DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officer (CO) Byron Parks assisted the Calumet Keweenaw Sportsman Club with a hunter safety class. CO Parks, along with three other club members, helped teach and instruct the three-day hunter safety class. The field day consisted of four different stations from firearm handling/carrying, shoot-no-shoot scenario, and a tree stand station taught by CO Cody Smith. The fourth station allowed the students to shoot a .22 caliber firearm at the shooting range.
CO Brian Lasanen, Sergeant (Sgt.) Marc Pomroy and Corporal (Cpl.) Tom Peterson assisted Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire staff with a forest fire on Manitou Island in Keweenaw County. The wildfire most likely started from a campfire re-light and spread to nearly ten acres. For multiple days, the COs provided boat transportation for fire staff working to contain the fire.
While assisting DNR fire staff with a wildfire on Manitou Island, CO Brian Lasanen and the fire staff were diverted to a second fire near Copper Harbor. A campfire at a deer camp spread to the adjacent woods and was spreading quickly. CO Lasanen utilized his patrol boat to bring fire staff to the second fire site ten miles away.
CO Jackson Kelly responded to a complaint of subjects camping at the “Top of the World” area near Harlow Lake. CO Kelly located three different groups camping in areas posted with no camping signs. All parties were informed of the laws pertaining to camping and were advised to pack up their gear. A citation was issued for camping in a prohibited area.
CO John Kamps checked a boat full of anglers on the Dead River Basin in Marquette County. Only one of the four subjects fishing could produce a Michigan fishing license. Three subjects were issued citations for fishing without a license.
DISTRICT 2
CO Brandon Maki and Sgt. Mark Zitnik observed an individual with a fishing rod holding a bag while standing near a river. When contacted, the subject did not have a fishing rod or bag in his possession and claimed he was just wading in the river messing around. Upon further questioning and a search of the river, it was discovered the man had thrown his fishing rod in the river and attempted to hide his bag containing two brook trout. The man was cited for fishing without a license and given a warning for littering into state waters.
CO Michael Evink was on his day off late in the evening when he responded to a complaint of overdue horseback riders at a remote campsite in the Hiawatha Forest. CO Evink responded with the Michigan State Police (MSP) and they were able to contact the riders who had recently arrived back at their campsite and were fine.
CO Todd Sumbera was notified of the closing of a walleye spearing case from spring 2021. A total of 26 walleye were speared on Drummond Island totaling 108 pounds 8 ounces. The two suspects were both found guilty and paid $2,360 in restitution along with an additional $1,260 dollars in fines and costs. Both suspects also had their fishing privileges revoked for three years.
CO Mike Olesen was notified of the closing of a case regarding the illegal taking of a black bear in Chippewa County in the fall of 2020. The individual took a plea to complete 40 hours community service, pay restitution of $3,500 for the bear, and was sentenced to probation for two years.
COs Mike Olesen and Todd Sumbera held a hunter education field day at the Chippewa County Shooting Association. There were 12 individuals who participated in firearm shooting, firearm handling, tree stand safety, fire making, and general hunter safety.
CO Cole VanOosten was on ORV patrol when a call from Luce County Central Dispatch was received of a capsized boat on a small inland lake. CO VanOosten was nearly an hour away but responded to the area with a small boat. He was able to locate the two individuals who had been in the water for nearly an hour and a half and were clinging to the side of their overturned boat. The men were able to shine their phone flashlights to signal for help. The men were extremely happy to see the CO. CO VanOosten loaded the men into the boat and assessed them for medical issues. Both men were showing signs of exhaustion and one man displayed early signs of hypothermia. The men declined medical attention once back at the dock and warmed up.
DISTRICT 3
COs Nathan Beelman and Dan Liestenfeltz received a call from Alpena Central Dispatch regarding a stranded paddle boarder on an island in Lake Huron. The COs were able to trailer a boat from the local DNR field office and make their way to the island after dark. They navigated through high waves and winds and were able to retrieve the female who otherwise was facing a night alone on the island without proper clothing. The female had paddled to the island roughly two and a half miles offshore earlier in the day but had capsized around sundown on her return trip due to the rough water conditions. Her clothing and equipment became soaked with water, and she was unable to complete the return trip on her own. She was able to make a small fire on the island to start drying her clothing and equipment out. Otherwise, she did not have enough equipment to comfortably make it through the night. The COs returned the boater to the Rockport launch where she denied any further medical attention.
