DISTRICT 1
Conservation Officer (CO) Brian Lasanen received a complaint regarding a person who had released a coyote from a random trap they had found and then posted what they had done on social media. After that occurred, CO Lasanen received a call from a trapper who stated he had a trap stolen. CO Lasanen determined the incidents were related and the potential suspect was located and interviewed. The subject admitted to seeing the coyote in the trap and felt that it needed to be released. The trap was legally set, and the trapper was legally licensed to trap. A report was submitted to the Keweenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for interfering with the lawful taking of an animal.
CO Brian Lasanen received a phone call from the Report All Poaching (RAP) dispatch center late one evening. The dispatcher relayed information regarding ongoing shining activity that was not too far from CO Lasanen’s residence. CO Lasanen responded and located the suspect vehicle in the area. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver contacted. The suspect denied shining but was in possession of a crossbow and shotshells inside the cab of the truck. The shotgun was found to be uncased on the seat of the truck and enforcement action was taken.
CO Byron Parks participated in the live TV broadcast of “Ask the DNR.” Viewers from the upper Great Lakes Region have their questions regarding hunting, fishing and wildlife answered by a panel of experts from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). CO Parks was on the panel, along with a wildlife biologist from Sault Ste. Marie, and a fisheries biologist from Escanaba.
Sergeant (Sgt) Brian Bacon and CO Anna Viau were patrolling in eastern Iron County when they came across a vehicle in a ditch. CO Alex VanWagner was patrolling nearby and assisted at the crash site. The woman driving the vehicle was still in the driver’s seat. After checking to make sure she was uninjured, CO Viau noticed an odor of intoxicants. CO Viau ran the woman through standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs) and administered a preliminary breath test, which came back with a result of more than double the legal limit. The woman was arrested for operating while intoxicating (OWI) and lodged at the Iron County Correctional Facility. Charges are pending with the Iron County Prosecutor’s Office.
In Menominee County, CO Steve Sajtar observed a speeding vehicle cross the centerline of a county road multiple times. CO Sajtar conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver. While speaking with the driver, CO Sajtar noticed two firearm cases in the passenger seat. CO Sajtar asked the driver if both firearms were unloaded. After taking a moment to reply, the driver stated, “Yes, both should be unloaded.” A check of both firearms resulted in a citation being issued for transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Steve Sajtar assisted local law enforcement with a structure fire in southern Menominee County. When dispatched, it was unknown if the structure was occupied or not. CO Sajtar arrived on scene with the next closest officer and confirmed the fully engulfed structure was not occupied. Several fire departments from Michigan and Wisconsin responded to the scene to combat the fire.
COs Jeremy Sergey and Jackson Kelly responded to a report of a 20-foot steel boat crashed up on the rocks near the Michigan Welcome Center in Marquette. With rough seas crashing into the boat, the COs were able to climb onboard and verify there was nobody on board and the keys were turned off with the throttles in the neutral position. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) also conducted a shoreline search to make sure nobody was in the water. The COs were able to track down the owner with the USCG and it was verified nobody had taken the boat out; it had broken from its moorings near Presque Isle in bad weather.
CO Jackson Kelly responded to a boater in distress call at the Lake Levasseur Flooding. A waterfowl hunter was stranded on an island when their inflatable boat lost all air pressure. The subject was safely recovered with all their gear and transported back to the boat launch. A check of the hunter’s equipment and licenses revealed multiple issues including no personal floatation device (PFD) on the boat, no state waterfowl license and no federal waterfowl license. The subject was cited for no PFD and for no hunting license.
DISTRICT 2
CO Scott Pankow and Sgt. Calvin Smith were patrolling on Drummond Island when they received a complaint of a dispute between a nearby landowner and hunters. Per the caller, the landowner took the caller’s cell phone, and they were being harassed by an individual while grouse hunting on public land. CO Pankow and Sgt. Smith responded to where the complainant was staying and made contact. The complainant advised that he was hunting with his friends on state land and an individual with land in the area contacted them and advised them to pay attention to where they are at while bird hunting because he had private property nearby. The landowner left then later came back telling them again to watch where they are going, and it would be a great idea to stay off his land. At some point one of the hunters had dropped his cell phone and while looking for it, the landowner returned a third time and told the hunters he had found it, but they could have it back for $400 then drove away. CO Pankow and Sgt. Smith responded to the residence and contacted the landowner, who was highly intoxicated. CO Pankow and Sgt. Smith were able to get the complainant’s phone back and returned it to him. There will be a report submitted to the Chippewa County prosecutor for review.
