District 1 counties of service: Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon.
Conservation Officer (CO) Jenni Lehto contacted a hunter who had purchased a tag four days after killing a deer. Charges are being requested through the Gogebic County Prosecutor's Office.
District 2 counties of service: Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft.
COs Steve Butzin and Matt Bowser received a complaint about multiple illegally taken deer in a garage in Escanaba. The COs went to the location, conducted several interviews, and located several deer which were harvested during the firearm deer season. One was a yearling doe that had a combo license attached to it, one was a spike horn with no license attached to it, and another deer was located that was missing a head which was also determined to be a spike horn which was tagged with a combo license. When asked where the license for one of the spike horns was, an individual handed the COs a base license that he had written on with a pen that stated, “Spike Horn 11/28/25.” The COs explained that a combo license could not be used on any of these deer and a base license is not a deer license. A report is being submitted to the 94th District Court of Delta County pending charges.
CO Robert Freeborn assisted the Michigan State Police (MSP) with several vehicles in the ditch during blizzard conditions. CO Robert Freeborn made sure everyone in the vehicles were safe and waited for the tow trucks to arrive on scene and handled any accident reports needed.
CO Robert Freeborn received a complaint, after dark, about subjects on the ice trying to rescue a deer that couldn’t stand up on the slippery ice. Upon arrival CO Freeborn, along with a local city police officer, walked out on the ice to the individuals. Due to the poor ice conditions, the officers couldn’t make it all the way to them and had the subjects walk back to them so they could be safely escorted off the ice. The subjects were found to be young kids who had gone on the ice without their parents knowing. The officers were unable to get to the deer due to the ice conditions.
While on patrol in Mackinac County, CO Joe Budnick observed a snowmobile operating in the roadway during the firearm deer season quiet period. Contact was made with the operator, and it was discovered the snowmobile had expired registration and expired trail permit. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Mike Olesen patrolled Chippewa County after receiving a decent amount of rideable snow for snowmobiling. CO Olesen focused his patrol on an area where stop signs on the trail are commonly disregarded. During the patrol, CO Olesen cited two riders for careless operation of a snowmobile by failing to abide by a stop sign and issued a citation to another rider for failing to display a valid snowmobile registration.
CO Alex French was on patrol in Chippewa County when he contacted a hunter in a motor vehicle with a loaded firearm. The hunter was issued a citation for having a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Scott Pankow participated in “Ask the DNR” in Marquette at Northern Michigan University. The hour-long live show gives viewers a chance to call in with any questions they might have about regulations and laws.
District 3 counties of service: Alpena, Antrim, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego, Presque Isle.
CO Nathan Beelman was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle off the roadway and down a small embankment. CO Beelman turned around and contacted the driver who stated that he had been unable to stop at a stop sign and slid through the T-intersection. CO Beelman noted the odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle and other signs of impairment on the driver. The driver subsequently failed standardized field sobriety tests (FSFTs) and blew a .169 on a preliminary breath test (PBT). The driver was arrested and lodged for operating while intoxicated (OWI).
Sergeant (Sgt.) Bill Webster and CO Chad Baldwin were patrolling Charlevoix County on Thanksgiving Day when they encountered a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road in a popular area known for deer and predator hunting, as well as trapping. No one was in or around the vehicle, so CO Baldwin positioned his patrol truck behind the sport utility vehicle (SUV) to get out and take a better look. Upon doing so, CO Baldwin saw in individual in a hunter orange coat but wearing blue jeans and sneakers, step out from behind a tree in the woods. The COs contacted the man who stated he was just checking his trail camera to see if he had any pictures. The COs asked if he would escort them back to see where he was hunting and check out his setup. The man obliged and upon arriving at his tree stand, a bait site was located that had just been refreshed with carrots that were obvious in the deep and rapidly accumulating snow. The man admitted to rebaiting the site and knew baiting was illegal. He was issued a ticket for his offense and given a warning for no identification on his tree stand.
CO Duane Budreau and PCO Tyler Owen received a tip that a hunter harvested two antlerless deer and never tagged them. The COs interviewed the hunter and determined he purchased licenses after he harvested the two deer. Charges have been filed with the Charlevoix County Prosecutor's Office.
CO Tom Oberg arrived first on scene to a snowmobile personal injury accident that left the victim temporarily unconscious. When CO Oberg assessed the operator’s injuries, they could not recall anything that happened and were unable to answer simple cognitive questions. EMS arrived on scene and transported the operator to Otsego Memorial Hospital.
CO Jack Gorno contacted two subjects after seeing a deer license purchase, after hunting-hours, near the end of November. CO Gorno interviewed two subjects at their residence the next day. CO Gorno obtained confessions that the adult male, who had already taken two bucks during the season, shot his third buck that season, and took his wife to the party store to get another deer license. CO Gorno seized the deer and will submit a report to the Cheboygan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
CO Jack Gorno, along with other local law enforcement in Cheboygan County, played in a benefit hockey game for the Cheboygan Coats for Kids Foundation. This game raises money and provides winter gear for youth in the area.
COs Tim Rosochacki, Sidney LaLonde, Dan Listenfeltz, and Jack Gorno collected toys at Jay’s in Gaylord for the “Toys for Tots Stuff a Truck” event. Over 150 toys were collected to directly benefit children in the local area.
CO Matt Theunick was patrolling in the Pigeon River Country when he came upon a vehicle. After contacting the three people in the vehicle, it was found that there were two loaded and uncased firearms in the vehicle. Tickets were issued for both the uncased guns.