COs Tim Rosochacki and Matt Theunick responded to a report of an overdue kayaker in the Straits of Mackinac. The 16-year-old male was dropped off and had not yet returned to the pre-planned pick-up location. After an hour or so of searching, the subject was located approximately two miles down the shoreline past the established location. The male did not have a way to contact his party, so he just kept paddling, assuming he had not made it to the location yet.
COs Tim Rosochacki and Nate Beelman patrolled the Cheboygan River for evening marine activity on a busy weekend. Several boats were contacted for various violations, two were ultimately cited for operating greater than slow no wake. One of the boats was traveling ‘on plane’ in a clearly marked area.
COs Tim Rosochacki and Matt Theunick were first on scene of a reported rollover accident along I 75 involving a truck pulling a camper. Upon arrival on scene, it was determined all subjects were out of the vehicle and had only sustained minor scratches. The camper was destroyed, and a second vehicle was also pulled over with a shattered windshield. The COs established a lane closure and remained on scene to assist with heavy southbound traffic. The accident was investigated by the MSP and determined to have been caused by a blown-out tire on the pickup truck towing the camper.
COs Tim Rosochacki and Jack Gorno were patrolling an area of state land in Cheboygan County which is popular for dispersed camping. The COs pulled into a campsite which had been given a warning a few days prior for failing to post a camp card as well as having numerous items of trash blowing around the campsite and into the adjacent woods. The campers had still failed to post the camp card and were now beyond the 15-day maximum number of days to occupy the campsite. A citation was issued for failing to post a camp card.
COs Tim Rosochacki and Jack Gorno were working the elk season in Cheboygan County when they received a complaint from central dispatch. Reportedly, a subject attempted to kill a fox in a dense residential area with a rifle. The COs were on scene within minutes and contacted the subject. He admitted to using a .22 caliber air rifle to try and kill a fox that was running through his yard. He pursued the fox across several other neighbors’ yards with the rifle, shooting at it several more times. CO Rosochacki was able to locate the fox still alive in another yard but suffering badly. The fox was collected and euthanized due to its severe injuries. A report has been forwarded to the Cheboygan County Prosecutor’s Office for taking a fox during the closed season and for safety zone violations.
COs Kyle Cherry and Adam LeClerc were on marine patrol in Cheboygan County when they observed a male subject on a boat by himself towing three juveniles on a tube. The COs stopped the boat and informed him he needed an observer on the boat with him. The man stated he thought his one daughter on the tube would count as the observer. A citation was issued for towing without an observer.
CO Tom Oberg attended a hunter safety class at the Northland Sportsman Club in Gaylord. CO Oberg talked with the students regarding what a conservation officer does and went over many of the laws that will pertain to them when they are out hunting, fishing, and recreating. CO Oberg also explained the importance of safety when enjoying those activities.
CO Jack Gorno contacted subjects operating ORVs near the Black Mountain Scramble area. The individuals admitted they drove past a few closed ORV signs and were ticketed accordingly.
COs Jack Gorno and Tim Rosochacki helped teach hunter safety at the Lion’s Club in Indian River. The class had approximately 50 students. The COs instructed on current regulations and laws related to hunter safety and answered many questions from parents and students.
CO Jack Gorno received a complaint regarding a subject possibly shooting at turkeys to remove them from a garden. The complainant reported several turkeys with similar injuries feeding in her yard. After multiple interviews, CO Gorno identified a suspect who admitted to shooting at the turkeys. A report has been sent to the Cheboygan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
COs Paul Fox and Sidney LaLonde attended a hunter safety class in Alpena. Approximately 75 students were in attendance. Topics ranged from hunter safety, ethics, and game laws.