COs Jason Ruth and Cole VanOosten conducted an additional hunter safety field day in Newberry for 15 students. Participants drove as far as six hours to complete the last-minute field day before deer hunting season.
CO Mike Olesen assisted the Michigan State Police (MSP) from the St. Ignace Post with recovering a drowning victim on Brevort Lake.
DISTRICT 3
CO Jon Sklba was on patrol in central Presque Isle County when he contacted a subject looking for a deer he had shot at. A check of the area revealed the hunter had used bait, failed to put his name on his blind, and transported an uncased shotgun in his vehicle to get to the area. A ticket was issued for the violations.
CO Jon Sheppard responded to a recreational trespass complaint on private property in Alpena County where a male subject had shot a deer and tracked it across property lines. The landowner saw the subject dragging the deer and noted that it was on his property. CO Sheppard arrived on scene and spoke to both parties, then checked the blood trail on foot. The blood trail confirmed that the deer had run onto the complainant’s property and ran next to an obvious, “No Trespassing” sign. The deer had been dragged out to the roadway. CO Alex Bourgeois arrived to assist and followed the blood trail back to where the deer was shot on the suspect’s property where he found sugar beets as bait. The bait had blood on it indicating that the deer was shot directly over the bait. The complainant decided that he did not want to press charges for recreational trespass. CO Sheppard issued a ticket for hunting over bait, seized the deer, and donated the deer to a family in need.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling in Montmorency County when he contacted a subject operating a truck down a two track during the last 20 minutes of legal hunting hours. The truck was operating very slowly and had multiple windows rolled down. Upon contacting the driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, CO Liestenfeltz observed a loaded and cocked crossbow next to the driver. After securing the crossbow and speaking more to the subject, it was also determined that they did not have deer hunting licenses and admitted to shooting at a deer approximately one hour before, while sitting in the woods, but missed. The vehicle also had an expired registration and no insurance. After investigating, CO Liestenfeltz was able to confirm that the subject did not hit the deer that was shot at, but determined the subject was using bait. CO Liestenfeltz ultimately issued the subject a ticket for possessing a loaded and cocked crossbow in a motor vehicle, hunting deer without a valid license, and a warning for the baiting violation. Another subject was enroute to the scene to remove the truck and take it back to the subject’s residence.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz responded to a car versus elk accident in Otsego County. CO Liestenfeltz removed the elk from the roadway, which was not salvageable, and handled the traffic crash investigation and report.
COs Alex Bourgeois and Jeff Panich interviewed a man in Montmorency County who was suspected of shooting a doe and buying a license afterwards. After a lengthy interview, the COs were able to get the hunter to admit that he bought a license after he shot the doe. A report has been submitted to the Montmorency County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
CO Alex Bourgeois interviewed a woman who was suspected of shooting a doe in Alpena County and buying a license afterwards. CO Bourgeois was able to obtain a confession from the hunter that she bought her license after she shot the doe. The deer was seized, and charges were issued for the violation.
CO Alex Bourgeois responded to reports of a suicidal man walking down M 32 in Alpena with a knife. CO Bourgeois arrived on scene, and it was discovered that the man did not have a weapon. After consoling the man who was upset and making suicidal statements, CO Bourgeois had the man taken to the hospital where he was petitioned for mental health treatment. The man’s family arrived at the hospital and while the man was being checked in, they thanked CO Bourgeois profusely.
DISTRICT 4
CO Josiah Killingbeck, while sitting at a boat access site, observed a vehicle pull into the access site but as soon as seeing CO Killingbeck’s patrol vehicle, turned around and began leaving. CO Killingbeck attempted to stop the vehicle for a motor vehicle code violation. The vehicle fled from CO Killingbeck. A pursuit was initiated and went through three counties before the subject’s vehicle went into a ditch. The subject fled on foot; however, CO Killingbeck was able to contact a passenger in the vehicle and learn the identity of the driver. The MSP K9 and Emergency Response Team arrived on-scene and began tracking the driver who was known to be violent towards law enforcement. The suspect was tracked for miles but due to significant rain the track was lost. A report was submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for charges.
