possession of loaded/ uncased firearms upon a motor vehicle were observed as well as violations of the hunter orange requirement. These violations were addressed when encountered and citations were issued for possessing loaded/uncased firearm to two subjects.
CO John Kamps was able to serve a warrant for an illegal take of deer from the 2020 deer season. The suspect was charged with taking a deer without a license, borrowing a deer kill-tag, and taking an undersized deer with a combination take. A hearing has been scheduled with the Marquette court.
DISTRICT 2
CO Andrea Dani and CO Mark Zitnik, along with volunteers, taught a Hunter Education Course Field Day at the Superior Central School.
CO Michael Evink and PCO Brandon Maki responded to the Manistique Marina for reports of two juveniles trespassing on a boat. The COs arrived and contacted an employee of the marina who had found the kids on the boat. The employee pointed COs Evink and Maki in the direction the kids left. The COs found the kids nearby and discovered they were the ones who had broken into the boat. The boat owner arrived and showed the COs the damage that had been done to the 37-foot vessel. The juveniles were turned over to their guardians. A report is being submitted to the Schoolcraft County Probate Office.
CO Todd Sumbera and Sgt. Calvin Smith were conducting a patrol on Drummond Island for small game hunters when they observed a side-by side-operating in the center of the lane and the occupants had all failed to wear their seatbelts. After conducting a traffic stop on the ORV, COs Sumbera and Smith found two containers of open intoxicants hidden by the passenger's feet on the floorboard. Citations were issued for the open intoxicants in an ORV and warnings were given for fail to operate at the extreme right of the roadway and for failing to wear a seatbelt. A short time later they were heading west on M 134 when they observed an ORV operating on the state highway. CO Sumbera conducted a traffic stop on the ORV, while doing so two more side-by-sides passed the COs on M 134, they too were stopped for operating on M 134. Citations were issued for operation of an ORV on a state highway.
CO Cole VanOosten was on an evening marine safety patrol of the Tahquamenon River when he encountered a vessel returning to the launch after sunset without proper navigation lights. Upon contact, it was determined that the vessel was unregistered, and the operator only had one personal floatation device (PFD) for the three occupants aboard. The operator also did not have the required Type 4 PFD aboard the boat. A citation was issued to the man for failure to provide a PFD and warnings were issued for the remaining violations.
DISTRICT 3
CO Andrea Albert and PCO Jack Gorno were patrolling a creek in Charlevoix for fishing activity. The COs watched two subjects illegally take multiple salmon. One subject would guide the salmon towards the other subject and he would net the salmon. They would take the salmon to their vehicle and return to the creek. The COs contacted the subjects as they were getting ready to leave. The COs were able to get confessions on netting of all three salmon. COs issued a ticket for taking salmon using an illegal method, and the subjects were charged reimbursement at $10 per pound in addition to the ticket. They seized the fish and the net used to take the salmon.
CO Duane Budreau investigated an incident on state land involving a dog getting caught in a foothold trap. The dog sustained minor bruising from the trap; however, after the sudden pain and stiff restrain the dog began to panic. When the pet owner attempted to free the animal, he was bitten several times. The trap was placed in a high foot traffic area in which there is a substantial amount of people walking their dogs. There were no violations; however, a lesson to be learned for the young trapper and he moved his set to a more remote location.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling in Montmorency County when he heard multiple gunshots just before shooting hours ended. CO Liestenfeltz contacted a group of elderly woodcock hunters who were just finishing their hunt. They were unable to locate one of the birds they had shot. CO Liestenfeltz assisted in the search and located the woodcock for the group.
CO Paul Fox was on patrol when he was dispatched to assist the MSP and Presque Isle County Sheriff's Department to apprehend a wanted fugitive. The suspect was wanted for parole violations and had been at-large for multiple years. Investigators were able to locate the suspect in Presque Isle County. The suspect retreated inside the residence and refused to come out. CO Fox assisted with securing a perimeter of the suspect residence while negotiators were able to convince the suspect to finally surrender. The suspect was arrested without further incident.
