District 1 counties of service: Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon.
Prior to firearm deer season, Conservation Officer (CO) Jenni Lehto discovered an illegal off-road vehicle (ORV) trail through the Ottawa National Forest, an elevated blind without identification, numerous cut down and damaged pine trees, and an excessive amount of bait. On the opening day of deer season, CO Lehto and a United States Forest Service (USFS) law enforcement officer contacted the hunter to address the violations. When questioned what the legal limit of bait was, the hunter stated, “Twenty gallons.” CO Lehto issued a citation for over bait and a warning for the unlabeled blind.
CO Jenni Lehto was requested by the processor in Gogebic County to be present during a school field trip. The sophomore biology class from the Wakefield-Marenisco School took a field trip to a local deer processor to learn how to process a deer.
While patrolling Watersmeet Township, CO Ethan Mapes and Probationary Conservation Officer (PCO) Ray Gagnon observed a deer being loaded on to a trailer. Upon further investigation, the deer was found to be untagged. The hunter who shot the deer was issued a citation for failing to immediately attach the kill tag
CO Byron Parks and Sergeant (Sgt.) Marc Pomroy received a complaint of two untagged antlered deer hanging from a tree at a residence in northern Houghton County. The COs arrived at the residence and observed the two deer, both were untagged. The COs ended up contacting a male subject at the residence who stated that his father shot both deer in Wisconsin a few days ago. It was explained to the subject that due to disease concerns, transporting the entire animal back into Michigan from out-of-state is illegal. The COs asked if there were any other deer from Wisconsin at the residence, the subject then walked to the trunk of his vehicle and opened it. Inside was another partially cut up deer shot in Wisconsin. The COs advised the subject that they would be seizing the two antlered deer hanging from the tree along with the deer head with antlers still attached that was in the trunk of the vehicle. A citation was issued.
CO Steve Sajtar received a complaint of an individual shooting a 9-point antlered deer without a license in Menominee County. CO Sajtar interviewed the suspect, and he admitted to using a crossbow to unlawfully shoot the 9-point antlered deer without a hunting license. CO Sajtar seized the 9-point antlered deer and the crossbow used to shoot the deer. The meat from the deer was seized and donated to the local food pantry for families in need. A report was submitted to the Menominee County Prosecutor's Office.
CO Steve Sajtar contacted a hunter loading an antlerless deer into the bed of the hunter’s pickup on a dirt two-track road. While talking with the hunter, CO Sajtar noticed there was no validated kill tag attached to the deer. The hunter admitted to shooting the deer approximately two hours prior, gutting the deer, then dragging it to the pickup. CO Sajtar also noticed an uncased rifle in the backseat of the pickup. A verbal warning was issued for the uncased firearm, and a citation was issued for possession of a deer without a validated kill tag attached.
CO Steve Sajtar responded to an occupied structure fire in the City of Menominee. CO Sajtar assisted a Menominee Police Department officer with removing three occupants from the burning house while the Menominee Fire Department worked to suppress the fire. Once all occupants were removed from the burning house, CO Sajtar assisted the Menominee Police Department with interviewing witnesses. The three occupants of the house were turned over to emergency medical services (EMS) for further evaluation but sustained no major injuries.
CO Alex VanWagner and PCO Olivia Haerr checked several hunters on the second day of Michigan’s firearm deer season. The COs handed out a few patches to successful hunters and gave a few warnings for violations throughout their shift. During their shift, the COs observed a subject who just finished dragging a spike horn out of the woods that did not have a tag on it. There was also a loaded firearm discovered on the ORV. A citation was issued.
CO Anna Viau was at the Crystal Falls Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office when a call was received from a grandfather of a 10-year-old boy. The grandfather was inquiring about getting his grandson to the office to get his deer aged and get a deer patch. Due to the young man being at school when the DNR office was open, it did not appear possible for the kid to make it to the office in person. CO Viau overheard the conversation and offered to bring a patch and “First Deer” certificate to his school in Iron River. CO Viau surprised the kid at afternoon recess and congratulated him on his deer.
CO Anna Viau and Sgt. Brian Bacon were patrolling in Iron River when a call was dispatched for a male who had stabbed himself several times in the abdomen. The COs were only a few blocks away and were first on scene, followed shortly by EMS and other law enforcement. The kitchen knife used had already been removed from the man’s possession by his mother and brother. CO Viau and Sgt. Bacon helped to secure the scene and load the patient into the ambulance. The ambulance crew requested that one of the officers drive the ambulance so that they could all work on the patient. CO Viau drove the ambulance a couple miles to the hospital, where the patient was eventually flown by helicopter to a larger hospital.
CO John Kamps and Corporal (Cpl.) Josh Boudreaux investigated a deer that was suspected of being taken without a license. After a short interview, a full confession was obtained for taking a deer without a license. After shooting the deer, the suspect purchased a license at a local license dealer and put it on the deer. Evidence was seized and a citation was issued for taking a deer without a license.
CO John Kamps was able to serve a warrant to an individual for hunter harassment. During the 2024 deer season, CO Kamps and Sgt Mark Leadman were able to witness and capture video footage of the suspect driving his vehicle through the woods and parking it in the middle of the complainant’s shooting lane, scaring off the deer, and hindering his ability to safely shoot from the location. The suspect is awaiting trial in the Marquette County Court for hunter harassment charges and several others that relate back to the 2024 deer season.
CO John Kamps received a complaint about someone who was using an illegal ORV trail and hunting over a large bait pile. The next afternoon CO Kamps walked almost a half mile into state land to locate an illegal ORV trail coming out the back of a private camp. The trail led to a permanent deer blind that didn’t have identification on it and was sitting over a visibly large bait pile. Contact was made with the hunter who confessed that he had placed close to half of a round bale of alfalfa out for bait. A citation was issued.
CO Jeremy Sergey received a complaint that an individual was using an E-bike to deer hunt at the Blueberry Ridge Ski trails. CO Sergey followed the E-bike tracks to a bait pile and an unlabeled tree stand. The E-bike tracks went through the designated ski trails which is illegal. CO Sergey also found blood and tracked it on to private property. The private property owners informed CO Sergey that they would like to trespass the suspect. Additionally, CO Sergey discovered the suspect had not registered a deer since 2022, despite harvesting a deer in 2024 and early October of 2025. CO Sergey issued a citation for an unlabeled tree stand and failure to register a deer harvest within 72 hours. A warning was issued for using an E-bike on the ski trails, and the suspect was advised they would be charged with criminal trespass if they entered that private property again.
District 2 counties of service: Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft.