CO Josiah Killingbeck observed a group of people standing in the roadway ahead of where he was driving. Stopping and watching the group, CO Killingbeck realized ORVs were racing on a public roadway. The people in the road would watch for traffic and tell the ORVs to race. Contact was made with the group where CO Killingbeck found the road to be torn up. Numerous violations were addressed, and numerous citations issued.
DISTRICT 5
CO Jacob Hamilton was patrolling in Kalkaska County when contacted a subject driving down a two-track. The subject told CO Hamilton he was heading to his hunting spot to put some bait out. CO Hamilton observed an open container of beer sitting in the vehicle's center console. A citation was issued for open intoxicants in a motor vehicle and a warning was issued for baiting deer in an area that was closed to baiting.
Sgt. Brian Olsen located a camp in Crawford County, where it was obvious the camper had been living for quite some time on state land. The camp had garbage all over and an old camp card that had been used for months. A Law Enforcement Information Network check on the camper showed two outstanding warrants. One of the warrants was local to Crawford County. Sgt. Olsen arrested the camper on his outstanding warrants and lodged him in the Crawford County Jail.
CO Tyler Sabuda received a complaint about a photograph of a buck posted online without a kill tag attached. The comments on the photo described the times when the deer was taken. A check of Michigan DNR licensing system confirmed the individual didn’t have any deer licenses while hunting. With assistance from CO Paul Lyden, the subject was located and interviewed. The suspect confessed to taking the deer without a license. A report is being submitted to the prosecutor for review.
CO Casey Pullum, a United States Forest Service (USFS) law enforcement officer, and two DNR wildlife employees collaborated with the local Amish hunters in the area by holding a meeting in Mio to discuss recent hunting law changes and disseminate field guides. The purpose was to help bridge a gap with a diverse user group with limited access to electronic materials and information and to allow the user group to meet face-to-face with those working for the DNR and USFS in this specific area. The meeting lasted two and a half hours with excellent engagement. There were 55 Amish men and boys in attendance and the meeting was well received. There was a discussion about holding another one next fall in September.
CO Casey Pullum was patrolling rural Oscoda County one night when he spotted two vehicles parked on the road. After turning around to follow them, he noticed a bright light from the driver’s side. The vehicles then turned and disappeared. CO Pullum quickly located the vehicle and followed it, observing the artificial light again. He conducted a traffic stop and found that the driver and passenger were hunters trying to locate deer. A citation was issued for shining in November.
While on patrol in Alcona County, CO Jesse Grzechowski was crossing the Pine River when he observed two anglers fishing. He contacted the anglers and advised them that the Pine River is a Type 1 trout stream and closed to fishing until the last Saturday in April. CO Grzechowski issued two citations for fishing a closed trout stream.
COs Craig Neal, Josh Jobin, and Sgt. Phil Hudson patrolled state land in Arenac County following a baiting complaint. CO Neal found a hunter in an unmarked tree stand hunting over bait. CO Jobin stopped three hunters riding ORVs after dark without helmets, discovering that two did not have their hunting licenses. After verifying their licenses at camp, CO Jobin issued verbal warnings for the missing licenses and cited all three for the helmet violation. CO Neal noted that one hunter had received a similar citation from Sgt. Hudson years prior and issued another citation for the current offense.
CO Zack Cardinal, assigned to Lapeer County, contacted CO Josh Jobin after he conducted a deer check of a meat processor for a possible illegal 10-point buck. CO Jobin was able to determine that the buck was harvested before the hunter obtained a deer license. CO Jobin contacted the hunter, and the hunter admitted to harvesting the 10-point buck with a crossbow without a license. This incident is the second time the hunter has hunted without a license. Charges are being sought through the prosecutor’s office.
CO Kyle Bader was patrolling Ogemaw County when central dispatch received a report of a missing 12-year-old autistic child who had walked away from his home near Rose City. Since MSP troopers were coming from quite a distance, CO Bader began searching the area for the child. Ogemaw Dispatch informed him that the boy had told his parents he was walking to their new house. CO Bader obtained the address of the new house, which is approximately five miles from Rose City. He started searching the most likely route and located the boy about two miles outside of Rose City, walking in the dark and rain. CO Bader gave the boy a ride back to his parents' house in Rose City.