COs Sidney LaLonde, Dan Liestenfeltz, and Evan White interviewed a subject on a possible illegal deer. The subject admitted to shooting a 6-point deer and purchasing the license after the fact. The deer was seized, and a report was submitted to the prosecutor's office for review.
COs Sidney LaLonde and Dan Liestenfeltz participated in the “Shop with a Hero” event at the Meijer in Alpena.
CO Jon Sheppard observed a four wheeler exit a driveway onto the roadway while patrolling Alpena County. The operator had no helmet on, and a rifle slung on his back. CO Sheppard initiated a traffic stop and contacted the operator. Upon further inspection, the rifle was loaded. CO Sheppard issued a ticket for loaded/uncased firearm on an ORV and a warning for operating an ORV with no helmet.
COs Dan Liestenfeltz and Evan White observed a vehicle that had slid off into the ditch. While contacting the driver, it was learned that the vehicle did not have insurance. When asked if the COs could search the vehicle, the driver consented and admitted that there was a loaded pistol in the vehicle. When asked if he had a concealed pistol license (CPL) the driver stated that he took the class but had not obtained the CPL yet. The driver also had another pistol in the trunk that was unloaded. CO White seized both pistols for carrying a concealed weapon violation. A report was submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz participated in the Alpena County “Shop with a Cop” event. Local officers from the area assisted children in gathering presents for families and friends. Many children participated in the event, and it was a very enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
District 4 counties of service: Benzie, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, Wexford.
COs Zackary Walters, Amanda Weaver, and Acting Sgt. William Kinney held a “Stuff a DNR Truck” event at Blain’s Farm and Fleet in Traverse City. Throughout the day, a trailer-load of toys was collected as well as several hundred dollars in cash donations. All donations were given to the Northwest Michigan Toys for Tots for distribution throughout the Traverse City area. WTCM Radio Station participated in the event and the toy drive was an outstanding success. The COs were humbled by the generosity of the community and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community where they live and work.
Acting Sgt. Will Kinney assisted the MSP and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office with a barricaded individual inside a residence. The suspect barricaded himself inside his residence and was under arrest for felony domestic after assaulting his girlfriend. After some time, the suspect came out of the residence and was taken into custody without issues.
CO Josiah Killingbeck was patrolling Lake County when he observed a snowmobile operating on the roadway at a high rate of speed. Using his issued radar, CO Killingbeck determined the snowmobile was travelling at 71 miles per hour (mph) in a 55-mph zone. CO Killingbeck stopped the snowmobile and contacted the operator. The driver told CO Killingbeck that he was so excited to be snowmobiling that he was not paying attention to his speed. CO Killingbeck educated the subject on snowmobile regulations, and a citation was issued for speed.
CO Logan Turner received complaint information that an individual had gone around a closed gate and was operating in a closed area. CO Turner located the individual, who had just dragged a 1-point buck back to his vehicle. CO Turner located where the subject was hunting and discovered a pile of sugar beets splattered with fresh blood. CO Turner also located the subject’s popup blind which did not have a name and address attached. CO Turner seized the individual’s deer, and he was cited.
District 5 counties of service: Alcona, Arenac, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Roscommon.
CO Joshua Jobin was patrolling near Big Bend Campground on state land. CO Jobin observed a vehicle pull into the parking area with two male subjects wearing hunter orange. CO Jobin stopped to talk with the hunters and discovered two loaded rifles under a blanket in the vehicle. Citations were issued to both subjects, and they were advised of the safety concerns associated with having loaded weapons in a vehicle.
CO Jeff Goss found a social media post of a local man bragging about shooting the biggest buck of his life with photos showing an untagged 10-point in his truck. A records check confirmed the man bought his license after dark on the same day he shot the deer. During the interview, he admitted to purchasing the license after killing the deer, saying he had not been seeing many deer and did not want to spend the money on a tag. CO Goss seized the man’s rifle and the deer. Charges are being sought through the Gladwin County Prosecutor’s Office for taking a deer without a license and possessing an untagged deer. Because it was a 10-point buck, CO Goss will request enhanced restitution and license revocation. The man faces $7,000 in restitution and a six year revocation if convicted.
CO Jeff Goss investigated a subject after receiving reports of a dump truck loaded with carrots parked in their driveway before firearm deer season. A pre-season bait flight confirmed several heavily baited areas on the property. CO Goss contacted one of the property owners who said his brother, currently out hunting, was responsible for the truck loads of bait. While waiting for the brother to return, another hunter came back to the house and was found to be hunting without a license and not wearing hunter orange. Citations were issued to both the brother and the unlicensed hunter.
CO Breanna Garrett received a complaint that an individual shot a spike on opening morning of firearm deer season in Missaukee County, an antler point restrictions (APRs) violation. CO Garrett met with the suspect, and she admitted that she had shot the deer without a license, shot it in Missaukee County where APRs apply, and failed to harvest report it. Warrants are being sought through the Missaukee County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Breanna Garrett had been trying for several years to follow up on a heavily baited blind but had never encountered a hunter there. While on patrol, she noticed fresh tracks in the snow leading to the blind and a nearby truck with multiple bait bags and jet sled tracks. After hiking in, CO Garrett contacted two individuals actively dumping large amounts of bait. They claimed they were getting rid of the leftover bait before leaving for the winter. When CO Garrett noted she had been trying to contact him for years, the man said he never hunts weekends because it is too busy and that he monitors tracks coming in and out to watch activity near his stand. CO Garrett issued a citation for baiting deer in a closed county.
COs Ryan Weakman, Jeremy Cantrell, and Breanna Garrett participated in the annual “Stuff-A-Truck” event at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare. This event allows outdoor enthusiasts to drop off outdoor related toys and merchandise with conservation officers stationed inside the Jay’s location. The donations are then distributed through Central Michigan Toys for Tots. The event was a huge success with an overwhelming number of donations.