COs Sidney LaLonde and Paul Fox responded to an ORV injury crash in southern Presque Isle County. CO LaLonde was patrolling near the area with her ORV when the call came out. CO LaLonde was the first unit on scene. She performed first aid and assisted EMS and fire units with treatment and loading the victim into the ambulance. CO Fox and local deputies arrived and concluded the crash investigation.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling in Montmorency County when he observed an ORV traveling his direction at 58 mph. The ORV, which was a dirt bike, then began doing wheelies down the shoulder of the roadway. CO Liestenfeltz turned around and attempted to initiate a stop on the ORV, but the operator turned around, looked at CO Liestenfeltz then quickly turned down an isolated back road. CO Liestenfeltz turned down the roadway and observed the ORV traveling away at a high rate of speed. CO Liestenfeltz followed the dust trail and tracks back to a residence, where he saw the operator of the ORV standing in the back of the garage but did not observe the dirt bike. CO Liestenfeltz contacted the subject who admitted to “panicking” when he saw CO Liestenfeltz turn around and took off to avoid being stopped. CO Liestenfeltz located the dirt bike in the bushes near the house. The operator was issued a ticket for operating at a speed greater than 25 mph, careless operation of an ORV, and a written warning was issued for flee and elude.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz received a complaint that there was a boat on Clear Lake and the operator appeared to be very intoxicated, as well as the other passenger on board. CO Liestenfeltz responded to the area and monitored the boat for a short time until it came to shore. Once CO Liestenfeltz contacted them, it was very apparent that they were likely intoxicated. CO Liestenfeltz administered standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) to the operator, which he failed. The subject blew well above the legal limit on the preliminary breath test (PBT) and was arrested for operating a boat while intoxicated. The operator was also issued a ticket for minor in possession of alcohol as well as the passenger.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling Alpena County when he observed a vehicle parked in the travel lane of the roadway with no one in it. He observed damage to the windshield from the inside of the vehicle as well as blood on the dash and seats. The vehicle was towed from the scene due to it being a traffic hazard and CO Liestenfeltz was eventually able to contact the owner. The subject stated that the vehicle stopped running and he was very angry and punched the windshield breaking his hand open. The complaint was cleared with no further issues.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz responded to an ORV accident in Alpena County. Upon arriving on scene, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was in progress from local medical personnel. The subject was transported to the Alpena Hospital where he later passed away. CO Liestenfeltz investigated the crash on scene and was assisted by MSP troopers from the Alpena Post. It is believed that the operator had a medical event and crashed. The victim also had a blood alcohol level of .19, but it is unable to be determined if the alcohol was a direct cause of the accident.
COs Dan Liestenfeltz and Nathan Beelman were patrolling in Montmorency County when they observed an ORV operating down the travel lane of M 32 at 58 mph. They also observed Bud Light cans sticking out of the subject’s pocket. The COs initiated a stop on the ORV and upon contact, immediately noticed signs of intoxication. CO Beelman conduced SFSTs on the subject which were not passed. The subject blew a .209 on the PBT. The subject was arrested for operating an ORV while intoxicated. The subject refused the datamaster and a search warrant was obtained for the subject’s blood. The subject was extremely uncooperative and had to be secured to a restraint chair for the blood draw. The subject was lodged at the Alpena County Jail.
DISTRICT 4
COs Logan Turner, William Kinney, and Richard Stowe participated in a hunter safety field day at the Cedar Rod and Gun Club in Leelanau County. The field day consisted of approximately 85 students of varying ages.
CO Angela Greenway reported that a long investigation into taking an over-limit of deer recently resulted in a conviction of four counts of game violations and one felony witness tampering charge. The violator plead guilty and paid $5,550 in fines, costs, and reimbursement to the state, including the loss of hunting privileges until 2026.
CO Zack Walters attended the Muskegon River Trash Bash. The event was hosted by the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly and the City of Evart at the city depot. The event was to celebrate the month-long cleanup of the Muskegon River and tributaries that ran from August 1st through August 31st.