DISTRICT 4
CO Josiah Killingbeck, while on patrol, was called to assist a Lake County deputy on an ORV trespass complaint. CO Killingbeck responded and learned that the complainant had observed an ORV operating on their family property and recognized the subject as they had repeatedly told the subject not to trespass. The Lake County deputy arrived on scene before CO Killingbeck to find a deer laying in the field and watched as an ORV drove through the field to where the deer was laying. When CO Killingbeck arrived, he checked on the freshly shot 8-point and it was found in a field where the ORV had been observed. CO Killingbeck and the Lake County deputy responded to the suspect's residence. CO Killingbeck recognized the subject from previous encounters where the subject had trespassed to hunt. The hunter advised that he was participating in the Independence Hunt and had taken a three hundred plus yard shot at a "big buck". The subject said that he was not sure if he had hit it or not and went to look and had not found it yet, when a 6-point buck came out of a corn patch and the subject decided to shoot that buck. The 6-point then crossed property line and the subject drove his ORV onto the property he had been told to stay off, to retrieve the deer. The subject said that he assumed he had missed the big buck. CO Killingbeck advised the subject that his tracks drove right by the 8-point. The subject kept saying that he did not see it. CO Killingbeck determined that the subject had shot a buck earlier in the season already and was tagged out. The 8-point was seized, and citations were issued for the violations.
CO Josiah Killingbeck, earlier in the season, had located a tree stand overlooking a bait pile of corn and sugar beets. CO Killingbeck, after several tries, was able to contact a hunter hunting over the bait pile. The subject told CO Killingbeck he knew it was illegal to hunt over bait but was under the impression that a bait ticket would be $1. The subject also did not have his name on his stand and had been driving his vehicle down an illegal forest service road. The subject was cited for hunting deer with the aid of bait.
COs Josiah Killingbeck and Ryan Andrews assisted the Lake County Sheriff's Department, MSP, and Newaygo and Mason County Emergency Response Teams with the apprehension of a subject who had robbed a subject while armed and then assaulted the victim. After the subject was apprehended, CO Killingbeck assisted in a search warrant execution of the residence, where weapons were recovered along with illegal drugs.
CO Steve Converse was patrolling on foot along a remote portion of Pine Creek in Manistee County when he came across three subjects holding spears in the yard of a cabin, about ten yards from the creek. CO Converse patiently waited and observed the subjects for over an hour until two of the subjects observed a salmon swimming upstream. Both subjects successfully speared one salmon each and took them back to the camp. CO Converse contacted CO Scott MacNeill for assistance at the camp. CO Converse crossed the creek and made his way to the camp, as CO MacNeill arrived in his patrol truck. The three subjects were contacted, and the violations were addressed. The COs discovered that the group was from out of state and had been doing this for years. Through the course of the investigation, the COs were able to recover an additional 67 pounds of salmon fillets. None of the subjects had bothered to purchase fishing licenses. Tickets were issued for spearing salmon and for possession of salmon without a license. In total, the COs seized 90 pounds of salmon. The 67 pounds of salmon that was already cleaned and in bags was donated to a women's shelter in Manistee.
CO Steve Converse was on foot patrol along Bear Creek in Manistee County when he observed a subject fishing with illegal gear. CO Converse observed the subject for approximately 30 minutes and noted several violations to include: using a treble hook-on Bear Creek, over size treble hook (1 inch gap), no bait on hook, weight suspended below the hook, and snagging. CO Converse contacted the subject and asked if the subject knew what he was doing wrong. The subject laughed and rattled off all the violations mentioned, except using a treble hook-on Bear Creek. CO Converse asked the subject why he was doing it if he knew the laws so well. The subject calmly stated he had been doing it for 26 years and had never seen an officer. The subject went on to say he wasn't worried about the fines because he had just won $5,000 on a scratch off lottery ticket, and it was his time to pay the piper. The subject was issued two violations for snagging and in-line treble hook. About an hour and a half later and now after dark, CO Converse observed several sets of lights in the same area. CO Converse again snuck into the area and observed a subject with illegal gear. While observing the subject, he overheard the subject talking to another angler and CO Converse realized that the subject he was watching was the same lottery winner he had just written tickets to. CO Converse again contacted the subject, who this time didn't have much to say. CO Converse again cited the subject for two violations of in-line treble hook and using a treble hook-on Bear Creek.
PCO Zackary Walters and CO Kyle Publiski received a complaint about a subject float hunting a section of the Little Manistee River. The subject did not have permission to be hunting along that section, as it flowed through private property. The subject also discharged his shotgun within the safety zone of the residence on the property. COs Walters and Publiski later caught up with the subject further down the river. PCO Walters contacted the subject and asked if he had his waterfowl license and federal duck stamp with him, the subject did not. PCO Walters asked the subject to show him what shells he was using, and the subject produced a box of steel shot. CO Publiski then asked the subject if he had any other shells. The hunter pulled out a sandwich bag from his hunting pack which contained shell with lead shot. The subject was cited for possession of lead shot and failing to have his license and federal duck stamp with him. He was also educated about the safety zone while hunting and the need to have permission from the landowners before float hunting the river with private property owners.