CO Kyle Cherry, along with Kalkaska County deputies and Kalkaska Fire Department personnel, spoke with a group of youth attending a snowmobile safety class. The officers discussed the importance of safe operation and respect for others on the trail systems.
Sgt. Brian Olsen stopped to check on a suspicious motorist standing outside his vehicle after dark in Crawford County. Inside the vehicle were open cans of beer and a half-burnt marijuana cigarette. Based on signs of intoxication, Sgt. Olsen conducted SFSTs on the motorist and placed him under arrest for OWI. The motorist refused the breath test at the jail, and a search warrant for blood was executed at the local hospital. Charges are pending with the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office.
Sgt. Brian Olsen attempted to stop a group of four snowmobiles in Roscommon County but could not keep up due to slippery conditions. He tracked them to a residence on Higgins Lake, where he found three sleds and four individuals out on the shelf ice. When asked about the missing fourth sled, one rider admitted it was unregistered and had no trail sticker. Sgt. Olsen located it hidden under a tree and issued a citation for operating without a trail sticker, along with a warning for failing to register the snowmobile.
Sgt. Brian Olsen was checking ice conditions on Houghton Lake when an elderly driver flagged him down at a state boating access site. The driver admitted he had just blacked out while driving and crossed the road, striking several mailboxes. Sgt. Olsen had EMS respond to check on the driver. The MSP assisted at the scene. The driver was cleared by EMS and MSP provided him with a ride home.
CO Nico Luna responded to a single vehicle, double occupant car accident in the Luzerne area. CO Luna assisted the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office deputies with the extrication of both victims.
CO Tyler Sabuda was working along the Au Sable River when he contacted two hunters walking to their vehicle. One of the hunters was not in possession of their license and there was an uncased firearm in the vehicle A citation was issued for the violations.
COs Tyler Sabuda, Casey Pullum, Brad Bellville, Jesse Grzechowski, and a USFS officer coordinated on a case that began as a recreational trespass complaint next to USFS land. CO Sabuda was first on scene, located the suspects, and obtained admissions to multiple violations. These violations included recreational trespass, malicious destruction of property, operating an ORV contrary to public land regulations, operating an ORV through a river, stream, bog, or wetland, littering, baiting deer in a closed area, cutting trees on public land, untagged blinds, and operating an ORV without a helmet or registration. Charges are being pursued through the Alcona County Prosecutor’s Office.
District 6 counties of service: Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Montcalm, Saginaw, Sanilac, Tuscola.
While on patrol in Bay County, CO Paul Lyden observed a few duck hunters out at the mouth of the Saginaw River duck hunting. After watching the hunters for a little while, he asked CO Adam Beuthin for assistance watching the hunters due to violations being spotted. After CO Beuthin arrived and observed the hunters shooting at waterfowl while under power and driving their vessel with loaded firearms, CO Lyden retrieved a patrol boat to contact the hunters. The COs got on the boat and contacted the hunters. They addressed violations that were observed by both COs and multiple citations were issued.
CO Kory Crawley observed a truck driving down a trail with a truck bed full of trash. CO Crawley parked near the trail and watched the truck back up to the ditch. The driver and passenger exited the vehicle and began unloading the trash into the ditch. CO Crawley stopped the truck once it began to leave. The subjects cleaned up the litter and were cited for the offense.
CO Kory Crawley received a complaint in Gladwin County during archery season. The complainant heard a gunshot from a neighboring property and could see a flashlight out in the woods. CO Crawley arrived at the property and could see a flashlight in the woods. CO Crawley waited for the suspect to exit the wooded area. The suspect had a rifle and was dragging a sled with an antlerless deer in it. The suspect admitted he shot the deer with the rifle because he thought it was muzzleloader season. CO Crawley seized the rifle, the deer, and the suspect was cited for the offense.
CO Kory Crawley received a complaint that a subject had shot numerous deer without deer licenses. CO Crawley located two untagged deer at the residence. Upon interviewing the suspect, CO Crawley was able to obtain a confession. The suspect confessed to harvesting two antlered deer and one antlerless deer without licenses. The deer were seized, and law enforcement action was taken.
Sgt. Seth Rhodea was patrolling in Saginaw County when he contacted a hunter that had been hunting on Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. The out-of-state hunters were successful in harvesting a deer but had failed to purchase the proper license to harvest a deer. During the contact, Sgt. Rhodea learned there was a second out of state hunter still out in the woods. After taking enforcement action on the first hunter, Sgt. Rhodea was able to contact the second hunter and discovered that he had also failed to purchase the proper license for hunting deer. The second hunter was also cited.
CO Dan Robinson was patrolling northern Isabella County when a “Be on the Lookout” for a vehicle all over the road came across the radio. The CO located the vehicle and found them driving on the wrong side of the road. A traffic stop was initiated. The driver had initial signs of impairment prompting CO Robinson to administer several field sobriety tests prior to placing him in custody for operating while intoxicated. The final testing was conducted at the local jail where his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. He was ultimately lodged and charged for operating under the influence.
CO Jacob Robinson was on patrol in Montcalm County when he received a call from Lansing Dispatch (RAP) referencing an in-progress complaint with a subject shooting deer on private property, with a rifle, during the closed season. The CO was not close to the venue, so he asked if CO Josh Reed and MSP troopers could head to the venue and locate the subject. When CO Robinson arrived at the scene, the MSP and CO Reed had already contacted the subject and determined that the subject shot two deer on private property. Further investigation revealed that the subject was a felon and was not supposed to be in possession of the firearm, hunted without a license and therefore purchased a kill tag after shooting the deer, and tagged the deer on the private property. The MSP transported the subject and lodged him at the Montcalm County Jail and charges are pending at the county prosecuting attorney’s office for a felon in possession of a firearm, recreational trespass, hunting deer with a firearm out of season, and hunting deer without a license.