CO Ben Shively responded to Pines Point Federal Campground on a complaint of an intoxicated male grabbing his groin in front of women. CO Shively obtained a description of the suspect and located him along the White River. The intoxicated subject was uncooperative and displaying signs of aggression, refusing to identify himself. CO Shively was successful in de-escalating the situation and requested the subject to sit on a picnic table nearby. As soon as the subject sat down, CO Shively was able to quickly apply handcuffs to him. He was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct and lodged at the Oceana County Jail. The suspect had just been released three days prior from jail for the same offense. His intoxication level was determined to be four times the legal limit.
CO Jeff Ginn was returning to the Newaygo State Park boat ramp after marine patrol on Hardy Pond when a boat came to the ramp. The occupants were franticly requesting assistance with their friend who had passed out and was not breathing. CO Ginn jumped on their boat and observed an adult male lying face down. CO Ginn turned the male over to his back and determined he was not breathing. CO Ginn noticed he had vomited and likely aspirated the vomit into his lungs. CO Ginn was able to clear the victim’s airway enough for the victim to begin breathing. He was placed into the recovery position while EMS responded.
CO Jeff Ginn responded to a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, the fire was found to be a large bonfire behind a residence. The bonfire was primarily furniture, tires, mattresses, and various building materials. The landowner confessed to the ignition of the blaze and White Cloud Fire Department assisted with extinguishing it. The landowner was cited for unlawful disposal of solid waste. Coincidently, he was found to have an outstanding DNR warrant for unlawful disposal of solid waste. He was transported and lodged at the Newaygo County Jail for the warrant.
DISTRICT 5
COs Tyler Sabuda and Kyle Bader taught at a hunter education field day in Ogemaw County hosted by the Rifle Creek Archery Park, on August 27th. There were 32 students who attended and became hunter safety certified as well as many parents in attendance.
CO Breanna Reed contacted a group of hunters in Missaukee County at Reedsburg Flooding who stated they only got one blue winged teal. Upon further investigation, CO Reed identified the duck as a wood duck. CO Reed asked the hunter how he identified it to be a blue winged teal. The hunter stated, “Because it has some blue on its wings.” CO Reed issued the subject a citation for possessing a wood duck out of season and educated the hunter on the difference between a blue winged teal and a wood duck.
CO Breanna Reed was at an illegal bear bait, established prior to 31 days before season in Missaukee County. CO Reed heard a vehicle approaching so she laid down in the ferns hidden from eyesight while the vehicle approached. CO Reed watched the newly arrived hunter put his dogs down on the illegal bait. CO Reed contacted the hunter, who was very surprised to see her. He stated he knew it was early, but he was not the only one who hunts off it. CO Reed issued a citation for establishing an early bear bait.
DISTRICT 6
While on patrol in Saginaw County during the early teal season, COs Paul Lyden and Jacob Daniel came across four individuals teal hunting. During the check, the COs found one shotgun missing the plug and three ducks which turned out to be wood ducks. The COs educated the hunters on the difference between a blue winged teal and a wood duck then issued citations for hunting with no plug in a shotgun and take waterfowl out of season.
CO Adam Beuthin was checking waterfowl hunters at Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area when he observed an individual shoot at a mallard duck. When the CO asked about the mallard, the subject denied shooting at the duck and claimed to be shooting at geese. CO Beuthin, who had been watching the group for some time and had not seen any geese, asked the individual if he was really shooting at a goose. The subject changed his story and admitted to shooting at a duck that was flying by. Further investigation revealed the hunter was in possession of 31 shotgun shells, which is over the allowed 25 shotgun shells in the managed waterfowl unit. The individual was issued a citation for attempting to take waterfowl out season and given a verbal warning for possessing more than 25 shotgun shells in a managed waterfowl area.