PCO Zackary Walters and CO Kyle Publiski were working with a complainant on a trespass issue when there was a personal injury ORV accident reported just across the county line in Lake County. PCO Walters hitched a ride from another ORV rider back to the injured subject, who was located half a mile south on the trail. Once on scene of the crash, PCO Walters learned from the ORV operator who was injured, that he had hit a stump in the trail which caused him to lose control and collied with a nearby tree. The subject suffered a broken femur as a result from the collision with the tree. PCO Walters, members from the local fire department, and other riders carried the subject out the half mile to the ambulance.
CO Ben Shively was driving by a closed stream in Oceana County when he observed a pickup truck parked nearby. CO Shively snuck into the creek and found two males and a female in the stream attempting to catch a salmon by hand. CO Shively observed one of the males grab the six-pound salmon and come to shore. CO Shively contacted the group, and all three subjects were cited for take fish by hand and the male subject was charged $60 reimbursement for the fish. Warnings were issued for fish closed stream and to two subjects for fish no license. While walking back to the area where the subjects were in creek, CO Shively found two more fresh salmon that had a branch run through their mouth and gills 30 feet downstream along the shore. Reimbursement for the additional 31 pounds of salmon will be sought on all subjects.
DISTRICT 5
CO Charlie Jones was on patrol in Garfield Township of Kalkaska County when he observed a motorcycle operating at a high rate of speed with no taillight or brake light. CO Jones conducted a traffic stop on the motorcycle. Upon further investigation, the driver had multiple warrants out of Wexford County. The driver was taken into custody and turned over to Wexford County Sheriff's Department for booking.
CO Charlie Jones was on ORV patrol in Garfield Township of Kalkaska County near Camp Grayling when he observed multiple Jeeps and side-by-sides attempting to climb a large hill on a pipeline. CO Jones contacted the group and advised them of the closed area and operating an ORV causing erosive conditions. Multiple subjects were run through dispatch and determined to have multiple warrants. Citations were issued to the group for operating in a closed area and some other subjects were advised of their warrants and released.
CO Breanna Reed assisted the Missaukee County Sheriff's Department with a stop on a stolen truck. The deputies, along with CO Reed, attempted to contact the driver, who attempted to pull away and flee from the traffic stop. The driver rammed into a Missaukee County Sheriff's patrol vehicle, which stopping him from fleeing. The driver and passenger were taken into custody and lodged at the Missaukee County Jail. Felony charges are being sought by the Missaukee County Sheriff's Department.
COs Breanna Reed and Jeremy Cantrell were patrolling Holland Township in Missaukee County when they located a truck that was stuck in a large mud puddle on state land. The COs contacted the subjects along with a deputy and an MSP trooper. Upon contact, they located a loaded uncased firearm in the motor vehicle, along with drug paraphernalia. One of the subjects was taken into custody on a warrant out of Osceola County. The Missaukee County deputy seized the drug paraphernalia and will be issuing charges. The COs issued a citation for possessing a loaded/uncased firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Tyler Sabuda conducted a "well-being check" on an overdue elderly hunter at a remote cabin in Iosco County. The complainant advised the last contact with the individual was Saturday night. Upon arrival, CO Sabuda attempted contact at the cabin and thought he could hear odd noises coming from inside the cabin. After attempting to look through the windows of the cabin without success, CO Sabuda was able to hear a definite distress sound come from inside the cabin. CO Sabuda kicked the door in and located the individual laying face up, unable to move, in medical distress. CO Sabuda provided first aid until medical units arrived and transported the individual to the hospital for further treatment.
CO Jeff Goss spoke to Gladwin High School students about a career as a conservation officer. Approximately 50 students learned about the job duties, responsibilities, and future opportunities as a conservation officer.
DISTRICT 6
CO Jay Person was called to the Sanford area reference a homeowner reporting an opossum in their yard with a trap on its head. CO Person arrived on scene and found the homeowners were able to free the animal from the trap. The opossum ran under a nearby shed and appeared to be ok. The homeowners turned over a new untagged conibear 110 body gripping trap to the CO.
CO Jason King checked waterfowl hunters near the mouth of the Saginaw Bay. While checking two hunters, CO King discovered that one of the hunters did not have a plugged shotgun. The hunter was new to the sport and educated on the rules and regulations pertaining to waterfowl hunting.
CO Jason King responded to an in-progress complaint in Midland County on his pass day. The complaint consisted of a subject actively deer hunting over bait. CO King was able to contact the subject in his ladder stand. CO King witnessed the subject actively hunting over bait and discovered that he had not purchased a valid 2021 hunting license. The subject was advised to remove the bait and was issued a citation for hunting without a license.