CO Michael Lator received a complaint from Gratiot County Central Dispatch about an individual who was reportedly conducting an illegal deer processing operation. The CO contacted the suspect at the location where the business was allegedly conducted and discovered the suspect processing several deer at that location. The suspect admitted he did not have a permit to conduct a commercial deer processing operation. CO Lator was familiar with the suspect from past complaints and issued him a citation for conducting a commercial deer processing operation without a permit.
CO Michael Lator was patrolling the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area (SGA) in Gratiot County when he encountered a deer hunter, in a truck, on a popular two-track. The hunter told the CO that he was scouting for deer, and he had two rifles in his truck. After checking the subject’s license, the CO obtained consent to check the firearms in the vehicle and located a loaded lever-action rifle with a round in the chamber and the hammer cocked enclosed in a case. He stated the firearm belonged to a family member but admitted he failed to ensure it was unloaded when it was returned to the vehicle. CO Lator educated the hunter on the importance of firearm safety, and a citation was issued for possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Michael Lator was patrolling through the Maple River SGA in Gratiot County when he observed a hunter sitting on top of a motor home camper with a rifle on a bipod. When the CO contacted the hunter, he admitted he was hunting deer and did not know if it was legal to do what he was doing. CO Lator instructed the hunter to unload his rifle and climb down from the roof of the motor home. He did admit that he had not read the Michigan Deer Hunting Regulation Summary which states that it is illegal to hunt from in or upon a motor vehicle but had trusted a stranger he had just met in the state game area who told him it was okay for him to hunt from the motor vehicle. A citation was issued.
COs Michael Lator and Adam Schiller were patrolling through the Maple River SGA in Gratiot County when they observed a large hunting party of 20 individuals conducting a deer drive. While checking the hunters for deer licenses, CO Lator discovered one hunter had a loaded and uncased shotgun in his vehicle. The hunter claimed he was new to hunting and did not know the laws regarding firearms in vehicles. CO Lator educated the hunter on the importance of knowing the basics of firearm safety and knowing what the applicable laws are regarding the transportation of firearms to avoid a potential accident while in the field. A citation was issued.
District 7 counties of service: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St Joseph, Van Buren.
COs Jeff Robinette and Zach Bauer conducted a shining patrol targeting an area of several shining and shots fired complaints. The COs witnessed a vehicle shine a field in the area and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Further investigation revealed there was a cocked crossbow behind the center console with a bolt nearby. The COs also located an uncased .350 rifle in the vehicle. Several citations were issued, and the crossbow and bolt were seized.
CO Travis Dragomer responded to a trespassing complaint and located two hunters in a tree stand hunting over an illegal bait pile. Neither hunter had hunting licenses in their possession. After further investigation, CO Dragomer determined one of the hunters was a convicted felon and unable to possess a firearm. Enforcement action was taken.
COs Travis Dragomer and Zach Bauer investigated a possible illegal deer. After conducting interviews, full confessions were obtained that the suspect shot an 8-point antlered deer without having a license and used another person’s license to tag the deer. The deer was seized, and the case will be forwarded to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
CO Matt Page responded to a complaint of three males who were skinning a 4-point in a blueberry field during archery season. The complainant stated that the individuals claimed to have shot the buck with a firearm and the caller observed what he believed to be a bullet hole in the deer. Upon arrival, CO Page interviewed the three suspects, and none would admit to shooting the deer. However, all of them were in possession of it despite not having hunting licenses. CO Page observed an untagged 4-point with two bullet holes in the neck and one in the hindquarter. CO Page was assisted by Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies in searching the area and vehicles on scene, however, no firearm was located. The deer was seized, and charges were filed with the prosecutor’s office which were later authorized.
CO Tyler Cole received a safety zone violation complaint on the opening day of deer firearm season. The caller stated that a subject was hunting too close to her residence and had shot multiple times already. CO Cole responded and located a blind matching the description given. After contacting the hunter, it was found that the blind was well outside of any safety zone, however, the hunter was hunting over bait, failed to produce any hunting license, and did not have any hunter orange. Citations were issued for violations.
CO Jeff Robinette was on patrol in the Crane Pond SGA during the firearm deer season. CO Robinette encountered a vehicle with three individuals inside, parked in a parking lot. CO Robinette approached the vehicle and noticed the individuals were wearing hunter orange. CO Robinette asked the individuals if they had been out hunting and they said yes. The individuals stated they had been deer hunting and had not seen anything, so they were headed back home. CO Robinette asked if there were any firearms in the vehicle and the individuals stated yes. CO Robinette located two uncased and loaded rifles in the vehicle. Enforcement action was taken, and two tickets were issued for transporting/possessing uncased/loaded firearms in a motor vehicle.
CO Alex Peters was patrolling the Three Rivers SGA during the firearm deer season when he saw a hunter at his truck coming in from the woods. CO Peters contacted the hunter, who had bloody hands and clothes, and advised he shot a spike. CO Peters conducted a check and observed an antlerless license on the spike, which had spikes longer than three inches and the tag was not validated. The subject was advised of this and put a proper tag on and received a citation for failure to immediately validate a kill tag.