While patrolling a section of state forest on the Isabella and Clare County line, CO Mike Haas encountered several subjects operating an unlicensed four-wheeler off the roadway with neither wearing the required helmet. On the four-wheeler were several bags of corn and a bucket with mineral attractant. CO Haas pointed out the multiple ORV violations and asked what they were baiting. The subjects stated they were baiting their stands in preparation for deer season. CO Haas checked the illegal hunting sites and advised them that their stands had been placed on state land before the legal date, the stands were lacking labels and utilizing bait for deer. A citation was issued to address the various violations.
CO Mike Haas was patrolling in eastern Montcalm County when he observed a vehicle traveling towards him at a high rate of speed and crossing the center line. When the vehicle passed the CO, it was noted that it also lacked a license plate. CO Haas turned around to catch up to the vehicle and found the car parked behind a barn at a vacant farm. CO Haas contacted the occupants in the vehicle and found that the driver and passenger had changed seats. The subject that CO Haas witnessed driving was now sitting in the passenger seat and admitted that he did not have a valid driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that he had active felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants. The man was issued various warnings for the driving violations, arrested for his warrants, and lodged in the Montcalm County Jail.
In coordination with the Michigan DNR Fisheries and Wildlife Divisions, COs Mark Reffitt and Jeremy Beavers presented at a youth fishing event for Montcalm and Ionia County 4-H participants. The COs talked about their roles in protecting Michigan’s natural resources and gave an overview of fishing rules and regulations. The young anglers also had opportunities to have their questions answered by the COs and were shown how to identify the common fish species that they might encounter in area lakes and streams.
COs Mark Reffitt and Jeremy Beavers were patrolling the Flat River State Game Area (SGA) for ORV activity when they noticed vehicles driving across and parking in a DNR food plot. The COs approached the individuals using their department issued ATVs and learned that they were there for a large, planned party. As the individuals were operating in a clearly marked restricted area, the COs issued several citations for land use violations. The COs revisited the location twice more during the night, each time issuing more citations and limiting the damage to the recently planted food plot.
DISTRICT 7
CO Carter Woodwyk was pulling into the Big Lake boating access site in Allegan County when he observed an angler loading his vessel on a trailer and pulling it out of the water. The angler appeared uneasy with the CO’s presence and it seemed that he was going to leave the site without strapping down his vessel. When the CO observed some aquatic vegetation on the angler’s trailer which may contain aquatic invasive species (AIS), he flagged him down. While educating the subject about AIS concerns, the CO discovered a bucket of sunfish in the back of the angler’s truck and began counting them. Immediately, the angler stated he had a short bass in the bucket along with all the sunfish. When the CO located the largemouth bass and measured it, it was only 10.5 inches in length. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Carter Woodwyk was patrolling the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County when he observed two anglers fishing from a vessel near I 196. Upon contact, it was found that one of the anglers did not have a fishing license and they were in possession of a short largemouth bass. Additionally, there were no personal floatation devices (PFDs) in the vessel, and one of the anglers had an active warrant for his arrest. Enforcement action taken.
CO Carter Woodwyk was patrolling Crooked Lake in Allegan County for the early teal and early goose hunting season. When the CO pulled into the access site at 6:51 a.m., he heard multiple shots ring out. The CO located the hunters who were shooting, and he observed an injured blue-winged teal swimming in the hunters’ goose decoy spread. The CO observed one of the hunters shoot the injured teal and retrieve it. When the CO contacted the hunters, they both indicated they were avid waterfowl hunters and one of them stated he knew teal shooting hours were different than goose and waterfowl shooting hours so they should not have shot the teal. Enforcement action was taken, and the blue-winged teal was seized.
CO Anna Cullen was checking anglers near the White River when she observed a group putting a cooler and fishing gear in the back of their vehicle. CO Cullen contacted the group and asked how their fishing had been, and if they had caught anything. The group advised their trip was good and continued to pack items in the vehicle. CO Cullen referenced the cooler and asked if she could look inside. The angler granted access and opened the cooler for her. In the cooler there was a northern pike and a largemouth bass. Both were found to be below the minimum size requirements. The fish were seized, and a citation was issued for the violation.