CO Steve Butzin received a complaint in Nahma Township about an individual who had shot a deer out the window of a pickup truck on the opening night of firearm deer season. CO Butzin was given a great description and direction of travel from a witness who observed this occurring. CO Butzin worked through the night to collect evidence before a snowstorm rolled in and blanketed the area. CO Butzin was able to locate the suspect vehicle at a nearby camp later that night, as well as an antlerless whitetail doe which was left dead in a ditch near the camp. In the morning CO Butzin requested the assistance of COs Chris Lynch, Robert Freeborn, Mark Zitnik, Andrea Dani and Alex French. The COs were able to uncover additional evidence which pointed at several individuals as being suspects in the unlawful taking of this deer. Ultimately an interview was conducted, and a confession was obtained. A report is being submitted to the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office pending charges of taking a whitetail deer outside of the established hunting hours, taking a whitetail deer from a motor vehicle, taking of a whitetail deer using artificial light, and three counts of possessing a loaded or uncased firearm in a motor vehicle. Three firearms were seized, and the appropriate restitution is being requested for the unlawful taking of the animal.
COs Andrea Dani and Brandon Maki responded to a call involving a deceased hunter found in his deer blind. The COs and Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers arrived on the scene and located the deceased hunter in his deer blind. The COs assisted with the investigation and the transport of the individual to EMS personnel before clearing the scene.
Acting Sgt. Cole VanOosten was on patrol during the firearm deer season opener when he encountered a hunter exiting the woods soon after daylight. It was determined that the 80-year-old hunter had just harvested a 4-point buck. Sgt. VanOosten was able to assist the man in recovering and loading the deer into his truck. The man stated he had been hunting in the Upper Peninsula (UP) his entire life and this was likely going to be his last trip to the UP to hunt because of his health.
During the opening day of the firearm deer season, CO Justin Vinson received a call of a hunter who had fallen into his ground blind and sustained injuries. CO Vinson responded to the scene and assisted Portage Township EMS with locating and bringing the hunter out to the waiting ambulance so they could be evaluated.
District 3 counties of service: Alpena, Antrim, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego, Presque Isle.
CO Andrea Albert and Sgt. Bill Webster responded to a trespassing complaint on opening day of the firearm deer season. A hunter using public land next to private property decided to take a short cut out of the woods across the private land. The landowner captured a picture of the hunter while he was trespassing. Charges for recreational trespass were submitted to the Antrim County Prosecutor's Office.
CO Andrea Albert had developed a lead on a suspect who bought licenses only after harvesting a deer but could never pinpoint where this was happening. After several months CO Albert had narrowed her search down to one area. CO Albert made a point to check the hunter and just like last year, he again shot a deer without a license. This year he used his father’s discounted senior license to tag the deer. Charges will be requested through the Antrim County Prosecutor’s Office for illegal activity and will include restitution and license revocation.
CO Andrea Albert was contacted by the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Department regarding an untagged 4-point deer they had found during a search warrant for stolen property at a residence in Antrim County. Ultimately it was discovered that the suspect and his girlfriend were hunting without licenses on family property earlier in the week and most likely shot the deer at that time. Charges will be requested for the possession of the illegal deer from the Antrim County Prosecutor’s Office.
COs Chad Baldwin and Nathan Beelman conducted a kayak patrol through state land on the opening weekend of firearm deer season. The COs had previously scouted the area and were looking for a hunter who had constructed a permanent blind and was baiting. Upon contacting the hunter, it was also discovered that he did not have his deer license on him. The hunter was ticketed for his violations and instructed to clean up the bait and remove his blind from state land.
CO Duane Budreau and PCO Tyler Owen were investigating the illegal taking of an 8-point buck when they noticed a pile of pumpkins in a neighboring field on the opening day of firearm deer season. The COs contacted a hunter in a ground blind overlooking the pumpkins. A ticket was issued for baiting deer in a closed area.
CO Duane Budreau and PCO Tyler Owen were investigating a baiting complaint when they saw a sugar beet flying through the air on the other side of a hill. The COs approached and observed an individual throwing and frantically stuffing sugar beets into a sack. As the COs made contact, the suspect’s phone rang and the COs heard the caller say, “They’re here,” on speaker phone before the suspect abruptly hung up the phone. A ticket was issued for baiting deer in a closed area.
CO Adam LeClerc responded to a complaint about a subject who had shot a deer within the safety zone of a residence. CO LeClerc arrived and determined the hunter was hunting well within a safety zone. While walking back to his patrol truck, CO LeClerc stumbled into a bait pile approximately 10 yards from where the deer lay in the field. The hunter was issued a ticket for the safety zone violation, a warning for taking a deer with the aid of bait and baiting in a closed area.
CO Jack Gorno was contacted by local dispatch regarding a hunter parking in the middle of private property. The property owner had the property posted and was willing to prosecute for recreational trespass. Upon contact, the hunter claimed that he was using an easement to hunt landlocked public lands. No easement existed and a report was submitted to the Cheboygan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
CO Jack Gorno received a complaint about a person taking two turkeys without licenses. CO Gorno obtained evidence from the caller and interviewed the suspect at his place of employment. CO Gorno obtained a confession to a subject shooting two birds with one shot, one bearded tom and one hen. CO Gorno is submitting a report to the Cheboygan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
CO Tim Rosochacki assisted the Cheboygan Sheriff’s Department with the arrest of a subject who reportedly broke out some windows at a residence. The subject was in a vehicle a block away from the damaged residence and was refusing orders from the deputy. The subject was placed under arrest and lodged.
CO Jon Sklba responded to an assault that occurred in Presque Isle County. Two hunters let their tempers get the best of them as they both were hunting the same area of public land. Both hunters were advised of the hunter harassment charges they could face as well as the assault and malicious destruction of property, as blinds and heaters were damaged. The two ultimately decided to shake hands and payment was made to replace the cost of the broken blind.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling Montmorency County when he observed a truck driving down a state forest road at a very slow speed. CO Liestenfeltz contacted the subjects in the vehicle as they parked in an oil well site. The subjects in the vehicle admitted that they were in the area deer hunting. When CO Liestenfeltz asked for their hunting licenses, both produced deer tags from the previous year. When CO Liestenfeltz stated that the tags were from the year prior, the driver of the vehicle then stated they weren’t hunting, they were just in the area driving around. CO Liestenfeltz asked to see the firearms in the back seat of the vehicle. After gaining consent, CO Liestenfeltz observed an uncased rifle in plain view. CO Liestenfeltz located a second rifle in the back seat. Both firearms were uncased and loaded, with a round in the chamber. CO Liestenfeltz issued the driver and passenger tickets for hunting deer without valid licenses and the driver a ticket for transporting a loaded and uncased firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz responded to a complaint in central Montmorency County of a vehicle that was hit by a rifle bullet as it was driving down the roadway. After speaking to the driver, it was determined that the vehicle was traveling down the roadway in front of a house. The driver heard a gunshot and then heard the bullet hit the vehicle immediately on the passenger side. The driver also stated that they knew which house the shot came from. CO Liestenfeltz responded to the suspect residence and observed two subjects packing up from target practicing on the front porch. After further investigation, it was determined that the subjects were target practicing and shooting toward the roadway. Neither subject remembered a vehicle driving by and stated that they did not know they hit a vehicle. Due to the subjects not knowing which one shot the vehicle, CO Liestenfeltz seized both firearms and the bullets used for their target practicing. CO Liestenfeltz was able to locate the bullet that hit the vehicle, lodged in the backseat. The firearms and bullets will be sent to the MSP crime lab for comparison testing. The case is pending, determining crime lab results.