CO Kyle Bader received a report about potential deer poaching at a residence in Mills Township in Ogemaw County. Upon investigating, he arrived at the location and found an untagged 8-point buck visible from the road. After knocking on the door and getting no response, CO Bader photographed the deer and left the scene. When he returned a short while later, he noticed that the deer now had a tag on it. After a few days of follow-up, CO Bader managed to locate the hunter, who was subsequently cited for failing to immediately validate and attach a kill tag to the deer.
CO Jeff Panich received a complaint of a subject who was in possession of an untagged buck. CO Panich contacted the suspect, and the deer turned out to be an antlerless deer and not a buck with a tag attached. After further investigation, CO Panich determined that the suspect harvested the doe and purchased a deer license after the fact. Charges are being sought through the prosecutor’s office.
CO Tyler Sabuda located a couple of vehicles parked in an area that was out of the ordinary in Iosco County. CO Sabuda knew of a swale that was just a short hike into the woods. CO Sabuda set out on foot and located two hunters at the swale trying to jump-shoot wood ducks. One of the hunters was in possession of a shotgun loaded with five rounds and was written a citation for the violation. The other hunter had a warrant and was lodged in the county jail.
CO Tyler Sabuda conducted a presentation at a career fair in Alpena and spoke to many students interested in careers with the Michigan DNR. Over 550 students were in attendance.
CO Joshua Jobin conducted a deer inspection at a local meat processor in Oscoda County and discovered an antlerless license with a suspicious date/time. He contacted the hunter and received a confession for shooting the doe without a license. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Joshua Jobin received a large bait pile tip from the DNR Report All Poaching (RAP) Dispatch for Oscoda County. CO Jobin followed up with the tip and was able to locate a large indent in the ground baited with mineral blocks. After a couple of days, CO Jobin noticed a pickup truck parked near the road with foot tracks crossing in the dirt. CO Jobin made his way back to the bait location and observed that multiple trees had been cut to make a shooting lane, as well as fresh bait added to the bait location. CO Jobin contacted three subjects assembling a tower blind, in which one subject confessed to baiting the location for several years, cutting the grass to get better pictures, and seeding the ground for added attraction. The subject was cited for baiting deer in a closed area, and the USFS was notified of the damage to vegetation.
CO Kyle Bader responded to a complaint of a turkey that was caught in a foot hold trap. CO Bader met the couple and located the turkey. CO Bader was able to release the turkey unharmed.
DISTRICT 6
CO Dan Robinson and LED Chief Jason Haines attended a Trunk or Treat event in Mt. Pleasant. The COs talked to over 300 kids and family members from the Mt. Pleasant community and surrounding areas. Several bags of candy were handed out as well as coins and junior badges to well deserving kids.
CO Dan Robinson checked on a trespassing complaint at a county park where the caller stated there was a group illegally camping. The CO arrived and found several individuals sword fighting in the parking lot. As it turned out, the group was preparing to video some scenes in renaissance period clothing and the swords were foam. The group stated they were not camping but using the tents to protect their equipment.
Sgt. Seth Rhodea and CO Adam Beuthin received a complaint of an individual hunting at the Shiawassee River State Game Area (SGA) watch another hunter shoot and kill a swan while waterfowl hunting. The COs responded and were able to contact the suspected individuals as they were leaving their hunting area. After separating the two men, it was discovered one of them had in fact shot and killed a swan. When asked where the swan was, the man admitted it was in the bottom of the boat under several jackets and mesh bags filled with waterfowl decoys. Enforcement action was taken, and the individual was issued a citation for possessing a non-game bird and having a loaded firearm in a vessel.
CO Kory Crawley investigated a complaint of a house being shot with an arrow. CO Crawley located a bolt from a crossbow that was lodged in the outside wall of the residence. CO Crawley located a second bolt nearby in the grass. It was determined the bolts came from a nearby residence. CO Crawley spoke to the neighbor who had lost two bolts while sighting in his crossbow earlier in the week. The homeowner did not want to pursue charges but wanted the neighbor to replace the damaged siding.
DISTRICT 7
CO Carter Woodwyk was patrolling through the Allegan SGA in Allegan County when he observed two subjects dragging a deer out of the woods. Upon contact, the CO immediately observed that the deer did not have a kill tag attached to it. When the hunter was asked why the deer was not tagged, they indicated that they just wanted to get the deer out of the woods before it got dark. The CO explained that the kill tag needs to be validated and attached to the deer immediately upon locating it. Enforcement action was taken.