CO Seth Rhodea was working opening evening of the south zone waterfowl opener when he observed a duck hunter shooting at and killing a fish. The CO continued to monitor the hunter and in addition to taking fish with a firearm, CO Rhodea observed the hunter hunt past legal shooting time and attempt to kill geese after legal hunting hours had ended. Contact was made with the hunter as he was leaving the marsh and he was subsequently cited for his violations.
COs Josh Wright and Seth Rhodea were patrolling on Saginaw Bay when they contacted two duck hunters near Saginaw River mouth. The hunters had each harvested a bird but only one hunter was able to show the COs any hunting licenses. The second hunter was found to have none of the required licenses needed to hunt waterfowl. The hunter was cited.
CO Mike Haas and PCO Cullen Knoblauch launched an investigation on an illegal 8-point buck. CO Haas and PCO Knoblauch responded to an address in Clare County for interviews. The hunter confessed to shooting the buck without a license and tagging it with his wife's tag. The wife admitted to allowing her husband to use her tag on the buck. The deer head was seized, and the case was forwarded to the prosecutor's office for review.
CO Dan Robinson and PCO Cullen Knoblauch responded to a local deer processor to conduct an inspection and located a possible illegal deer. CO Robinson and PCO Knoblauch contacted the subject and interviewed him. The subject confessed that the 9-point buck that he shot was killed prior to purchasing his license. The deer head was seized, and the case has been forwarded to the prosecutor's office for review.
DISTRICT 7
CO Anna Cullen was patrolling when she observed two dirt bikes operating on a closed county road. CO Cullen attempted to the stop the dirt bikes, but one rider decided to flee. CO Cullen was able to stop the first operator, who advised her, "…has no idea who that guy is," when referring to the fleeing dirt bike who was riding next to him. A citation was issued for operating an ORV on a closed county road.
CO Anna Cullen received a complaint of an individual trespassing on Muskegon Wastewater property. To hunt this property, one needs to have a specific permit for a designated zone. The hunter was found to be parked in a restricted area as well. When the hunter returned from the woods, it was determined they did not have a permit to even be on property. The hunter advised they should have done more research before deciding to hunt the property. A citation was issued for recreational trespass.
CO Casey Varriale was on patrol at Rockford Dam in Kent County when he witnessed an angler catch a brown trout. The angler gave it to a bystander who took the fish, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and put it in the trunk of his vehicle. CO Varriale contacted the individuals who both stated they did not realize brown trout were out of season. The angler and bystander were encouraged to learn fishing regulations if they were going to fish in Michigan. The angler was cited for possessing a brown trout out of season.
CO Jackie Miskovich was working a baited pond during the south zone waterfowl opener when she heard shots coming from that pond. After noting the number of shots coming from the area, CO Miskovich alerted Sgt. Jeff Rabbers and CO Justin Ulberg about the activity, and they came to the area to assist when contact was to be made with the individuals. After an hour of shooting and over 120 shots fired, CO Miskovich observed individuals moving towards the vehicles. Contact was made with all individuals, and it was found that six individuals were hunting, and there were multiple violations that were noted. Some of those violations were baiting a pond for waterfowl and feeding deer, two guns capable of holding more than three shotgun shells while hunting waterfowl, and licensing violations. The waterfowl and four guns were seized, charges are being submitted to the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office pending further.
CO Carter Woodwyk responded to a RAP complaint of subjects snagging salmon on the Rabbit River in Hamilton. He was able to observe several people fishing with illegal weighted hooks. After observing them for over 20 minutes, he contacted the subjects. Citations were issued for the violations including fishing without a license.
CO Sam Schluckbier received a complaint earlier in the fall of deer hunters trespassing on Michigan Department of Transportation property in Allegan County. The property is adjacent to a highway and has fencing around most of it. While walking the property, CO Schluckbier found several tree stands, trail cameras, and a mineral lick. After checking it for a few weeks, CO Schluckbier finally located two hunters who were responsible for the items unlawfully placed there. After interviewing the subjects, it was determined they believed the property was recognized as public land. However, they did not have an explanation for the mineral lick that was placed. A citation was issued for the baiting violation and the subjects were ordered to remove their hunting equipment.
While patrolling closed Type 1 trout streams in Van Buren County, CO Tyler Cole located a subject fishing in a closed section of the Black River. CO Cole observed the subject fishing for approximately 15 minutes and then made contact. Upon noticing CO Cole, the subject dropped his fishing pole at his feet and stated that he wasn't fishing. CO Cole informed the subject that he observed the subject fishing for some time and asked the subject if he had a fishing license and informed the subject that this section of the river was closed to fishing. The subject was unable to provide a fishing license but provided the CO with identification. Upon investigation, it was found that the subject had a felony warrant out of Berrien County for "assault with a deadly weapon." The subject was taken into custody and turned over to Berrien County for the outstanding warrant.