CO Dan Liestenfeltz assisted the Montmorency County Sheriff’s Department with attempting to place an active suicidal subject in protective custody. The subject was extremely combative while CO Liestenfeltz was responding. While on scene, CO Liestenfeltz assisted deputies placing the subject in custody. The subject was placed in protective custody and transported to the hospital for a mental petition.
District 4 counties of service: Benzie, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, Wexford.
CO Josiah Killingbeck received several tips regarding a baited blind off an illegal ORV trail on state owned lands. CO Killingbeck responded to the area on opening day of the firearm deer season and walked the illegal ORV trail about one quarter of a mile and discovered a large blind on a trailer with a hunter inside wearing no hunter orange. The hunter walked with CO Killingbeck to another blind where another hunter was hunting over bait. The subject was upset and said that CO Killingbeck had cited him for hunting over bait in 2023 at nearly the same location. CO Killingbeck issued the subject another citation for hunting over bait and the first subject was cited for no hunter orange. The subject who had no orange later called the courthouse and said he is not going to pay his ticket and hopes a warrant is issued for his arrest.
CO Josiah Killingbeck responded to a report of a multiple vehicle crash with numerous reported injuries. CO Killingbeck arrived on-scene and assisted with first aid care for a critical patient. CO Killingbeck assisted in extricating a patient in critical condition out of one of the vehicles. CO Killingbeck assisted EMS personal caring for the patient until a helicopter arrived at the scene. The patient was flown to a trauma center. CO Killingbeck assisted in securing the scene while an accident investigation was completed.
CO Tim Barboza received a call from a hunter who witnessed someone shoot a deer on a field that he knew no one had permission to hunt. CO Barboza responded to the scene and located a hunter with an untagged 9-point buck. CO Barboza cited the hunter for recreational trespass and failing to obtain a license. The deer was seized and donated.
CO Cameron Wright and Sgts. Ben Shively and Jeff Ginn were patrolling the Muskegon State Game Area (SGA) on opening firearm deer weekend, when they observed a Jeep stop on the two-track in front of them. The driver got out and went to the back of his vehicle. A few minutes later, the driver got back into the Jeep and drove up to the COs. He then jumped out and said, “I was an eager beaver! I forgot to tag my deer until I saw you guys parked down here.” Sgt. Shively asked the subject if he could check his gun case which was in the front passenger seat. The subject stated the rifle was in the back seat and opened the rear door where CO Wright observed a loaded and uncased rifle. Enforcement action was taken for the violations.
COs Cameron Wright, Logan Turner, Tim Barboza, and Sgt. Ben Shively responded to reports of a lost hunter, who was half naked, near Woodland Park in Newago County. The COs formed a search and rescue plan to access the creek bottom from two separate locations. The hunter was located with no injuries and had removed his clothing because he was warm but was disoriented and got confused about his location in the dark. The hunter refused medical treatment, was escorted back to his vehicle.
Sgt. Ben Shively was working a stationary shining patrol on the Oceana/Newaygo County line on November 14th when he observed a light coming from the passenger side of a pickup truck casting a light into the field. Sgt. Shively watched the light shine the field. Sgt. Shively waited for the truck to pass the field and conducted a traffic stop. He contacted the driver and advised him the reason for the stop. The driver didn’t think he was doing anything wrong as they were using a flashlight and not a spotlight to locate deer. When asked if there were any firearms in the vehicle, the driver stated he had two rifles behind his seat. Sgt. Shively checked the two unloaded and cased rifles. The subject was cited for shining in November and given a warning for shining with a weapon in possession.
District 5 counties of service: Alcona, Arenac, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Roscommon.
Sgt. Jon Wood was checking activity in a camp on state land in northern Missaukee County when he located an antlerless deer hanging without a kill tag attached. Sgt. Wood was able to locate the responsible hunter at a nearby camper. Upon interviewing the subject about the untagged deer, the hunter simply stated that he was out late the evening prior trying to field dress the deer and went to bed without tagging it. A ticket was written for failing to immediately tag his deer.
On opening day of firearm deer season, CO Breanna Garrett followed up at a hunting location on state land in southern Missaukee County that showed evidence of illegally cut shooting lanes and unlabeled hunting blinds. Upon contact with the father/son duo that occupied one of the illegal blinds, it was discovered that neither hunter was in possession of an unused deer kill tag. Warnings were given for the shooting lanes and unlabeled deer blind. A ticket was issued for not being in possession of a deer license.
COs Kevin Bunce and Ryan Weakman were on patrol in Clare County during the firearm deer season when a deer at a local buck pole caught their attention. Upon review of the deer and its kill tag, the hunter taking credit for the deer did not have a license to hunt any deer for the 2025 season. The kill tag came back to the hunter’s father and was purchased shortly before the deer was dropped off at the local buck pole. An interview was conducted where it was determined that the father purchased a license and attached it to his son’s deer after it was killed. A report will be sent to the Clare County Prosector’s Office for loaning and borrowing licenses and purchasing licenses after the hunt.
COs Kevin Bunce, Troy Mueller, and Ryan Weakman checked a hunting site in central Osceola County during the firearm season and found two hunters with no valid licenses and no required hunter orange. A bait site was located, along with a previously shot 5-point buck tagged with the disabled veteran father’s kill tag. The hunter admitted to using his father’s free tags for multiple years. RAP dispatch confirmed only one man had completed hunter’s safety and the other was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Charges are being sought for loaning/borrowing licenses, felon in possession of a firearm, hunting over bait in a closed area, and failing to wear hunter orange.
On the opening day of firearm deer season in Missaukee County, CO Jeremy Cantrell received a complaint about a vehicle blocking a forest road preventing other citizens from accessing the state lands. CO Cantrell arrived on scene and contacted the complainant who was in his vehicle and unable to maneuver around the suspect’s truck. Shortly after, the individual of the vehicle in question came out and was issued a citation for blocking a state forest road on public land.
CO Troy Mueller was patrolling through state land and had a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) travelling towards him about 150 yards away. To the surprise of both, an 8-point buck ran between the two vehicles across the two-track. The UTV operator stopped after the buck crossed the trail. CO Mueller pulled up to the UTV and jokingly asked the subject if he had a loaded gun in the vehicle. The subject put his head down and said, “Yeah.” The subject indeed had a loaded rifle at the ready in his right hand. A ticket was issued for the violation.
CO Kyle Cherry was on patrol in Kalkaska County when he received a complaint of a hunter who had shot a buck that did not meet the antler point restriction (APR) requirement of the points on an antler. CO Cherry responded to the hunter’s camp. CO Cherry observed a 3-point buck hanging behind the house. CO Cherry spoke with the hunter who admitted to shooting before there was enough sunlight to make out how big the buck was. Additionally, the hunter admitted to taking the deer over bait. A citation was issued for the violation, and the deer was seized. The deer meat was ultimately donated.