CO Anna Cullen was checking boats entering an inland lake when she observed a jet ski pulling young kids without a spotter. CO Cullen attempted to read the MC numbers, but the return was not a local address. When the jet ski went back to their dock, CO Cullen made a note of where it was located on the lake and identified the house. The operator was located, and a citation was issued for towing without a spotter.
While on patrol in Ionia County, CO Jeremy Beavers located a vehicle parked on state land with two large bags of deer bait in the back seat of the truck. Further investigation revealed baited hunting locations and two subjects. They said that they were just scouting for deer at first, but after a brief conversation, both subjects admitted to illegal baiting and proceeded to show the CO their hunting spot. CO Beavers explained that baiting has been illegal in Ionia County since at least 2016. He also explained that the whole lower peninsula has a baiting ban. The subjects were issued citations for baiting in a prohibited county.
CO Cameron Wright was patrolling the St. Joseph River early in the morning when he located a dock that had multiple fishing lines out in the water. CO Wright pulled his boat near the dock and sat there to see if anyone was nearby fishing. Approximately 15 minutes later, a man came down from his house to check the lines. The man told the CO that he likes to always leave a line in the water while he is at his cabin so that he can have a better chance of catching fish. A citation was issued for fishing with unattended lines.
CO Cameron Wright was patrolling Warren Dunes State Park when he observed a vehicle operating carelessly while leaving the beach parking lots. CO Wright conducted a traffic stop and quickly realized that the driver was displaying resting nystagmus and speaking slowly. CO Wright conducted SFSTs and found that the driver performed poorly on all of them. A PBT was given with the result of .000. CO Wright placed the subject under arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI) and gained consent to search the vehicle where he located multiple partially full automotive aerosol cans and two partially full “family” sized boxes of cold relief medication. A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) was contacted and a DRE evaluation along with a blood draw was conducted. The DRE’s opinion was that the driver was operating while under the influence of inhalants. Blood draw results are still pending, and charges are being sought through the Berrien County Prosecutor for OWI.
DISTRICT 8
CO Lisa Taube was traveling on Hacker Road during a severe storm in Livingston County when she came upon an active transformer fire that was caused by a tree falling on the power lines. CO Taube stopped at the scene and notified residents in the immediate area. While on scene, a second power line split and caught the yard on fire, actively burning for over two hours. CO Taube remained on scene to assist with traffic control until the fire department could provide enough resources to secure the scene.
COs Kevin Bunce and Marc Mankowski assisted the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police (MSP), and other agencies with a “shelter in place” situation regarding a barricaded gunman in Eaton Rapids. The subject strangled his wife before she was able to escape and call for assistance. The gunman made several threats to end his own life during the conflict. Teams worked throughout the afternoon and night and eventually concluded the conflict in a peaceful manner.
CO Kevin Bunce was on patrol in Clinton County when he encountered three individuals fishing from the CSX Railroad into a private pond marked with multiple “no trespass” signs. Upon making contact, the individuals admitted to accessing the pond via the railroad due to the pond’s popularity on the fishing app “fishbrain.” The individuals were issued citations for trespassing on the railroad property.
DISTRICT 9
COs David Schaumburger and Ariel Young conducted a late-night marine patrol on Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. A few contacts were made with anglers, but they all reported slow fishing. One angler was operating a boat that had an expired 2020 registration and a citation was issued. The angler stated, “I didn’t expect to see you guys out tonight.”
While out checking goose hunters, CO Cody Bourgeois observed two ORVs operating down the road in Oakland County, which is closed to ORV traffic. As CO Bourgeois approached the ORVs, he could notice they were not wearing helmets and did not have them licensed. CO Bourgeois conducted a stop on the vehicles and issued a citation for not licensing their ORVs. He gave them four warnings for operating in a closed area and operating without helmets.
CO Joseph Deppen was working marine patrol along Lake St. Clair and stopped in at a local launch. CO Deppen checked a vessel coming in with four persons aboard. Two of the people aboard were fishing. The anglers had purchased the boat three months earlier and never registered it. A more thorough check revealed the anglers had only two PFDs, no fire extinguisher, no Type IV PFD, and four out of eight smallmouth bass were less than 14 inches. CO Deppen also located a handgun aboard and the operator failed to notify that he was a concealed pistol license holder until halfway through the investigation. After a slew of verbal warnings were handed out, a citation was issued for possession of smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, fail to provide PFDs and operating an unregistered watercraft.