COs Jeff Robinette and Tyler Cole were on patrol in Van Buren County checking closed streams for salmon fishing activity. COs Robinette and Cole observed an individual at Lions Park in Bangor fishing in both the closed and open sections of the Black River. COs Robinette and Cole contacted the individual and verified he did not have a fishing license. CO Cole explained to the individual that he could not fish or possess gear along the closed section of the river. The subject stated that he knew the closed section was off limits but that he had intended to try and snag and/or catch the salmon anyway. The subject then stated that the next time the COs caught him he would have a fishing license, but that he would be snagging. CO Robinette issued the subject tickets for fishing without a license and fishing a closed stream.
COs Jeff Robinette and Matt Page were on patrol in Cass County. While checking Forked Lake in the Crane Pond State Game Area (SGA), COs Robinette and Page encountered numerous waterfowl hunters. While most of the hunters were legal, CO Robinette issued a ticket to a subject for hunting with an unplugged shotgun and CO Page issued a ticket to an individual for an expired vessel registration.
While on patrol in Cass County, COs Jeff Robinette and Matt Page responded to assist the Cass County Sheriff's Department with a domestic assault. COs Robinette and Page arrived first on scene and located the victim coming out of the residence with a bloody nose. The suspect had left but was located walking down the street back to the residence. COs Robinette and Page detained the suspect until the Cass County Sheriff's Department units arrived. When questioned, the suspect stated that he had an argument with the victim, who is his 15 year old granddaughter, and that she had kicked him in the groin. The suspect stated that he then punched her in the face in response to her kicking him. The incident was turned over to the Cass County Sheriff's Department for investigation.
DISTRICT 8
CO Katie Baker obtained search warrants for two trail cameras seized during bait complaint investigations. Six suspects have successfully been identified. The cases are pending suspect interviews.
CO Katie Baker investigated a complaint of a barn shot with a compound bow arrow. An investigation was conducted, and a suspect identified. During an interview, the suspect admitted to teaching a friend to shoot his bow and watching him miss the target. They were unaware the arrow deflected off the dirt berm behind the target which they were using as a secondary backstop. CO Baker educated the subject on safety regulations and issued a verbal warning to the shooter for careless discharge of a bow.
CO Katie Baker conducted an interview for a private property bait investigation. During the interview, CO Baker obtained a full confession and was able to identify three other subjects involved. All four subjects knew baiting was unlawful. A complaint warrant is being submitted against all four subjects for baiting in a restricted county.
CO Katie Baker and Sgt. Jason Smith worked security at a DNR meeting at the Brighton High School. The meeting addressed the recent proposal of creating a tree seed farm within the community. Approximately 500 citizens attended the meeting to view the presentation and voice their opinions. The meeting was held without incident.
CO John Byars received a complaint about malicious destruction of property on the Mike Levine Lakeland Trail State Park system. CO Byars located the scene and identified the possible suspect. CO Byars requested written statements and took photos of the destruction. CO Byars is continuing the investigation and charges will be requested once the investigation is complete.
CO Pete Purdy was requested to assist an MSP Motor Carrier Officer with a traffic stop on I 96. The vehicle stopped was transporting 800 pounds of live channel catfish and tilapia from Sandusky, Ohio to East Lansing. The driver had little documentation in the vehicle with him. Great Lakes Enforcement Unit CO Justin Vanderlinde was contacted and assisted CO Purdy over the phone. The driver was released and information from the stop was forwarded to the Great Lakes Enforcement Unit.
CO Pete Purdy received a complaint of a suspect discharging a crossbow from a vehicle at deer. CO Purdy located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop for two traffic violations. Two cocked crossbows with a loaded and uncased rifle were in the vehicle. The suspect was issued citations for crossbow and firearm vehicle transportation violations. The weapons were seized for condemnation.
CO Nick Wellman got several charges approved and a warrant issued for a man who had been recklessly operating a vessel earlier in the summer with nine occupants on board. The man crashed the boat, injuring several people and throwing two women from the boat.
Sgt. Rich Nickols responded to a RAP complaint about a dead deer in a field that had been shot. Sgt. Nickols was able to determine the deer had been dispatched by a sheriff's deputy earlier in the morning. A note was left on the complainant's door stating what had happened. After the complainant returned home and found the note, he contacted RAP asking when the deer would be picked up. The complainant did not like the fact that it would not be picked up and stated he would return the deer to the sheriff's department parking lot.