District 5 COs conducted a group shining patrol with the assistance of Forest Resource Aviation Division. Sgt. Brian Olsen observed an individual using a high intensity spotlight while driving in a remote area of Kalkaska County. Sgt. Olsen and COs Matt Zultak and Ben McAteer went into the remote area where the illegal activity was occurring. The COs conducted a traffic stop and located an uncased rifle and the spotlight. Charges are pending for shine during the month of November, shine with a weapon in possession, and possession of an uncased firearm.
CO Matt Zultak was patrolling a known shining area in Roscommon County. At approximately 10:39 PM, CO Zultak observed a truck casting light on the field with a spotlight. CO Zultak followed the vehicle for over a half hour where it continued to cast the light. CO Zultak made a traffic stop on the vehicle where a cocked and unloaded crossbow was found in the passenger seat. During the interview, the subject also admitted to killing five deer. Upon further investigation, he had only registered three. The subject had allowed his friend to tag two deer. The hunter was cited for shining with a weapon possession and given warnings for shining after hours and borrowing tags.
CO James Garrett was patrolling southern Roscommon County when he contacted a vehicle containing three hunters. CO Garrett located three loaded/uncased firearms in the back seat of the vehicle sitting next to a 13-year-old occupant. The two adults in the vehicle were cited for transporting loaded firearms in a motor vehicle.
CO James Garrett received a complaint about trail cameras being stolen on state land. The individual posted pictures of the suspect on Facebook. The Facebook warriors were able to tell him who the suspect was, which turned out to be the property owner to the south. CO Garrett contacted the suspect who stated he took the cameras because they were on his property. The suspect was unable to show CO Garrett where his property line was and CO Garrett showed the suspect the exact locations on ONX Hunt, which was approximately 70 yards outside of his property line. The suspect stated he burned the cameras in a fire the day he took them off state land. Charges are being sought through the Roscommon County Prosecutor's Office for larceny and hunter harassment.
CO Casey Pullum and PCO Evan White were patrolling two tracks on public land in Oscoda County when they found a side-by-side with a hunting pack in the bed. Suspecting the hunter was tracking a deer, they followed footprints to a tree stand and a large bait pile. They soon heard two men talking, then the side-by-side leaving. Knowing the area well, the COs followed the tracks to a nearby camp, where a hunter admitted he had been in the stand and left to avoid them. He brought the COs back to the spot where he had shot an 8-point over bait. The deer was seized for being untagged and taken over bait. Charges are being sought for hunting over bait.
CO Casey Pullum and PCO Evan White received a complaint that a hunter had shot a deer and had a friend buy a kill tag for it. Working with COs Breanna Garrett, Jesse Grzechowski, and PCO Nico Luna, they located the hunter’s phone number. PCO White contacted him while he was out hunting and arranged a meeting. Before the meeting, the hunter called back saying he knew why the DNR wanted to speak with him and admitted to borrowing another’s tag. The suspect took the COs to the deer, which was untagged, and borrowing a license was confirmed to be true. Because he had no valid license at the time of the shot, the deer was seized. Law enforcement action was taken.
CO Jeff Panich received a complaint about a baited blind on public land with an extremely large bait pile. When CO Panich checked the complaint and began hiking into the blind, he could clearly hear a man talking and approaching on the same trail he was hiking. Upon contact, CO Panich realized the hunter was dragging an untagged 8-point buck. The suspect hunter denied knowledge of the bait pile and denied shooting the buck over bait. CO Panich investigated and by following the drag marks and blood, confirmed the deer was shot on the large bait pile. Multiple charges are being sought.
CO Jeff Panich responded to a littering complaint associated with a campsite. Upon arrival, CO Panich was approached by a scared and excited hunter. The hunter reported to CO Panich that the man in the campsite was walking through the woods randomly firing a gun in the air and making noise. CO Panich contacted the suspect and upon further investigation, discovered the suspect was in violation of a recent bond condition prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. CO Panich arrested the suspect for violating the bond condition and will be seeking charges for hunter harassment and littering.
CO Jeff Panich investigated a potential tagging violation. Upon contact with the suspects, he determined that a wife had purchased and given a kill tag to her husband for a 5-point buck he recently shot. Charges for loan/borrow kill tags are being sought.
CO Jesse Grzechowski and PCO Nico Luna were patrolling state land in Alcona County when they found a vehicle parked on a two-track with its headlights aimed into a woodlot. They contacted the driver and saw he had an open container of alcohol and several firearms in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed one firearm was loaded and another was not enclosed in a case. PCO Luna issued a citation for having a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Craig Neal was checking an illegally baited blind on November 15th in southern Arenac County when he found two hunters sitting over several truck beds worth of sugar beets. When asked for their licenses, both admitted they hadn’t purchased kill tags, and neither was wearing hunter orange. CO Neal issued citations for the violations.
CO Craig Neal and Sgt. Phil Hudson were patrolling state land in northern Arenac County near the end of legal hunting hours when they stopped to check a truck parked along the trail. When asked if their firearms were cased and unloaded, the driver admitted his rifle wasn’t cased but insisted his CPL covered him. CO Neal checked the rifles and found both loaded in the chamber and magazine and shoved under the backseat. He explained that a CPL has no application to rifles. A citation was issued for having loaded firearms in a motor vehicle.
CO Kyle Bader contacted a hunter in Ogemaw County on opening day of the firearm season and asked him to see his deer license. The man handed over a kill tag that was bloody, validated for October, and tied to twine. He claimed it was from an antlerless deer he shot earlier and that his unused tag was back at camp. Since camp was over a mile away, CO Bader offered him a ride. Before getting into the patrol truck, the hunter admitted, “You know I’m lying to you, right?” CO Bader said he suspected as much but wanted to give him the chance to prove it. At camp, the hunter’s only remaining tag was already attached to a deer he’d shot that morning. He was cited for hunting without a license.
CO Kyle Bader was doing follow-up work in West Branch when dispatch reported a vehicle stolen from Wal-Mart with loaded, uncased rifles in the back seat. CO Bader began checking the area and while pulling out of a gas station/Taco Bell lot, saw the stolen vehicle drive in. He attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled, leading to a pursuit joined by Deputy Barrett from the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office. The chase went through Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Gladwin Counties for about 24 miles before the suspect ran out of gas and crashed into a ditch. He fled on foot but was arrested by Deputy Barrett and CO Bader. The suspect had 11 outstanding warrants and about $4,000 in stolen merchandise inside the vehicle.