COs Joseph Deppen and Sydney Griffor stopped a side-by-side operating on a main roadway. During the stop, the passenger attempted to be crafty and hide an open bottle of wine at her feet while COs were approaching, neglecting to hide the full cup of wine in her cup holder. The operator was issued a citation for operating an ORV without an ORV license and was given a verbal warning for operating on a roadway and the open intoxicants in an ORV. The open bottles and glasses were poured out and the operator passed a PBT before he was released.
CO Mike Drexler was working marine patrol on Joslin Lake when he observed a personal watercraft (PWC) operator appearing to not have a PFD on. CO Drexler caught up to the PWC and initiated a vessel stop after confirming the operator was not wearing a PFD. The operator stated he was just taking it out for a quick run around the lake and left the PFD at the cottage. A citation was issued for the violation.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was patrolling Pointe Mouillee Stata Game Area (SGA) when he observed a local resident who failed to move his vehicle out of the roadway after being asked the night before. CO Ingersoll contacted the individual and noted he was smoking a marijuana joint in the driver’s seat of the vehicle while speaking with CO Ingersoll. CO Ingersoll advised the individual he could not smoke in public. The subject was uncooperative and continued to smoke the marijuana while a citation was issued. CO Ingersoll then observed him reach into his cooler on the back of his truck, open a bottle of peach wine he had in there, and take a drink advising he was drinking for his girlfriend and celebrating. While explaining the citation, the individual stated he did not want to hear what CO Ingersoll had to say and ripped the citation up and threw it on the ground. CO Ingersoll advised the subject of the possibility of further littering charges. The citation was retrieved, and the subject was left holding a crumpled ball of citation after refusing a second untorn copy.
COs Nicholas Ingersoll and Brandon Vacek received a complaint of individuals shooting at wood ducks and cormorants at Pointe Mouillee SGA. The COs responded to the area and located four hunters in the Bad Creek Unit, matching the description. The COs watched the hunters for approximately an hour and a half and witnessed them shoot at cormorants and wood ducks throughout the evening. The COs watched one hunter kill one wood duck and wound several others that did not fall. The COs waited until after shooting light and watched two out of the four hunters stay loaded after hours and the other two unload at shooting light. The COs contacted the hunters in the marsh and observed one of the hunters proudly holding his wood duck that he thought was a blue winged teal. The COs quickly educated him and advised him he shot a wood duck and proceeded to check the hunters’ firearms for plugs. After checking all the firearms, it was determined that three out of the four hunters had unplugged shotguns. The COs questioned the group about shooting at the cormorants and the wood ducks and the hunters advised the COs that they thought the cormorants were “dark geese” and the wood ducks were teal. The COs provided the hunters who were new to the sport with information to better their knowledge and issued three hunters citations for unplugged shotguns and one citation for possessing and taking a wood duck out of season. All the hunters were warned for attempting to take nongame species and wood ducks out of season.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was patrolling Crystal Waters SGA on the opener of goose and teal season. CO Ingersoll spoke with a group of hunters who had luck knocking down one goose. After completing a waterfowl check on the hunters it was determined that one of the hunters was in possession of toxic shot and failed to remove them from his bag. CO Ingersoll explained the reason behind not using toxic shot and issued the hunter a citation for possession of toxic shot while out waterfowl hunting.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was checking hunters at Pointe Mouillee SGA when he observed a group of hunters come into the launch. CO Ingersoll completed a check of all licenses and equipment and he noticed that one of the hunters purchased their federal stamp at 11:01 a.m. after they pulled up to the launch and noticed CO Ingersoll in the parking lot. CO Ingersoll also confirmed the subject had received free licenses as a disabled veteran but did not meet the qualifications. The hunter apologized and was warned for using false information to purchase a license and warned for hunting without a federal license. He was issued a citation for failing to provide CO Ingersoll with proof he had a hunting license.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was pulling onto Roberts Road to patrol Pointe Mouillee SGA when he observed an individual driving a blue Equinox throw his Kleenex out of the window and continue to drive. CO Ingersoll stopped the individual who advised he did not want the Kleenex in his car and threw it out the window. CO Ingersoll issued the driver a citation for littering.