COs Ryan Jager and Zach Bauer responded to a lake in St. Joseph County for a complaint of a trespasser who had shot a deer with a compound bow from a kayak. The COs responded to the scene and found the subject who eventually admitted they had shot the deer. It was later discovered that the subject had warrants for their arrest. The subject was placed into custody and a search incident to arrest yielded several grams of suspected methamphetamine. The suspect was lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail. The COs will be submitting a report to the St Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office for charges of recreational trespass, hunting without a license, attempt to take deer without a license, and possession of methamphetamine.
CO Ryan Jager was leaving a complaint in Barry County when he met a side-by-side traveling on the road with an antlered deer in the back. CO Jager realized the side-by-side didn’t have any ORV stickers and conducted a traffic stop. The operator was ticketed for operating on the roadway without an ORV license. The antlered deer was properly tagged.
COs Jeff Robinette and Zach Bauer were on patrol checking waterfowl hunters. The COs contacted two hunters in kayaks, neither had a PFD on board either kayak. The COs issued tickets for the PFD violations.
COs Jeff Robinette and Zach Bauer were on patrol when they observed an angler fishing for salmon. The COs witnessed the angler attempt to foul hook multiple fish. The angler foul hooked one salmon and was able to land the fish. The angler looked the fish over for numerous minutes trying to determine if the fish was edible. The angler ended up releasing the fish. After several more minutes of observing the angler, the COs made contact. The angler admitted to attempting to foul hook the fish. Tickets were issued for attempting to foul hook fish, as well as failing to immediately release a foul hooked fish.
CO Tyler Cole was notified by the county dispatch of an injured eagle while patrolling Van Buren County. CO Cole responded and found an injured juvenile bald eagle, in a cut corn field near a roadway, appearing to have a broken wing. CO Cole transported the eagle to Wild Side Rehabber, who seemed optimistic that the eagle would be able to be rehabilitated and released.
DISTRICT 8
CO Marc Mankowski responded to a complaint of a deer with a collar in a neighborhood in Delta Township. Contact was made with the suspect who was warned last year about feeding deer. More feed was located on the property and the suspect admitted to putting a ribbon around the deer’s neck in hopes it wouldn’t get shot. A citation was issued for feeding and the suspect shook the CO’s hand and stated, “I’ll see you in court, and I’m bringing witnesses.”
CO Wes Butler received information that a hunter had shot an 8-point buck without a license. CO Butler interviewed the suspect regarding his suspicious deer harvest report. CO Butler asked the suspect what time he shot the deer. The suspect stated that he shot it around 9 AM on October 6th. Knowing that the suspect’s license was purchased at 10:17 AM, CO Butler asked the suspect if he shot the deer without a license. The suspect initially denied the fact that he didn’t have a license, but through further interviewing the suspect eventually confessed to shooting the deer without a license. CO Butler seized the antlers and will be pursuing charges for taking a deer without a license.
CO Jeremy Woods received a complaint about a person potentially hunting within the city limits and on city-owned property in Eaton Rapids. CO Woods checked back into service and went to the location. An Eaton Rapids officer arrived on scene to assist CO Woods and the two waited at the suspect’s car since it was almost dark. Shortly after dark, the suspect exited the woods and was greeted by CO Woods and the assisting officer. CO Woods asked the man whose property he was hunting on, and he said he wasn’t sure. CO Woods then asked him if he had a hunting license. The suspect said he did not. CO Woods detained and searched the suspect, discovering a methamphetamine pipe in the man’s pocket. It was also discovered that the man hadn’t purchased a hunting license since 2013. The suspect was cited by CO Woods and received additional citations by the Eaton Rapids Police Department.
CO Brandon Benedict was contacted to assist with a search warrant in a house. While there, CO Benedict uncovered four antlered deer heads without any tags. A suspect interviewed revealed that all four bucks were shot this year by the same suspect and none of the deer were tagged. When CO Benedict asked the suspect why he shot an over-limit of bucks, the suspect advised he did if for the thrill. CO Benedict is sending a report to the Shiawassee County Prosecutor’s Office seeking charges for the violations.