CO Kyle Bader was notified by Sgt. Phil Hudson about several untagged deer in Arenac County after local officers handling a domestic violence case saw four deer hanging in an outbuilding. CO Bader responded and found two untagged deer, one deer properly tagged, and one tagged with a fishing license. The subject admitted he had killed all four deer but only had a valid tag for one. The three illegal deer and the rifle used were seized, and charges are being sought through the Arenac County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Kyle Bader was patrolling state land in Ogemaw County when dispatch sent officers and EMS to an address for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in progress. Knowing the area well, he realized he was only a few miles away by cutting through the woods and headed toward the call. Dispatch then advised the victim was deep in the woods, and the caller would meet responders at the address and guide them in by ORV. CO Bader met the caller and other officers and followed them to the scene. Flagging was placed on trees so the ambulance could find the location. He connected his automated external defibrillator and performed CPR alongside other officers until Ogemaw County EMS arrived and took over care.
District 6 counties of service: Bay, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Montcalm, Saginaw, Sanilac, Tuscola.
While on patrol in Saginaw County, CO Nick McNamee received a complaint consisting of two anglers possibly snagging flathead catfish from the Saginaw River. Upon arrival, CO McNamee watched the anglers for approximately 35 minutes from a tree that was overhanging the river. CO McNamee witnessed the two anglers foul hooking multiple fish in the side and tail. The anglers then placed the fish on the bank to take pictures. Some of the fish were out of the water for over four minutes. Upon contact with the anglers, the CO found they were using illegal tackle as well. Citations were issued to both anglers for the offenses.
Sgts. Seth Rhodea and Bob Horkirk, along with CO Jake Daniel, were patrolling on Saginaw Bay checking anglers. While contacting two anglers perch fishing, Sgt. Rhodea observed a very short walleye swimming in their livewell. Further inspection found five walleye, all under six inches, in the livewell. The angler tried claiming they had all fallen off his hook and landed in the live well, he just did not have time to set them back in the water yet. The fish were seized, and he was cited for possession of undersized walleye.
Sgts. Seth Rhodea and Bob Hobkirk and CO Jake Daniel contacted several waterfowl hunters on Saginaw Bay. During the check, it was discovered that the hunt was a guided hunt. The guide was cited for operating an uninspected vessel and guiding without a commercial guide license. He was also warned for operating a vessel for hire without a valid captain’s license.
While patrolling the Rush Lake State Game Area (SGA), CO Kyle Romzek checked the tags of a buck and doe in the back of a pickup. While checking the tags, CO Romzek discovered that the tag on an antlerless deer had been purchased after the deer had been killed. While speaking with the hunter about the tag, the subject admitted to harvesting the deer then purchasing the tag the following day. Charges have been submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review.
PCO Cody Simmons and Sgt. Kyle Bucholtz were investigating an illegal bait pile and illegal cutting of trees on state land in Huron County when they discovered that a buck had been harvested over bait. The COs found blood and hair where the deer was initially shot and tracked the blood trail all the way to where the deer was strapped onto a trailer. Eventually, the COs were able to contact the hunter. The hunter admitted to hunting over bait and harvesting the buck over it. The hunter also admitted to cutting trees to make shooting lanes. During the investigation, the COs found a loaded pistol in the vehicle and the hunter did not have a concealed pistol license. A report was written and submitted to the Huron County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Michael Eovaldi received a complaint about a buck, shot at a very long distance from a vehicle. CO Eovaldi, as well as CO Mark Siemen and Sgt. Robert Hobkirk arrived on scene and located a dead buck that was shot in the neck with a small caliber rifle. With a suspect in mind, they conducted an interview and obtained a confession for the crime. It was determined the buck was shot with a .243, which is not a legal firearm in the limited firearm deer zone, from approximately 450 yards. Charges will be sought through the Sanilac County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Ethan Gainforth received a complaint from the RAP hotline that a subject had taken three bucks and a doe on opening day. When COs Gainforth and Chris Kravitsky pulled into the subject’s property, they witnessed three deer hanging in a tree, two bucks and a doe with the largest deer lying in a jet sled that had already been processed. When the COs interviewed the suspect, he admitted that he shot all three bucks including a 7-point, two spike horns, and a doe on opening morning. The suspect stated, “I have never seen deer like that before while hunting and they just kept coming at me, so I kept shooting.” The subject was allowed to keep his antlerless deer which he tagged properly. The other three bucks were seized for taking an over-limit of bucks and various tagging violations as well. Charges will be sought through the Tuscola County Prosecutor’s Office.
CO Chris Kravitsky received a complaint from the DNR Communications Section of a portable deer blind that had not been removed at the end of each day’s hunt in the Tuscola SGA. CO Kravitsky walked out to the blind to check it and located a subject hunting. While checking the subject’s license, he noticed the firearm did not appear to be legal to use in the limited firearm zone. Upon inspection of the rifle, it was found to be a Mossberg 300 Win Mag. The subject was advised on the laws regarding legal firearms and the removal of his blind. A citation was issued for the unlawful firearm used in the limited firearm zone and a warning for failing to remove the blind.
While patrolling southwest Isabella County, CO Mike Haas and PCO Cody Simmons observed a vehicle pull into a store parking lot, drive directly through the parking lot, through the grass, and straight into the edge of a standing cornfield. The COs contacted the driver and found that his brakes had just stopped working and luckily, he was able to stop in a safe spot. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was missing a license plate, no plate lights, and a half empty container of liquor located in the driver’s door. A citation was issued for open intoxicants in a motor vehicle along with numerous warnings.
On an ORV patrol in Midland County, CO Mike Haas witnessed a dirt bike being operated at a high rate of speed down the middle of the roadway. The driver on the bike appeared to notice the CO and began to drive faster to get away as he also ran a stop sign. Due to poor road conditions, it took some time for CO Haas to catch up to the dirt bike, but eventually, the CO got behind the bike and activated his lights and siren. The driver pulled over and denied first seeing the CO miles back and stated that he was currently on probation for a previous Flee and Elude charge. CO Haas explained the numerous violations of speeding on an ORV, failing to stop at a stop sign, operating in the middle of the roadway, improper helmet and eye protection, no driver’s license on person, and failing to transfer the dirt bike title. A citation was issued along with multiple warnings.
CO Jacob Robinson was on patrol in Montcalm County when he received a not in progress complaint about a subject trespassing to retrieve a deer on private property. The CO arrived at the venue and was able to locate blood, ORV tracks, and the plastic back half of a deer license where the subject trespassed to retrieve the deer on the private property. The CO noticed a deer blind in the direction that the deer was harvested and contacted the individuals in the blind who were actively hunting. Both subjects in the deer blind were hunting with crossbows, but neither had purchased a 2025 deer license. One of the subjects admitted that a relative had trespassed to retrieve an antlered deer on the neighbor’s property the night prior. The CO cited both subjects for hunting without a 2025 deer license. CO Robinson later contacted the relative who trespassed, and he admitted to using his ORV to retrieve the antlered deer on the neighbor’s property. The CO seized the antlered deer and charges are pending for recreational trespassing at the Montcalm County District Court.
COs Jacob Robinson and Marissa Sturtevant were on patrol in Montcalm County when they received an in-progress trespass complaint. The COs arrived at the location, and the landowner walked them out to the subject trespassing. The COs contacted the subject who was hunting out of an ORV legally with a standing vehicle permit. Further investigation revealed the hunter was not actually trespassing and was on his own property, but the COs noticed he was hunting over a bait pile and was not wearing hunter orange. A citation was issued for not wearing hunter orange and a warning was given for the bait.