COs Eric Smither and Andrew Monnich were patrolling southern Lenawee County when they observed an ORV coming towards them on the roadway at a high rate of speed. Upon further observation, the COs noticed the operator was not wearing a helmet. They stopped the ORV and contacted the operator. A citation was issued for not wearing a helmet on an ORV.
During a Belle Isle shift, CO Chris Reynolds assisted CO Brandon Vacek at a vehicle crash where an individual rear-ended a parked vehicle. CO Reynolds talked with the driver who stated he had been drinking at a wedding reception that evening. CO Reynolds conducted sobriety tests on the individual who was found to be highly intoxicated. The individual was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence and lodged at the Detroit Detention Center.
On August 25, 2022, COs Martin Lawrence and Keven Luther participated in the “Hunters of Color” event which was held on Belle Isle by the DNR’s Archery Education Coordinator, Dr. Katherine Garland. The event gave the opportunity for people of all ages to participate at various hunting stations which included hunter’s safety information, an archery station, how to get certified, tree stand safety, and a pellet gun booth. The event was a success educating approximately 150 participants. Events like this help to promote hunting in the State of Michigan and hopefully bring new wildlife hunters.
CO David Schaumburger stopped a vehicle on Belle Isle doing 51 in a 25 mph zone. When the driver was asked why he was going so fast, he stated that he was almost out of fuel and was trying to get to a gas station. The CO issued him a citation for the speed and educated the driver that the slower you travel the better gas mileage you get.
CO David Schaumburger stopped a vehicle doing 53 in a 25 mph zone on Belle Isle. The CO finally caught up to him and made a traffic stop on top of the MacArthur Bridge. The driver said he thought the speed limit on the bridge was 50, however he did not realize that the CO clocked the driver on radar half a mile back on the island at Riverbank and Inselruhe. When the CO told him where he clocked him on radar, the driver did nothing except bow his head down. A citation was issued for speeding.
While patrolling on Belle Isle, Sgt. Seth Rhodea observed a vehicle that had been driven between fence posts and was parked by the beach. Sgt. Rhodea contacted the driver who was setting up for his dog’s birthday party. A citation was issued for operating a motor vehicle in a closed area and the driver was warned for multiple other violations.
CO Brandon Hartleben and PCO Nick Thornton responded to a medical call at the Detroit Yacht Club while working a Belle Isle shift. CO Hartleben and PCO Thornton arrived at the pool area and contacted the elderly subject who had fallen and hit his head. PCO Thornton collected the subject’s information and while waiting for EMS to arrive, asked him some simple questions to gauge his mental capacity. After getting the man seated comfortably and assessing the injury, it appeared that the only injury was a bump on his head. Detroit EMS/Fire arrived on scene shortly after and transported the man to Beaumont in Gross Pointe out of an abundance of caution.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll worked a busy Belle Isle shift. Lots of people were enjoying the sunny weather on the island. CO Ingersoll responded to a medical call where an individual was having a seizure and difficulty breathing. CO Ingersoll received a second medical call where an individual was stung by an unknown insect, having difficulty breathing, and started to have chest pain. Both individuals were turned over to Detroit EMS and transported to the hospital. CO Ingersoll also handled a property damage accident where a vehicle crossed over a lane of travel to pull into a parking space and was rear ended due to their actions and improper lane use.
Sgt. Shane Webster noted a vehicle travelling at 47 mph while running radar on Belle Isle. A traffic stop was conducted and the operator, in addition to nearly doubling the 25-mph speed limit, was also without a valid driver’s license. The vehicle was turned over to a licensed driver and a ticket was issued for the excessive speed.