CO Cullen Knoblauch was patrolling Watkins Lake State Park when he contacted a hunter near the roadway. The hunter informed CO Knoblauch that he found another hunter’s backpack in a parking lot. CO Knoblauch contacted the hunter who lost the backpack by telephone and informed him of locating his lost backpack. The hunter told CO Knoblauch that he left the backpack and his hunting licenses laying on the ground at Watkins Lake State Park the day prior when he killed an 8-point buck across from the parking lot. CO Knoblauch determined after speaking with the hunter, he had been hunting a closed area of the park which is posted as a wildlife refuge. CO Knoblauch met up with the hunter and further questioned him about the deer he killed and confirmed the deer was killed in the wildlife refuge. CO Knoblauch responded back to Watkins Lake and located the kill site where the deer was killed which was well within the posted wildlife refuge. A report will be submitted the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Nick Thornton conducted a prisoner transport from the Allegan County Jail to the Branch County Jail. The individual had previously been cited by CO Thornton for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and now had a bench warrant for failing to appear for court. The individual said he knew he missed his court dates, but he doesn’t have a lot of money right now because of his monthly child support bill.
CO Jason McCullough responded to a trespass complaint. Upon arrival, CO McCullough observed the subject climbing out of his tree stand. As the subject noticed CO McCullough’s patrol vehicle, he took off running down the tree line trying to escape. CO McCullough drove his patrol truck across the field and apprehended the subject a short distance into the woods. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Marc Mankowski and CO Jeremy Woods attended a career day/open house at the Grand Ledge Armory. Hundreds of students from local schools and career tech programs attended the event. Many National Guard soldiers inquired about the hiring process for LED post-upcoming retirement. The National Guard offered a ride in the Blackhawk helicopter and the COs used the nice gesture to perform an impromptu bait flight where 10 baits were located across Eaton, Clinton, and Ionia Counties.
DISTRICT 9
CO Dave Schaumburger set up on a trio of duck hunters near the end of shooting hours. At 6:25 PM, the published hunting hours, two of the hunters unloaded their weapons. Those two hunters went out to collect decoys. A few minutes later, the third hunter started calling at birds when one of the hunters picking up decoys yelled at him, “What are you doing, its four minutes after shooting light.” The third hunter immediately unloaded his weapon and helped them pickup decoys. When the CO approached the pair, the hunter who unloaded late said, “Sorry, I was just messing around.” The CO explained that having a loaded gun and calling at birds is not “just messing around.” The hunter was issued a citation for being loaded after hunting hours.
CO Dave Schaumburger encountered a group of three anglers with a language barrier. They did not speak any English, and they did not have a fishing license. After gathering their identification, it was suspected that the men from Honduras may not be here legally as none were carrying any court papers. CO Schaumburger enlisted the help of the US Border Patrol (USBP) who arrived at the scene and were able to speak their language. It was determined that two of them were in the US illegally and the USBP had no record of them. The pair was handcuffed and taken to the USBP Station for processing.
While checking duck hunters at Pointe Mouillee, CO Dave Schaumburger was presented a bag of assorted shotgun shells. One shell stood out to him as it was a Remington Nitro Turkey load. Curious as to the contents of the shell, the CO used his trusty magnet and realized it was not magnetic. He then used his shot shell density checker, which revealed, and confirmed his hunch, that it was in fact lead. The hunter was issued a citation for possessing toxic shot.
CO Dave Schaumburger was on patrol at a managed waterfowl unit when he happened upon one pair of hunters who had 25 shells each, but they had some shells that were low brass that the CO was suspicious of being lead. The hunters stated that the box was in the truck, and it said steel, one said he was sure of it. While checking their licenses and asking where the duck stamps were, the pair of hunters said the person selling licenses at Dunham’s told them they don’t need the federal duck stamps this year! The COs walked them back to their truck and located the box of “Upland and Small Game” shells. A subsequent density check revealed them to be in fact lead. A citation was issued for possessing toxic shot and the pair of hunters were sent away to the nearest license retailer to buy their federal duck stamp and non-toxic shot.
CO Dave Schaumburger was checking hunters at Pointe Mouillee when he came across a group carrying some toxic (lead) shells. The hunter said he just bought them and could show the CO the box in the truck that said it was steel. The CO went to his truck and located the box that said “upland” and did not say steel anywhere on the box. Along with possessing toxic shot, the pair did not have their federal duck stamp. They claimed that the person at Walmart told them they do not need a duck stamp this year. A citation was issued for the toxic shot and warnings were given for the federal duck stamp.