COs Michael Lator and Adam Schiller were patrolling Gratiot County on the opening day of firearm deer season when they received a Report All Poaching (RAP) complaint involving a hunter shooting across the complainant’s property line and killing a deer in the complainant’s field. The COs met with the complainant who witnessed the incident and gathered evidence at the scene. The COs then interviewed the suspect who confessed to shooting the deer across the property line and trespassing on the same property to retrieve the deer. The deer was seized and donated to a local soup kitchen and a report has been submitted to the Gratiot County Prosecutor’s Office requesting charges for recreational trespassing.
District 7 counties of service: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St Joseph, Van Buren.
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 observed an untagged 4-point with two bullet holes in the neck and one in the hindquarter. 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 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 a hunting license, and did not have any hunter orange. Citations were issued for the violations.
COs Jeff Robinette and Zach Bauer conducted a shining patrol the night before the firearm deer season opener. The patrol was in response to several complaints of shining and shooting in the area where two separate vehicles, described as pickup trucks, were mentioned as the suspect vehicles. The COs observed a vehicle, matching the description of one of the trucks, approaching the area and shining the fields on either side of the road. A traffic stop was initiated, and the COs found an uncased, cocked crossbow with a scope laying on the floor in the back seat area. CO Bauer then located an unloaded, uncased rifle with a range finder. Enforcement action was taken, and the crossbow and bolt were both seized as evidence in the case.
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 for whitefish with the assistance of COs from Districts 4 and 7. 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 on scene, it was determined the complaints were not related as the shots fired turned out to be 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 was 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 hunting. He advised that he watched some neighboring hunters shoot two small bucks, dragging them out of the woods while not tagging them or field dressing 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 for 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.
COs Zack Smith and Brandon Benedict contacted multiple groups of hunters coming out of the woods at Sleepy Hollow State Park. One hunter was asked for his license and stated that he had left it at home. After being questioned about his hunting season, the subject stated that he had shot two bucks and had a doe license left. The COs asked the hunter if he had reported his deer harvests. The hunter stated that he did not know he had to harvest report. A citation was issued for not having a kill tag on his person.
COs Marc Mankowski and Jeremy Woods interviewed a hunter who both COs have had history with regarding multiple deer hunting violations in 2024. During the interview the hunter stated he did not shoot a deer and that he was able to bait due to his hunt from standing vehicle permit and being a veteran. After the COs explained how that wasn’t true, CO Mankowski spotted a notched piece of license on the man’s house slipper. When he asked the hunter again if he shot a deer, the hunter denied and said it was his friend’s deer. A few more lies were told, and the truth finally came out when CO Mankowski picked up the notched tag that had a 6 on it. The hunter admitted to shooting a deer earlier in the day with the aid of the large bait pile on the property. Law enforcement action was taken, and the hunter asked the COs for assistance on starting a GoFundMe account to help pay for his 2024 and now 2025 violations.
CO James Rowley and Lieutenant (Lt.) Rich Nickols were dispatched to a safety zone violation in northern Ingham County. Both met the reporting party at their house where she pointed out the blind location and stated she wanted prosecution for the violation. Lt. Nickols and CO Rowley passed through a short distance of corn stalks and located the blind. The distance from the blind to the house was less than fifty yards. The individual was hunting with a rifle and in violation of the safety zone requirement of 150 yards. The individual was also found hunting over a bait pile. The individual was issued a misdemeanor citation and moved the blind off the property.
COs Olivia Moeller and Nick Thornton responded to a 911 complaint regarding an individual shooting an antlerless deer with a firearm on the eve of firearm season. The subject fled the area on foot when he realized one of the neighbors had called 911. With the assistance of the sheriff department and an archery hunter in the woods who directed the COs to the fleeing suspect, the said individual was found hiding in the mud of a creek bank. The subject is being charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, taking deer out of season, and take deer with no license.
CO Cullen Knoblauch and PCO Cody Longrey responded to a call reference a found 10-point antlered deer that had been shot. It was determined that a neighbor across the street had killed the 10-point antlered deer the night prior but never located it. The suspect who shot the deer arrived to speak with the COs. The hunter said he shot at the 10-point antlered deer and thought he had missed. He stated he then shot at a 6-point antlered deer that was standing next to the 10-point. He said the 6-point ran into the woods and died. He said he never found the 10-point or any blood. Upon inspecting the hunters’ tags, it was discovered that he purchased his hunting licenses approximately one hour after killing the 6-point the previous evening. A report will be submitted to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for charges.
In Ionia County, CO Jeremy Beavers patrolled the Portland SGA for activity during the firearm deer season. During his patrol, he encountered some hunters who were planning to float hunt state land along the Grand River. The hunters had just dropped off a vehicle and were driving to their start location when contact was made. As the hunters exited the vehicle to show their deer licenses, CO Beavers asked if their firearms were unloaded and cased and the driver stated no. With permission, CO Beavers checked the backseat of the truck, finding two fully uncased firearms and two partially uncased rifles. Upon further inspection, CO Beavers also discovered that one of the rifles was loaded. The driver stated he was not aware that they had to be in cases. CO Beavers explained the rules for transporting firearms and issued a citation for transporting loaded and uncased firearms in a motor vehicle.
CO Brandon Benedict attended an informal hearing for an individual who was cited for hunting without a hunting license. CO Benedict warned the individual that he had to have his deer tags with him before he went deer hunting. Later, the subject was located with a bow coming out of the woods. When asked if he found his deer tags, he advised he couldn’t find them. While in court, the subject attempted to claim that he was small game hunting. When pressed by the magistrate, the individual could not name one animal included in small game. He then advised the magistrate that he was carrying his bow in the woods in case he saw a bear. The individual was found responsible for failure to exhibit hunting license.
CO John Byars had several complaints about an individual who was shooting deer, possibly without a license. A couple of days prior, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office was at the location looking for the same suspect, due to a complaint of someone riding around on a moped with a possible uncased firearm. The deputy informed CO Byars the subject may have a felony warrant. Several days later, CO Byars received a request for contact from Ingham County Central Dispatch about the same suspect. The complainant stated that the suspect may have taken a deer that same morning, and it was hanging in the barn. CO Byars contacted his supervisor, Sgt. Jason Smith, and requested his assistance in the investigation. CO Byars and Sgt. Smith, along with a deputy from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the residence and determined that an illegal deer had been taken and confirmed the felony warrant. The suspect was placed under arrest for the warrant and enforcement action was taken for the illegal deer.
District 9 counties of service: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair.
CO Griffin Korican and Sgt. Jason Becker were patrolling Oakland County for shining activity the night before opening day. The COs observed a vehicle slowly roll along a field and began shining a spotlight out of the vehicle from both sides. The COs followed the vehicle and observed the same action performed along several fields. The COs conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and found two individuals who stated they were unaware that you could not shine deer. There was a crossbow observed in the back seat and the quiver was on the dashboard. Both individuals received citations for shining deer in November and were educated that shining with a weapon in the vehicle was also illegal.