Sgt. Rich Nickols responded to a be on the lookout (BOL) from Clinton County Central Dispatch about a vehicle all over the roadway. Sgt. Nickols responded and met a Dewitt City Police Department Officer who located the vehicle parked at an entrance to a corn field. The driver was passed out behind the wheel with the engine running. Due to the Dewitt officer being outside of his jurisdiction, Sgt. Nickols handled the investigation. It was determined the driver was likely intoxicated from a variety of substances including alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills, and from huffing aerosol. The driver was lodged at the Clinton County Jail.
DISTRICT 9
CO Keven Luther patrolled the county for hunting and ORV activity. CO Luther contacted one individual hunting over a bait pile. CO Luther educated the individual and issued a citation.
COs Keven Luther, David Schaumburger, and Brandon Hartleben conducted a Hunter Education Field Day at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit.
CO Tom Peterson observed a couple groups of waterfowl hunters in Highland. CO Peterson checked an individual that had shot after legal shooting hours. The CO contacted the individual after observing him pack up and return to the boat launch. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the subject's firearm was loaded after hours. After a brief conversation, the individual was cited for a loaded firearm after legal hours.
CO Chris Knights was patrolling through Oakland County and stopped by some school property he has had issues with in the past. Instead of walking in, CO Knights drove in and parked. CO Knights glassed the field and didn't see anyone in the tree stands. After a couple more minutes, CO Knights witnessed an individual walking towards him in the field. CO Knights met the hunter and noticed a seat cushion, crossbow, and some other hunting gear on him. CO Knights immediately knew the individual; he ran into him last year for the same issues. CO Knights asked why he was out on school property again hunting, almost in the same spot as last year. The hunter replied he didn't know it was school property. CO Knights advised him he currently has charges pending at the prosecutor's office for a lot of violations from last year. The hunter admitted guilt and stated he was just acting "stupid" and knew he was in the wrong again. CO Knights advised the hunter of the violations again and issued him a citation. He was also told to remove his tree stands again from the private property.
CO Danielle Zubek patrolled several lakes for the waterfowl opener. A group of waterfowl hunters were contacted and checked. The group of five only had two birds for the day. One of the hunters was found to possess lead shot, possessed an unplugged shotgun, and no signature on his migratory stamp. A citation was issued for lead shot and an unplugged shotgun and warnings were given on the other violations.
CO Luke Robare worked the waterfowl opener with CO Justin Muehlhauser. COs Robare and Muehlhauser encountered two violations. One hunting party was possessing toxic shot in the field and another hunter was hunting without a federal duck stamp. Citations were issued for the violations.
COs Justin Muehlhauser and Luke Robare worked Mott Lake for the waterfowl opener. The COs conducted a check on a group of four hunters. While checking shells, CO Muehlhauser discovered that one hunter had two boxes of lead shot inside a bag full of miscellaneous shells in the field. Although he wasn't loaded with the toxic shot, he was cited for possessing toxic shot in the field.
CO Raymond Gardner checked a group of waterfowl hunters in the Lapeer SGA. During the check, CO Gardner found one round of lead shot in one of the hunter's shotguns. The hunter was issued a citation for using lead shot while hunting waterfowl.
CO Jaime Salisbury was patrolling to a nearby lake when he noticed a subject walking down some railroad tracks. It was discovered that the man had a warrant for a similar trespassing incident just a year before. CO Salisbury issued a citation for trespassing on railroad property.
CO Jaime Salisbury assisted Lapeer County deputies with a man wanted for domestic violence who made threats against the police if they came to get him. The man stated he would kill the police if they came to arrest him. After setting up a perimeter around the residence the man was brought out of his home using a public address system. He was taken into custody without incident.
CO Jaime Salisbury received a call from Lapeer County Dispatch of a man who was lost in the Lapeer SGA. After wandering in the dark for some time, the man became stuck in mud and was unable to move. With the assistance of Lapeer County Dispatch an approximate location was obtained using the lost man's cell phone. About an hour after receiving the call, CO Salisbury was able to locate the man and help him get out of the mud. CO Salisbury then led the man out of the woods and back to his vehicle where his dog was waiting for him.
CO Kris Kiel and PCO Martin Lawrence checked a waterfowl hunter who had an unsigned federal waterfowl stamp, no state waterfowl license, and an improper plug in his shotgun. When asked how many years he had been hunting waterfowl, the subject responded, "30 years". A citation was written for hunting waterfowl without a state waterfowl license and was given warnings for the other violations.
CO Kris Kiel and PCO Martin Lawrence checked a waterfowl hunter that failed to sign his unattached federal waterfowl stamp. The subject said he has been hunting waterfowl for years and did not know it required a signature across the face. A citation was written for the violation.
CO Joseph Deppen and Sgt. Chris Maher were working ORV patrol in Macomb County when they received a complaint from a landowner that there were ORVs operating on his property without permission. The COs made the location and found the trespassers. Subjects were cited for various ORV violations and one subject had warrants for his arrest. He was taken straight to jail, and he was not happy about it!