COs Dave Schaumburger and Ariel Young conducted a marine patrol and checked multiple duck hunters. Most hunters were finding a little luck with one or two birds in the boat. While checking one of the last groups of the night, CO Schaumburger discovered that one of the hunters had nearly a box worth of lead shot mixed with their steel shot. The hunter was subsequently cited for the infraction.
COs Ariel Young and Les Bleil conducted an early morning waterfowl patrol at a local managed waterfowl area. After the drawing was complete and the hunters started entering the field, the COs checked to make sure all the rules and regulations were being followed. A total of four citations were issued for violations including possessing a firearm capable of holding more than three shells and an over-limit of the managed areas shell limit.
COs Griffin Korican and Joe Closser responded to a complaint that stated somebody was hunting over bait behind a cemetery in Commerce Township. Upon arriving at the cemetery, the COs observed the suspect’s vehicle with hunting apparel and a bow case in the backseat. The COs walked into the woods and located the individual who was actively hunting over a large pile of corn. The COs also observed a spot of blood and deer hair along the trail used to get to the hunter’s stand. Upon contacting the individual, the COs inquired about the bait and the deer. The suspect stated he had put the bait out and had just missed a doe earlier in morning. The COs escorted the individual out of the woods and upon running a file on the suspect, it was discovered there was an active warrant for his arrest. The COs took the individual into custody and issued him a citation for baiting deer in a closed area. The individual was picked up by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for transport to the Oakland County Jail.
CO Griffin Korican received a call from the Waterford Police Department that two officers were out with a hunter who was attempting to track a deer he had shot in Waterford Township. It is against the local ordinance to hunt in Waterford Township unless on state land. Upon arriving on scene, the hunter explained that he might have made a bad shot on a small 4-point buck and could not find any more blood to follow. Upon inspecting where the hunter had shot the deer, corn was found in front of the hunter’s ground blind. The hunter was cited for baiting deer in a closed area.
Last week, CO Zack Cardinal discovered a bait pile in Lapeer SGA after tracking disturbed leaves and a deer drag trail. While out patrolling, CO Cardinal noticed a truck in the parking-lot near the bait pile. Getting close to last legal shooting light, CO Cardinal was able to sneak into the woods and observe a hunter in a tree stand with bait under it. After legal light ended, CO Cardinal approached the hunter and asked the hunter to show him the bait pile. After denying the bait pile, CO Cardinal and the hunter went for a short walk. After getting closer to the bait pile, the hunter confessed that he knew about the pile and had even restocked the pile with more apples, a full bag of corn, and approximately 10 pounds of sugar beets hidden on the opposite side of a log. The hunter received a baiting ticket and was ordered to clean up the bait pile.
Approximately 15 minutes before end of legal shooting light, CO Zack Cardinal was dispatched to a complaint from a hunter who had witnessed a car shooting at deer near the field he was hunting. The car drove past the herd of deer then slammed on its brakes, reversed to a clearing, then the hunter heard and saw the flash of a small caliber gunfire from the backseat of the vehicle. One deer had dropped and had shown signs of being injured. After the vehicle drove off, the hunter called 911 and the vehicle was stopped by the Metamora Township Police Department further down the road. Inside were three subjects who had been drinking and driving back roads shooting at deer. The shooter confessed to shooting at two deer while driving around. One in the field that the hunter had made the complaint on and then another button buck that was in the aft section of the car they were traveling in. The firearm used was a semiautomatic .22 long rifle with a scope. CO Cardinal is conducting the investigation and will be seeking charges through the Lapeer County Prosecutor's Office.
COs Sydney Griffor and Brad Silorey inspected bucks at a local taxidermist in St. Clair County. CO Silorey discovered an 8-point buck with a tag on it that was purchased in the evening and harvested that same evening. This was suspicious to the COs due to the short timeframe the deer could be harvested. The COs investigated it further finding the female who shot the deer. It was the only deer license she had ever purchased, and her husband had recently tagged out, harvesting two bucks this season already. Upon speaking with the hunters, it was determined the husband shot the third buck. They admitted to the wife purchasing the tag and the husband borrowing her tag to use on the third buck he shot. A report will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office seeking charges on the husband for taking an over-limit of bucks and borrowing another individual’s license.