CO Griffin Korican patrolled Oakland County on the opening day of firearm deer season. Several baited sites were checked with no activity. Later in the day, Sgt. Jason Becker was checking a stand he and CO Korican had found prior to the firearm season baited with a mineral block and other grain substances. Sgt. Becker located a hunter and his son in the stand. The son was not wearing hunter orange and the individual failed to immediately disclose that he was carrying a concealed pistol. CO Korican cited the individual for baiting deer in a closed area and occupying an unlabeled tree stand. The father and son were educated on the regulations that come with hunting and were both given current deer hunting digests.
COs Griffin Korican and Cody Bourgeois contacted a property owner in regard to a baiting complaint that CO Bourgeois had received. Upon contact, the COs were given permission to walk the property for the bait. The COs located bait and after interviewing the son of the property owner, discovered that he had taken a doe without a license. Enforcement action was taken for the individual taking a deer without a license and CO Bourgeois will follow up with the father who is the individual said to be baiting the property.
COs Griffin Korican and Cody Bourgeois patrolled Harsens Island for waterfowl hunting activity. While checking a hunter at a boat launch it was discovered that the hunter did not have registration numbers on his vessel, nor did he have his Type IV throwable floatation device on board. The individual received a citation for the lack of the Type IV personal floatation device and warned for no registration numbers.
CO Kris Kiel conducted a foot patrol in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks for illegal hunting activity. CO Kiel just happened to observe two subjects with a dog tracker for over an hour, until they gave up. CO Kiel contacted them near their property line and asked the subject that had shot the deer for his license and then asked if there was bait in the yard. The hunter replied that there was and showed the CO the corn that he had spread all over the area. The other subject helping search has been caught in the same yard, taking deer over bait. A report will be submitted for taking deer over bait.
CO Joseph Deppen was checking waterfowl hunters on Lake St. Clair, when he observed a group of two layout hunters he encountered. One hunter was in the vessel, and the other hunter was in the layout boat. CO Deppen contacted the vessel as it was picking up decoy strings. CO Deppen asked if the firearm was unloaded, and the hunter said “Yes.” After it was handed over, CO Deppen noticed it was still loaded. CO Deppen unloaded the rounds and the first round in the chamber was a lead shot shell and the other two were steel shot. The hunter denied having any lead, but a check on a magnet and shot shell checker showed it was a lead shot round. The hunter went to pick up the second hunter in the layout boat. Upon checking the second hunter he was also in possession of lead shot. Each hunter was cited for possession of lead shot.
CO Sydney Griffor was patrolling Casco Township, when she observed a side-by-side with a deer in an open trailer pulling onto the roadway. Once closer, CO Griffor did not see any deer tags on any of the three deer. The driver had already pulled over on the side of the road to secure the trailer. CO Griffor got out and spoke with the driver who stated he shot the three antlerless deer earlier that morning, then left to go home hours later and returned to get the deer. He stated he did not want the tags to blow off the deer on the way home. When checking the hunter’s firearm, it was discovered the firearm was still loaded inside the case in the vehicle. CO Griffor will submit charges to the prosector’s office.
CO Sydney Griffor received a complaint about recreational trespass on ITC property. COs Griffor and Kris Kiel responded to the area and found a hunter in a shack deer hunting on ITC property. A report will be submitted to the prosector’s office seeking charges for recreational trespass.
CO Cody Bourgeois worked Harsens Island managed waterfowl unit to monitor illegal activities based on complaints for waterfowl hunting violations. During his patrol, he checked many hunters. The duck numbers have been slow due to the warm stagnate weather we have been having. During one of the checks, the CO discovered that the hunter was in possession of more than 25 shells. In any waterfowl management area around the state the shell limit is 25. This individual had 28 on his possession and he also stated he had used several shells while shooting at the ducks. The CO issued the hunter a ticket for possession of too many shells in the management unit.
District 10 counties of service: Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Wayne.
CO Mike Drexler and Lt. Damon Owens received a tip of subjects possibly hunting without licenses on opening day of the firearm deer season. The COs were parked in the area when an ORV drove down a private lane then pulled out onto the county roadway. The COs initiated a traffic stop, and the subject drove down to their residence before stopping. The operator was wearing hunter orange and advised that she was out hunting. When the COs asked for her hunting license, she stated she did not have one, if she shot anything she would go to the store down the road and purchase one. The COs also found she had an uncased rifle in the ORV. Citations were issued for the violations including hunt without a license, transport uncased firearm, and failing to register ORV, along with a few verbal warnings.
CO Mike Drexler assisted the Jackson County COs who were on another complaint, with a call of a subject hunting at Sharonville SGA who shot a spike and a 4-point on a combo license. In addition to the APR violation, the tags were not validated. A citation was issued for the violation along with a few verbal warnings.
PCOs Andrew Werth and Joel Hill conducted a marine and waterfowl patrol at Pointe Mouillee and checked multiple waterfowl hunters. Most hunters were having some luck with a few birds in their boat. While checking the last group of the morning, the COs discovered that two of the hunters did not have a plugged shotgun. Each hunter was issued a citation for their infraction.
During an early morning patrol, CO Ariel Young checked hunters who had successfully drawn a managed unit spot at Pointe Mouillee. During the last check, CO Young found several BB sized shot shells in the group’s bag, which is not allowed in the managed units at Pointe Mouillee. When questioned, the hunters stated that they were not aware that the ammo was in their blind bag. CO Young continued checking ammo and found that the hunters also had toxic shot (lead) mixed in their bag. CO Young then found another bag containing ammo that the hunters had separated from the other ammo and dubbed it “goose” loads. CO Young found more BB sized shells in this bag. In all, the hunters were over their limit of 25 shells per hunter, in possession of illegal toxic shot along with prohibited BB sized shot shells in the managed unit. Citations were issued for the toxic shot and BB shot and a warning was issued for the over-limit of shells.
CO Brandon Hartleben was patrolling on opening day when he received a safety zone complaint from Washtenaw County Metro Dispatch. CO Hartleben responded and immediately observed a deer hunter in close proximity to several different apartment buildings. CO Hartleben used a rangefinder and confirmed that the hunter was 87 yards from one building and 48 yards from the other building. CO Hartleben contacted the hunter at the base of the tree that he was in and conducted a check of his firearm and licenses while also educating him on safety zone law. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting within a safety zone(s).
While checking hunters on opening day of firearm deer season at Petersburg SGA, CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Andrew Werth checked one hunter who exited the woods almost a half hour after legal shooting time had ended. The COs asked the hunter if his firearm was still loaded and the hunter said it was and that the firearm was on fire for his own protection because he was unsure of what would happen in the woods being that it was dark out. The hunter was issued a citation for being loaded after legal hunting hours.