CO Brad Silorey worked the opener of waterfowl season in Macomb and St. Clair Counties, responding to multiple complaints from safety zone to late shooters. CO Silorey issued a citation to one hunter who had failed to purchase his Michigan waterfowl license.
CO Brad Silorey worked an illegal deer case that originated from a tip. CO Silorey was able to track the suspect down and interview him the same day. The suspect shot a 10-point deer without purchasing a kill-tag prior to his harvest. Additionally, the deer was taken over a bait pile. Charges are being sought through Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
COs Nicholas Ingersoll and Dave Schaumburger were working the evening before the waterfowl opener when the COs observed two vehicles that had launched boats before 4:00 am. The COs launched their patrol boat at 1:30 am and conducted a search of the game area. The COs were able to locate the individuals who were setting up decoys before the legal time. Decoys are not allowed to be placed on public waters before 3:00 am. The COs advised the individuals to pack up their gear and they met them back at the launch. The COs issued the individuals citations for entering before the posted hours, warned them for setting decoys before the legal time, and made them get in the back of the long line of boats that were waiting to enter the game area.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was checking hunters at Pointe Mouillee SGA when he contacted a father and son. CO Ingersoll checked the hunter's licenses and equipment and while checking the hunter's shells CO Ingersoll located a slug and lead shot. The hunter stated he must have forgot about those in his bag and could dispose of them. CO Ingersoll advised the father of what lead can do to waterfowl and issued a citation for possessing lead shot while waterfowl hunting.
COs Nicholas Ingersoll and Brandon Vacek were conducting a marine patrol in Erie SGA when they observed a group of hunters hunting on an island owned by the DNR. The COs contacted the group of hunters who had also built a permanent blind on the island and spoke with them for several minutes. After checking the hunters' licenses one hunter failed to sign his waterfowl stamp. When asked if he knew he was supposed to sign the federal stamp he stated that he did. The COs issued him a citation for failure to sign the federal duck stamp and warned him for creating a permanent blind on state land.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll worked the managed waterfowl units at Pointe Mouillee SGA checking for individuals who were attempting to bring more than 25 shells into the managed zones. CO Ingersoll contacted one group when he observed an individual quickly break away from the group after noticing CO Ingersoll stating, "Oh I forgot my shells in the car." The hunter attempted to turn around and walk back to the parking lot after seeing CO Ingersoll and CO Ingersoll called the hunter over to his patrol truck. After speaking with the hunter and checking his shells he had "forgotten" CO Ingersoll located 36 shells in the hunter's possession. The hunter admitted that he had too many shells and knew that and wanted to go drop them back at the truck before CO Ingersoll noticed it. The hunter was issued a citation for possessing more than 25 shells in a managed zone and advised to walk back to the truck and drop off the excess shells. After checking that group of hunters, CO Ingersoll located a second individual in the group with the same violation. That hunter was also issued the same violation and had to go back to his truck and drop off his six extra shells.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll worked a morning patrol at Pointe Mouillee on the second day of the south zone opener for waterfowl and located two vehicles in the state game area parking lot before 4:00 am. CO Ingersoll issued both individuals citations for entering before posted against.
COs Nicholas Ingersoll and Brandon Vacek received a complaint that a successful deer hunter had trespassed to recover a deer that was no longer on their property. The COs were also informed that the individual who was trespassing was a neighbor and was holding a rifle when observed on the property. The COs responded to the complainant's residence and were taken back to a farm field where the doe was and located the neighbor trespassing. The complainant did not want his neighbor to possess the doe due to him trespassing to retrieve it. The COs also located a bullet hole in the back of the does head. The COs seized the doe and interviewed the neighbor at his residence. The neighbor stated that he had shot a doe the previous night with his crossbow and made a bad shot, so he let the deer sit overnight. The neighbor stated that the following morning he tracked his deer and when he located the deer, he shot it with his Savage Arms .17 caliber rifle and did not want to waste another arrow. When questioned about if he knew he was not supposed to kill a deer with a firearm during bow season, the hunter stated he did know he wasn't supposed to and still did it anyway. He stated that he had permission to track the deer in the first two fields he walked through but did not think he had permission for the third field. The neighbor stated he saw the deer across the ditch and went and retrieved it anyway and that is when he was confronted by the property owner. While speaking with the neighbor who shot the deer, the COs walked the property, and it was also determined that he shot the deer over bait. Charges are being sought for taking a deer with an illegal method during a closed season, recreational trespassing, and baiting deer. The deer was donated to a local family and the firearm used was seized.