CO Justin Ulberg investigated a recreational trespass complaint in Kent County. The complainant contacted the RAP Hotline and advised that an individual was captured on his trail camera walking through his property and appeared to be tracking a deer. The property in question was a small wood lot surrounded by residential housing. The caller was unaware of who the subject was at the time of the complaint. Approximately one hour later, a subject sent an e-mail to the RAP Hotline claiming he had shot a deer that went onto the complainant’s property and believed someone stole it after locating a gut pile. In the e-mail, the subject admitted to tracking the deer on the complainant’s property without permission. During the investigation it was determined that two different subjects were hunting on the same private posted property, and both had shot different deer. A report was submitted to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for pending charges.
COs Jackie Postema and Anna Cullen were patrolling Lake Michigan for waterfowl hunters when they contacted several boats. During these contacts, several violations were found that included loaded firearms while underpower, no waterfowl licenses, missing marine safety equipment, and failing to display MC numbers. All violations were addressed, and citations were issued.
COs Jackie Postema and Anna Cullen organized a group patrol, with the assistance of COs from Districts 4 and 7 for whitefish. Five anglers were observed retaining foul hooked fish and using illegal gear. Citations were issued to the individuals, and the 12 foul hooked whitefish were confiscated and later donated to a local charity.
CO Casey Varriale received a complaint from Kent County Central Dispatch of a suspect who shot an 8-point buck without a deer license. COs Varriale and Justin Ulberg responded to the suspect’s home in Lowell and conducted an interview. The suspect admitted to shooting the deer without a license then buying a license to tag it approximately two hours later. The evidence was gathered, and the case was submitted and approved by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Sam Schluckbier worked a busy Veteran’s Day when he received two complaints in northern Kent County and northeastern Ottawa County for shots fired and an untagged deer. Once finally on scene, it was determined the complaints were not related as the shots fired turned out to be a legal target shooting. However, a few miles away in Kent County, evidence of a deer being killed in a wheat field was located. CO Schluckbier investigated the scene and gathered evidence. Once that was completed, a suspect vehicle was driving near the area. The vehicle was followed back to a residence where a single deer was found to be untagged. A confession to shooting the deer without a license was obtained and the meat was confiscated. Enforcement action was taken, and the venison was donated to Hunters Feeding Michigan.
CO Sam Schluckbier was requested by an Allegan County Sheriff deputy to assist with a hunter she watched walk into the woods without hunter orange on. Once on scene, the deputy assisted CO Schluckbier with locating the hunter. He was eventually found, sitting in a portable blind without any hunter orange on. As CO Schluckbier approached the blind, he put his hat on. While speaking with the hunter, CO Schluckbier discovered he was using a legal firearm for the limited firearm deer zone, but that the firearm magazine held more than the allotted rounds legal in the state of Michigan. CO Schluckbier attempted to educate the hunter on several rules, but the violations continued to surface. His blind was sitting within a safety zone of several buildings where he did not have permission, and it was also found to be surrounded by large quantities of bait. Apples, shelled corn, and a mineral lick were located by CO Schluckbier in the field he was hunting over. Citations were issued for some of the violations, as well as verbal warnings and education on the laws.
On opening day of the firearm deer season in Allegan County, CO Sam Schluckbier received a complaint from a local resident who was currently in the field hunting. He advised that he watched some neighboring hunters shoot two small bucks, dragged them out of the woods, did not tag them, and did not field dress them before leaving the area. When CO Schluckbier arrived on scene, two deer were located, lying in the field with bullet wounds, but no one around. The bucks were not tagged or gutted, as the complainant stated. After waiting some time, the hunters responsible for the deer returned to the property. A lengthy investigation revealed they felt it wasn’t a problem to leave them without tagging them if they didn’t transport the deer. CO Schluckbier educated them on the requirements of the law. Citations were issued.
District 8 counties of service: Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Shiawassee.
CO Wes Butler received a complaint that a hunter had been hunting over bait. CO Butler checked the baited blind and contacted the hunter. The hunter admitted to placing the bait, but he stated that he was not aware baiting was illegal. CO Butler asked the hunter if he had any success this deer season. The hunter stated that he had only shot one doe. CO Butler asked to see his deer licenses, then went to check the hunter’s license purchase history. CO Butler discovered that the hunter did not tag the doe and did not complete a harvest report. CO Butler then questioned the hunter as to why he stated he had shot a doe but had not used any of his deer licenses yet. The hunter explained that he thought that if he processed it himself, he did not need to put a tag on it. CO Butler issued the man a citation for baiting deer in an area closed to baiting and warnings for failing to immediately tag his deer and failing to complete a harvest report within 72 hours.
CO Wes Butler received information that an individual had shot a 10-point buck without a license. CO Butler knew that the suspect had purchased his license on November 22nd, and at the beginning of a follow-up interview, the suspect stated he shot it three days prior. After the suspect said he shot the deer earlier than his license purchase date, CO Butler asked to see the antlers. The suspect showed the CO where he had the skull buried in his front yard and stated, “I think I know why you are here.” The suspect went on to explain that he helped one of his neighbors track a deer that ran through his property, and while he was tracking it, he noticed a tag that was on the ground. He thought that it was his tag, so he put it in his pocket and tagged the 10-point buck with it several days later. The suspect stated that he eventually found out that the tag was not his, and when he did, he realized he had not purchased any tags for the year. The tag belonged to the suspect’s neighbor who lost it while tracking his deer. CO Butler seized the buck and will be pursuing charges for taking a deer without a license.
CO Ed Rice received information about an individual trespassing. CO Rice met with the property owner, who provided photos of a three-wheeler track, a blood trail, and a gut pile. The property owner also provided suspect information. COs Rice and Cody Longrey interviewed the suspect who admitted to hunting the property and taking an antlerless deer. A report will be submitted for recreational trespassing.