CO Brandon Hartleben was patrolling through Pinckney State Recreation Area to check for hunting activity and to follow-up on a bait complaint when he observed a subject wearing blue jeans and a camo shirt and hat walking down the road carrying a shotgun. CO Hartleben stopped to contact the small-game hunter who was out hunting squirrels. After checking the subject’s license, CO Hartleben broke the bad news that the subject was afield without wearing hunter orange. At this point, the subject became quite agitated. A DNR priors check revealed that the subject had three prior DNR convictions, with one of them also being no hunter orange. The subject was issued a citation for being afield with no hunter orange.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Andrew Werth were helping a successful deer hunter drag his harvest in the Petersburg SGA on opening day of the firearm deer season. While the COs were helping the hunter, the COs noticed another hunter who was hunting without the proper hunter orange requirements. The hunter was issued a citation for failing to meet the proper hunter orange requirement. In another incident, the COs contacted the hunter who believed that his orange thermal hand muff met the requirements for proper hunter orange and that was all he needed. The hunter was issued a citation for his infraction.
CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Andrew Werth conducted an ORV patrol in Monroe County. A total of four ORVs were stopped for various violations including: operating on a public highway, no ORV stickers, and no safety belts being worn. All the drivers were issued various citations for their infractions.
CO Andrew Monnich and PCO Joel Hill were on patrol in Lenawee County when they observed two trucks parked in a field after shooting light. The COs have received a prior complaint referring to bait in the area. CO Monnich and PCO Hill approached the vehicles and found them to be unoccupied. After waiting several minutes, two hunters emerged from the woods. Both hunters had loaded crossbows on their person after legal shooting light. One of the hunters was also in possession of a rifle hunting for deer during the archery season. The same hunter was also found to be hunting over bait. Citations were issued to the hunters for being loaded after legal shooting light and hunting over bait.
On opening day of the firearm deer season, CO Andrew Monnich and PCO Joel Hill were checking deer hunters in Lenawee County. The COs encountered a group of hunters within several blinds of a property. One of the hunters was found to be hunting over bait and did not have licenses for the current season. Another hunter was found to be hunting over bait and in possession of an illegal firearm within the limited firearms deer zone. Tickets were issued for violations.
CO Eric Smither responded to a complaint of an untagged deer. Upon arrival, CO Smither observed an 8-point buck with no tag attached and contacted the hunter. After a short interview, enforcement action was taken, and a citation was issued for possess deer without a validated kill tag.
Great Lakes Enforcement Unit
Cpl. Nick Atkin checked nets over multiple days in the Pine River area with no violations located. During these patrols firearm deer hunting activity was also surveyed.
Cpl. Nick Atkin conducted surveillance on numerous perch anglers in the Pine River area. No violations were witnessed.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen worked in Mason County for the firearm deer opener since the county is down to one CO.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen and CO Kyle Publiski checked on two baited blinds during the firearm season. Both blinds had hunters hunting over bait. Neither of the hunters had hunter orange, and one of the hunters was hunting with a high-capacity magazine. Tickets were issued.
Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen and CO Kyle Publiski checked on a property that had numerous baited blinds. Three of the blinds had hunters hunting over bait. Tickets were issued.
During firearm deer season, Cpl. Pat Hartsig worked with CO Sydney Griffor. After receiving a complaint of the attempted entry of an untagged buck in a local buck pole, the two interviewed the suspect. The deer was taken without any tags. It was seized and enforcement action was taken.
Cpl. Pat Hartsig attended the Binational Great Lakes committee on AIS meeting. An array of topics regarding AIS prevention, education, and remediation were discussed with peers from around the Great Lakes.
Cpl. Todd Sumbera received a complaint of possible illegal gill netting in Raber Bay. Upon arrival Cpl. Sumbera located and identified the suspects who were loading their vessel and layout boats from a morning of duck hunting. No violations were present.
Cpl. Todd Sumbera and CO Justin Vinson worked a shift patrolling for deer hunters in the East end of Mackinac County. One buck was observed and checked afield, otherwise activity was very slow.
Cpl. Justin Vanderlinde assisted District four officers with a night flight. The flight was a response to an ongoing deer poaching complaint in the area. The flight was ultimately unproductive.
Cpl. Justin Vanderlinde assisted CO Walter with a night deer hunting complaint. The hunting blind was located; the complaint is still under investigation.
Cpl. Justin Vanderlinde conducted several foot patrols walking large tracts of state land in Grand Traverse and Benzie Counties. Several illegal tree stands were located; the information was turned over to the county officers.
Cpl. Mike Hammill contacted a group of out-of-state hunters. The hunters advised that they had just purchased land in Michigan and had several questions regarding firearm related laws. While talking, one of the individuals opened the rear door on his truck and pulled out an unloaded but uncased firearm. Cpl. Hammill explained that it’s illegal to have an uncased firearm in a motor vehicle and continued answering the hunters’ questions. Meanwhile, another individual was placing the other hunters’ uncased rifles into a four-door side by side. Cpl. Hammill explained the law on that as well and continued to explain ORV law during the firearm deer season. Warnings were issued for the violations.
Cpl. Mike Hammill checked numerous hunters and deer during the first week of the firearm deer season. Many hunters were happy with their success and reported that this season was much better than last.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge and Sgt. Mark Leadman worked along the Menominee River checking several anglers targeting spawning whitefish. The officers also checked an angler on the upper river having luck catching walleyes.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge and Cpl. Mike Hammill patrolled the Menominee River for sport anglers targeting whitefish. The officers checked a few anglers near Hattie Street dam.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge observed a pick-up truck with deer legs hanging out the back. Cpl. DeLonge contacted the driver and immediately the driver stated that he “messed up” tagging the deer. After further investigation, the hunter tagged a sublegal buck with a single deer tag. The hunter also possessed an antlerless doe tag for the area where the deer was harvested. Cpl. DeLonge explained the tagging violation and had the hunter place the proper tag on the deer.
Cpl. Brett DeLonge assisted CO Jeremy Sergey with an incident involving a hunter harvesting a deer and not immediately tagging the animal. The hunter had a bait pile that greatly exceeded the legal limit allowed in the UP. Additionally, a pair of brass knuckles were spotted in plain view in the individual’s vehicle. The brass knuckles were seized, and enforcement action was taken.
Cpl. Chris Lynch conducted several patrols for the firearm deer season. Many hunters were seen despite the warm conditions.
Cpl. Tom Peterson assisted District 1 with patrolling Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties for the firearm deer season. Multiple checks were made. Compliance has been high. Processor inspections have turned up very little issues. Activity seems to be consistent with previous years. Successful hunter checks in the field have been few.
Cpl. Tom Peterson assisted CO Byron Parks with an individual that had multiple issues, including a permanent blind being left on township property, ORV trespass, no identification on the blind, excess bait, an illegal and unlabeled trap, and trapping without a license. Multiple citations and verbal warnings were issued.
Cpl. Jon Busken worked the firearm deer season in Newago County with CO Tim Barboza. Multiple contacts were made, and enforcement action was taken.