CO David Schaumburger stopped a vehicle on Belle Isle driving the wrong way down Riverbank to the yacht club. The driver stated that Central Avenue was closed, and this was the way that he always goes. CO Schaumburger told him it was a one-way street, however the driver said that when Central Avenue is closed, this is always the way he goes since there are no signs to tell him where to go. In the middle of this, another car pulled down the one-way right up to the CO's patrol vehicle. The CO told him to pull over until he was done with the first car. The first driver was issued a citation for driving the wrong way on a one-way street. The second driver started yelling from his car that he is a lawyer and that the DNR has allowed them to drive the wrong way down Riverbank "forever". The second driver was contacted and given a ticket for the same. The lawyer driver stated that he can't wait to see the CO in court, and he is also going to represent the first driver too.
CO Christopher Knights worked Belle Isle. During his patrol, he pulled over a vehicle that was speeding down Riverbank as well as throwing trash outside the rear driver's side window. CO Knights made contact and asked for her license, registration, and proof of insurance. The woman advised she has a suspended license but did have identification. After running her name through dispatch, it was confirmed she did have a suspended driver's license. CO Knights checked to see if one of the passengers had a valid driver's license. One of the passengers provided a valid license. CO Knights issued the woman a citation and advised her to switch out with her passenger. They both switched and CO Knights advised her to not drive again until its fixed.
While on patrol at Belle Isle, CO Danielle Zubek was approached by a man riding a scooter. The man asked frantically for a police officer and quickly read off a license plate number. The man explained that he and a group of mopeds were riding to Belle Isle when a road rage incident occurred with a woman in a silver Kia. He explained that the woman was driving erratically and cut lanes, breaking up the group, and almost hitting several riders. After riding near the vehicle for a few more traffic signals - the woman then pulled a handgun on the group. The gentleman explained that one of his friends had a video of this happening and that both parties are now on Belle Isle. Simultaneously, as the man was explaining the situation to CO Zubek a call came over the MSP radio for the same incident. COs Zubek and Eric Smither began to search the island for the vehicle. CO Smither located the vehicle parked by a playground near the Nature Center. COs Smither and Zubek contacted the two females in the vehicle. After a lengthy conversation, the COs were able to secure the weapon and the female admitted to brandishing a firearm toward the group of mopeds. CO Zubek was also able to meet with the complainants, acquire the video evidence, and have witness statements completed. Charges are being sought on the female subject for brandishing a firearm.
CO Jaime Salisbury was patrolling home from a Belle Isle shift when he heard a BOL for a car driving northbound on M 53 in the southbound lanes. The location of the BOL was about three-quarters of a mile ahead of the CO. CO Salisbury notified dispatch he was close to the BOL and that he would try to catch up to the vehicle. CO Salisbury was able to catch the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Upon contact with the driver, CO Salisbury noticed that the man was very confused and smelled of urine. CO Salisbury asked if the driver had any medical issues and he stated that he was diabetic and did not take his medication yet today. CO Salisbury contacted Lapeer County emergency medical service (EMS) to check on the driver. After being evaluated by EMS it was determined that the driver was suffering of severely high blood sugar and was close to being unconscious. The driver was transported to the hospital for treatment.
GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)
While checking sport anglers near Presque Isle, Cpl. Brett DeLonge observed a sport angler catching a lake trout while trolling with more than three lines per person. Cpl. DeLonge contacted the vessel, had the angler pull his lines, and issued a citation for exceeding the legal limit of lines.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge patrolled Southern Marquette County and Northern Dickinson County for archery deer hunters and small game hunters. Cpl. DeLonge checked several hunters and located multiple illegal stands/ORV trails that will be forwarded to the local officers.
Acting Cpl. Jeffrey Dell checked a popular party spot on public land and observed a large amount of litter. Cpl. Dell was able to locate a medical document and a vehicle registration for separate individuals amongst the litter. Citations were issued to both individuals.
Cpl. Kevin Postma put on a "Community Helpers" presentation at one of the local elementary schools.
Cpl. Kevin Postma was contacted by local dispatch regarding an injured eagle on the side of M-28. Cpl. Postma was able to catch the eagle and transport it to the local rehabber/veterinarian.
Cpls. Craig Milkowski and Nick Atkin assisted the Cheboygan Field Office, which maintains Hammond Bay Refuge Harbor, with a sailboat that has been docked for two months and only partially paid for dockage. Contact was made with family and due to medical issues with the owner the family will have the boat removed ASAP and balance worked out with harbor staff.
Various members of GLEU attended Citizen Fishery Advisory Committee meetings for Lake Erie/St. Clair and Lake Michigan, both virtually and in-person, as well as the D25 meeting with command staff.