CO Nick Thornton responded to a complaint regarding a convicted felon possessing a firearm. CO Thornton was familiar with the felon and recognized him carrying a firearm after being caught by the neighbor’s trail camera. CO Thornton questioned the felon and although he refused to speak with CO Thornton, he did agree to voluntarily turn over the firearm. This complaint will be forwarded to the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office requesting charges of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
District 9 counties of service: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair.
CO Zach Adams received a RAP complaint of a woman who shot an 8-point deer at her house at 8:30 PM, which was three hours after legal shooting light. Supplemental to the RAP complaint, was an earlier complaint from October of the same woman who shot a 7-point deer before she had her tags in the mail. CO Adams and Sgt. Jason Becker contacted the woman at her house to interview her about both deer. The woman quickly admitted to shooting the deer on October 1st without tags and stated she wasn’t sure of the law. Once questioned about the deer shot after hours, she initially lied about the location and time of harvest. Once the COs presented evidence that she was not truthful, she eventually showed them the location of the gut pile from the deer, in which CO Adams discovered fresh shelled corn in the gut pile. When the woman took the COs to the back of her property, the COs discovered a large bait pile consisting of sugar beets, corn, and carrots. She then admitted to killing that deer near the bait pile but continued to say it was during legal hours. Knowing there was a video on her phone of the hunt, CO Adams asked if she would be willing to show the COs the video so they could clear that charge from her name. Once the COs saw the video, it was clear that this deer was killed well after hours. She eventually admitted to killing the deer approximately two hours after legal shooting time. CO Adams seized the crossbow and both deer as evidence, and will submit for criminal charges, $8,000 in reimbursement, and license revocation.
CO Griffin Korican worked with CO Kris Kiel on Harsens Island during the Thanksgiving holiday. Several groups of hunters were checked with decent success observed. Upon contacting a group of hunters, the COs observed an individual trying to present his previous years federal duck stamp as his current stamp. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the individual had not purchased his federal waterfowl stamp and had tried to go back to his vehicle and purchase it online prior to the COs checking him. The individual received a citation for hunting waterfowl without a federal waterfowl stamp.
CO Griffin Korican was showing CO Zach Adams around Milford Township when the two COs stopped in at the Proud Lake equestrian staging area. A pickup pulled into the parking lot but stopped once they saw the CO truck. As the COs were leaving the parking lot, pumpkins were observed in the bed of the truck when the tailgate was open. The COs drove down the road and turned around, only to find the pumpkins being thrown from the tailgate into the adjacent field. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was cited for littering on public land. The individual was also instructed to pick up the pumpkins he had thrown in the field.
CO Griffin Korican received a RAP complaint for trespass. Upon arriving, the CO met the homeowner who showed the CO a very apparent blood trail going across the entire back of their backyard. Upon investigating the blood trail, the CO observed it led to the rear of the neighbor’s house where a spread of corn was seen on top of the snow. CO Korican went to the neighboring house and contacted the homeowner about the blood trail and bait. After initially hesitating to answer questions, the individual confessed to shooting a deer in his backyard over the bait. The subject then informed CO Korican the deer was located at his parents’ house, and he had used his buddy’s crossbow. After having the individual retrieve the crossbow and his hunting license with his deer tags, it was observed the subject had yet to use any of his current tags. Upon further questioning, the individual confessed that he had lied and that the deer was hanging in his garage and that he had failed to tag the deer. CO Korican seized the deer and the crossbow as evidence and informed the individual he would be submitting charges through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for the multiple violations.
CO Griffin Korican assisted CO Zach Adams with an interview regarding an individual who is suspected of taking an 8-point deer this year and last year, both being taken prior to purchasing tags. Upon questioning the individual, the COs were able to gain a confession for both deer being shot prior to licenses being purchased. The individual’s crossbow was later seized as using a weapon was in violation of his parole conditions. The COs will be seeking charges through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for the violations.
CO Griffin Korican attended the Lapeer County “Shop with a Cop” event with CO Jaime Salisbury. The COs were paired with a family and helped them pick out Christmas presents. The kids and parents had a wonderful time and had several meaningful conversations with the COs.
CO Joseph Deppen was checking waterfowl hunters in Macomb County. During the check, one hunter handed over his bag of shells saying, “I’ve been hammering them all day, all I use is steel.” CO Deppen looked in the bag and saw a mix of Kent fast steel shots sizes of 2, 4, and BB. There were some Kent precision shells that caught CO Deppen’s eye. They were labeled Kent, precision Ultimate Fast Lead. They were mixed in with all the other shells. In total there were fifteen shells left in the hunter’s bag that were lead. The hunter was cited for use/possess toxic shot to hunt waterfowl.
CO Sydney Griffor followed up on a reckless discharge of a firearm incident in Columbus County Park. COs Griffor and Brad Silorey interviewed the suspect. The suspect admitted to exchanging words with the people walking but did not admit to firing a “warning shot”. The suspect claimed to shoot at a deer then he saw the people walking and confronted them. CO Griffor will be submitting charges to the Prosecutor’s Office for reckless discharge of a firearm.
CO Sydney Griffor was checking duck hunting vessels coming off the water at Decker’s Landing boating access site in Clay Township. While conducting a check of licenses, shotguns, ammunition and ducks, one hunter stated he was having issues locating his licenses on his phone. The hunter finally produced his licenses to CO Griffor, and she observed the licenses were purchased about a minute prior. CO Griffor asked the hunter if he just purchased his licenses and he said no. He quickly admitted that he purchased his licenses during the check, which was already known to CO Griffor due to the time and date stamp of the licenses. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting waterfowl without a state waterfowl license and hunting without a federal duck stamp.