CO Robert Watson was patrolling the Wadhams to Avoca Trail area and observed a golf cart travelling down a “closed to motor vehicle use” portion of the trail. As CO Watson observed the vehicle, a bright light was seen casting on both sides of the vehicle attempting to locate deer. A stop was conducted on the vehicle and the driver was found to be in possession of an open container of alcohol and operating without a valid driver’s license. The driver was cited for shining deer in November and warned for the other violations.
CO Jaime Salisbury was notified of a man who had shot a deer and did not have kill tags because he bought them on his phone. He was in possession of an 8-point buck without a kill tag. A citation was issued for failing to immediately attach a validated kill tag.
CO Mike Drexler investigated a tip of a subject who purchased their deer license after they shot an 8-point buck. An interview was conducted, and the subject confirmed she shot the deer then purchased a deer license. The deer was confiscated, and a report will be submitted to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
CO Brandon Hartleben was patrolling the Halfmoon Chain of Lakes for waterfowl hunting activity when he observed a 20-foot white pontoon boat anchored against the shoreline with a dozen or so decoys in front of it. CO Hartleben conducted a check of the two waterfowl hunters on the vessel and found that one of the shotguns being used could hold more than three shells. The vessel was also short a Type IV PFD. The owner of the shotgun was issued a citation for hunting with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells and the vessel owner was issued a warning for not having a Type IV PFD.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll assisted CO Steve Sajtar with interviewing an individual who shot two antlerless deer in the Upper Peninsula. The suspect had shot two antlerless deer and tagged both deer after the fact. CO Ingersoll was able to verify and gain a full confession, which aligned with the confession the suspect had given CO Sajtar over the phone. Charges will be sought by CO Sajtar.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll received a complaint about an individual who bought their deer license after legal shooting hours and posted their deer on social media a few hours later. CO Ingersoll interviewed the individual who admitted to shooting the deer prior to purchasing a license. The individual also admitted to shooting the buck over a bait pile on the property. Charges will be sought through the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office for taking a deer over bait and taking a deer without a hunting license.
CO Brandon Vacek responded to a RAP complaint of two subjects target shooting at Crystal Waters SGA in Monroe County, where that activity is strictly prohibited. The CO located the two subjects actively discharging a handgun towards a large body of water. After ordering one of the subjects to drop their gun, the CO interviewed both subjects and determined they had disregarded reading any of the signage posted at the parking area where they entered. Both subjects gathered their belongings, targets, and brass before being escorted out of the area. Later, one of the subjects took full responsibility for their actions, stating that someone told him it was okay to do. That subject was issued a citation for enter, use or occupy where posted against.
Sgt. Shane Webster responded to a call of a large 9-point antlered whitetail deer that was found dead right off the roadway in a field. Initially, it was believed the deer had been taken from the roadway at night, but evidence found on scene indicated the deer was taken with proper archery tackle and had likely come from a long distance away. Despite a search of the area and multiple calls to known hunters, they were unable to find a hunter who claimed the deer. The meat was initially donated, and the antlers taken in case a hunter was established. Hours later into the day, a hunter contacted Sgt. Webster and after reviewing, it was confirmed that the hunter had shot the deer the night before but was unable to recover it. The hunter was re-united with the antlers and meat, and he utilized his tag. Sgt. Webster was extremely pleased by the cooperation between neighbors on this incident.
Sgt. Shane Webster responded to information that a subject had observed an antlered deer cross the property line, only to immediately hear gunshots. The subject soon after saw lights and believed the person was recovering the deer. Sgt. Webster checked the area and was able to plainly observe a tractor on the property with blood in the bucket, confirming a deer had been killed. Soon after, a hunter was contacted who confessed that he had shot the deer with his .450, after having initially shot it with a crossbow. The 9-point antlered whitetail was seized with clear bullet holes in its hide. Charges will be sought through the prosecutor’s office for taking deer with a firearm outside of the legal season.
While patrolling Belle Isle, CO Zack Cardinal was sitting at an intersection. CO Cardinal witnessed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. After conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, CO Cardinal noticed an open container of alcohol next to the driver. The driver was run through field sobriety tests. The driver showed no signs of impairment and did not have any alcohol in his system. A citation was issued to the driver.