District 10 counties of service: Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne.
CO Andrew Werth conducted a waterfowl patrol at Lake Erie Metro Park. The CO observed one group having some luck shooting birds and went and contacted the hunters. One of the hunters in the group was found to have a lead shell in his backpack. The hunter was issued a citation for possessing shells other than non-toxic shot while hunting waterfowl.
CO Andrew Werth conducted a marine and waterfowl patrol at Pointe Mouillee and checked multiple waterfowl hunters. While checking one group of hunters, one of the hunters admitted to the CO that he did not have a 2025 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting stamp and thought that his 2024 stamp was valid for the 2025 season. The CO verified that the hunter did not have a valid 2025 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting stamp. The hunter was cited for his infraction.
CO Andrew Werth was on his way home during the first blizzard of the fall when he observed a driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of travel on Telegraph Road. A traffic stop was conducted. The operator stated that she was lost while going to pick up pizza and it was later found that her operators’ license had expired a few months prior. The operator was cited for their infraction.
CO Andrew Werth was conducting a waterfowl patrol at Pointe Mouillee SGA when he saw one hunter leaving the Bad Creek Unit. The CO stopped to check the hunter and upon contact, the hunter immediately ejected a shell from his shotgun and tried to pick it up. The CO picked up the shell, and it was found to be lead shot. The hunter also had an unplugged shotgun. The hunter was given a verbal warning for hunting with an unplugged shotgun and received a citation for possessing lead shot while hunting waterfowl.
CO Andrew Werth got an early start checking waterfowl hunters at Pointe Mouillee SGA. The CO checked three separate hunters going out to their respected zones in the morning. All three hunters were in possession of more than 25 shells in a managed waterfowl area. All three hunters were issued a citation.
CO Andrew Werth was checking waterfowl hunters who were hunting the Strong Unit. One of the hunters kayaked back to his truck over an hour after legal shooting time had ended. The hunter admitted that his shotgun was loaded and that he knew he needed to unload it at the end of legal shooting time but chose to keep it loaded. The hunter also did not have a personal floatation device (PFD) onboard his kayak either. The hunter was issued a citation for not having a PFD and given a verbal warning for being loaded after hours.
COs Joel Hill and Andrew Werth conducted a waterfowl patrol at the Lake Erie Metropark Boat launch. The COs observed a boat heading towards the launch after sunset with no all-around white light. While checking the hunters returning from the river, they were found to not have a Type IV PFD onboard their vessel. The owner of the boat was issued a citation for no Type IV PFD and was given a verbal warning for the lack of an all-around white light.
COs Joel Hill and Ariel Young checked waterfowl hunters at the Lake Erie Metropark Boat launch. During a check of a group, one of the hunters was in possession of lead shot. The hunter was issued a citation for possession of lead shot and was verbally warned about not signing his federal duck stamp.
COs Les Bleil and Ariel Young were patiently waiting for a hunter they had previously seen walking out into the field earlier in the day who they had believed to be small game hunting. The time kept ticking and soon it was nearly an hour after legal shooting light. The COs began to get concerned something had happened to the hunter when he suddenly appeared in the parking lot. Upon contact, CO Young immediately observed the shotgun and asked if the hunter had been successful with small game. The hunter told CO Young that they had been hunting deer and had their blind all set up and took a picture later, sending it to their father. The father of the hunter told them that they needed to double check the regulations as firearm season was closed, and it was archery only. The hunter stated that at that time, they realized their mistake and unloaded the firearm but remained sitting in their tree stand for an additional three hours. Further questioning revealed that had the hunter seen a deer, they would have shot it. The hunter was cited for hunting deer with a firearm during a closed season. The hunter was also out and about with an expired driver license and received a warning and told to find a legal driver to come get them.
CO Ariel Young assisted CO Joel Hill with checking a large group of waterfowl hunters who had come into the launch after a long day of hunting. The hunters had been very successful and were only one duck short of a five-man limit of mallard ducks. Upon checking the ammunition of one of the hunters, CO Young observed a shell that contained toxic shot. When questioned, the waterfowl hunter stated that it couldn’t be lead. The hunter decided that the shells must have gotten mixed up when they had been upland game hunting earlier in the year. The hunter was cited for possessing toxic shot. CO Young reiterated to the hunter that it is imperative to check all shells before heading out.
CO Brandon Hartleben received a complaint from Station 20 while working a Belle Isle shift of an in-progress recreational trespass complaint. CO Hartleben contacted the complainant who he had worked with on other issues previously. The complainant advised that he and his wife were in their house watching an 8-point in their food plot when they heard a shot. The complainant rushed out to the area and contacted a neighbor who had approached the area from the back woodlot with a red headlight on to pick up his deer. After a brief conversation with the complainant, the neighbor indicated that he was not going to argue about it and returned home. CO Hartleben advised the complainant that he would make the location after finishing his Belle Isle shift. CO Hartleben arrived on scene later that evening and met with the complainant. After discussing the entire situation and identifying the suspect residence two houses down, the deer was seized, and follow-up was conducted with the suspect. Upon contact with the suspect, it was determined that he had shot the deer with a .360 Buckhammer across his neighbors’ property and on the complainants’ property. Upon attempting to retrieve the deer, he was confronted by the property owner and left the area. A report will be submitted, and charges will be sought with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll worked draw hunters at the Pointe Mouillee SGA managed units. CO Ingersoll checked to make sure all hunters were abiding by the regulations for number of shells and shot size. During his patrol, CO Ingersoll issued three citations, which included possess shot size larger than 1 and possessing over the allowed limit of 25 shells.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll received a complaint of an individual possibly running a taxidermy business without a permit. CO Ingersoll investigated the complaint and determined, through social media, that the individual was in fact running a taxidermy business out of his residence without a permit. CO Ingersoll interviewed the suspect and was able to get a confession that he was running a taxidermy business. COs Ingersoll and CO Brandon Vacek completed a taxidermy inspection on the facility and noted several violations. The COs educated the individual on how to properly conduct business and issued a citation for running a taxidermy business without a permit.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll was checking waterfowl hunters at Sterling State Park. CO Ingersoll recognized one of the hunters to have warrants out of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for Domestic Violence 2nd and Malicious Destruction of Property. CO Ingersoll verified the warrant and arrested the individual. He was turned over to the Monroe County Jail without incident.
CO Brandon Vacek was patrolling a large piece of private property in the City of Monroe for recent reports of deer hunting related trespass activity. After checking a main entry point that lacked any fresh tracks, the CO noticed a vehicle parked at the dead end of the roadway that borders the property. The vehicle contained several hunting related items and there were tracks observed exiting the vehicle towards the wooded area. After following boot prints for a short distance, the CO came across a subject hunting on a railroad right of way with a crossbow. The subject was escorted out of the property where the CO pointed to the “no trespassing” sign directly in front of the parked vehicle. The subject was issued a citation for railroad trespass and given a verbal warning for the recreational trespass committed by entering the fenced and posted private property.
CO Brandon Vacek received a phone call from a local landowner who observed an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operating in his woods through a cellular trail camera. The suspect was observed on a different property a short time later loading a deer on the front of the ATV with another subject. The CO was able to follow the ATV tracks in the snow across three properties to a nearby residence. The suspected operator of the ATV was interviewed and admitted to the actions with the trespassing activity. A complaint for ORV trespass will be submitted to the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The subject that was alleged to harvest a deer was identified and interviewed. That subject admitted to harvesting an 8-point buck, but whether it was done lawfully or not is still under investigation.
COs Brandon Vacek and Nick Ingersoll where patrolling Bolles Harbor boat access site when they observed footprints entering a fenced off area near the launch that is not accessible to the public and posted against entry. The COs followed tracks in the snow and located two waterfowl hunters near the water. Each hunter was issued a citation for entering an area where posted against.
While working a Belle Isle shift, CO Zach Adams made several stops for speeding. One stop resulted in an arrest for an open misdemeanor warrant for domestic violence out of Warren. The subject was arrested once the warrant was confirmed and validated. The subject was transferred to the Warren Police Department shortly after.
Great Lakes Enforcement Unit (GLEU)
Cpl. Mike Hammill gave a presentation to local 5th grade students on gun safety. Over 100 kids were present and able to safely handle training firearms and practice gun safety principles.
Cpl. Mike Hammill took a complaint from a hunter that advised his blind and new chair had been stolen from CFA land. The investigation continues.
Cpl. Mike Hammil referred the local bait shop to Fisheries Division staff, as they are attempting to have an ice fishing event for kids this winter on Little Bay de Noc. They’re hoping to sink a pen net under the ice and purchase several hundred rainbow trout for the kids to catch through the ice.
Cpl. Tom Peterson patrolled Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw, and Marquette Counties for deer hunting activity. Activity was low, with most areas seeming to have wrapped up with the end of the firearm deer season.
Cpl. Tom Peterson assisted District 1 Officer Byron Parks with a deer processor inspection. The inspection did not produce anything illegal or suspicious.
Cpl. Tom Peterson responded to a kitchen fire in one of the MTU student homes. Cpl. Peterson was first to arrive and determined that the stove and hood vent were actively on fire, and no other individuals were in the home. He entered the house with his issued fire extinguisher and was able to successfully put out the fire before it spread. Houghton Fire Department arrived and verified the fire was out and continued with their investigation. The fire was caused by a faulty hood vent fan.
Cpl. Jon Busken was concluding his shift when a neighbor contacted him at his residence. The woman was complaining about someone in the neighborhood causing issues, but her statements were incoherent. Contact was made with a family member who stated that the woman suffers from Alzheimer's disease. The woman was safely returned to her family.
Cpl. Nick Atkin has been conducting surveillance on anglers at numerous marinas, with high success on perch being caught with a lot of sorting for keepers. No violations have been witnessed.
Cpl. Nick Atkin attended a meeting with USCG personnel at the Saginaw River station. Dockage was secured for the 2026 open water season, and contacts were made with local law enforcement partners.
Cpl. Justin Vanderlinde spent time walking a large tract of state land in Grand Traverse and Benzie Counties. While no bait was found, several old and illegal tree stands were located for future follow up.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen patrolled during a high windstorm and assisted local police departments with power line complaints and helped pull trees out of the road.
Cpl Troy Van Gelderen began a boater safety class for a class of middle schoolers at Hart Middle School. Cpl. Van Gelderen will teach the students’ second hour class until they take their certification test.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen was near a preschool in Hart when a call was heard of a three-year-old who had run into a cabinet and cut her head. The child also had her eyes rolling into the back of her head. Cpl. Van Gelderen provided first aid until EMS arrived.
Cpl. Pat Hartsig checked for AIS at some local pet shops. Nothing of note was found.
Cpl. Pat Hartsig gave presentations to two high school public safety classes about the job and duties of a Michigan conservation officer. Most of the students are juniors and are currently learning about careers in law enforcement.
