7/6/2025-7/19/2025

DISTRICT 1

COs Zach Painter, Steve Sajtar, and PCO Matthew Bowser were on patrol in Menominee County. The COs were on their way to conduct a fisheries patrol on Lake Michigan when they came across a vehicle in the ditch. Contact with the operator of the vehicle revealed several signs of intoxication. An investigation was conducted, and the operator of the vehicle was placed under arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI). Enforcement action was also taken for transporting an open container and for refusal of a preliminary breath test (PBT).

CO Jackson Kelly responded to the beach at Van Riper State Park to assist park rangers with a sinking boat with multiple people potentially on board. When CO Kelly arrived, the boat and passengers had made it to shore thanks to a group of jet skiers who towed them to the beach. The CO ensured that all the boat’s occupants were accounted for and that no one was injured. It was determined that the boat was sinking because the boat’s drain plug was missing.

CO Jeremy Sergey received a complaint of angler harassment happening in Lake Superior near the Big Bay Harbor. The complaint stated that another vessel was operating too close to them and was interfering with their downriggers and lines. CO Sergey and Sergeant (Sgt.) Mark Leadman responded via patrol boat to the location approximately eight miles offshore. Once on scene, they located both the complainant vessel and the suspect vessel. The suspect vessel was currently reeling in a fish when contacted. The three anglers onboard were checked with one of the subjects being from another country. That subject was found to have a resident fishing license and thought that owning property in Michigan made him a resident. The vessel was also found to have improper registration displayed on both sides of the vessel and had several safety equipment issues. The operator of the vessel received two citations for the marine violations, and the harassing behavior was discussed. Follow-up with the non-resident continues.

DISTRICT 2

While on routine patrol, CO Robert Freeborn and PCO Alex French observed a salmon boat that was possibly fishing with too many lines. Upon checking the angler, it was determined that he had one extra line out. A citation was issued for the violation.

While checking a remote campground, CO Robert Freeborn and PCO Alex French observed a couple surf fishing. Once contact was made, it was determined one of the anglers did not have a license. A citation was issued for the violation.

CO Brandon Maki was on patrol when he observed a vehicle parked near Forest Lake Dam. CO Maki went to a vantage point and observed three men, two of which were actively fishing. CO Maki observed the anglers for a while before making contact. When CO Maki asked for their fishing licenses, only one could provide a license and the other admitted he did not have one. CO Maki took enforcement action and issued a citation to the unlicensed angler.

COs in Districts 2 and 3 participated in joint patrols on and around Mackinac Island during the finish of the Bayview Yacht races. COs assisted Mackinac Island State Harbor and patrolled the marina for violations and safety issues. Fortunately, no major issues were observed.

DISTRICT 3

CO Matt Theunick and PCO Joe Budnick assisted District 2 COs in marine enforcement during the Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat race. Multiple contacts were made with vessels, and one verbal warning was issued for a marine violation.

CO Jon Sklba located multiple bags of garbage that were dumped on public land in Presque Isle County. The CO was able to locate multiple sources from the garbage pile with the name of a subject who used to reside in the area and very recently moved to the Upper Peninsula. The investigation is ongoing.

CO Dan Liestenfeltz attended Law Enforcement Division’s (LED’s) first Michigan Conservation Officer Cadet Academy as a staff member. All the COs instructed multiple courses throughout the week such as physical training, game enforcement, waterfowl enforcement, fish identification, ORV operation, boat operation, and many more.

CO Dan Liestenfeltz received a trespassing complaint in southern Montmorency County. The complainant stated that they believed people might be living in a tent on their property because of the constant sightings of suspects around the property. CO Liestenfeltz was able to locate a small foot trail entering the complainant’s property from a roadway. Upon entering the property, CO Liestenfeltz observed multiple tents, tarps, and a large amount of garbage, but no suspects were there at the time. CO Liestenfeltz located a receipt with a date and time stamp from a local store nearby. After reviewing camera footage, it was determined that the receipt came from a purchase that an employee made at the store. CO Liestenfeltz interviewed the employee who admitted that another person was staying on the property as well. After the interview was complete, it was determined that the employee had multiple state-wide warrants for their arrest. CO Liestenfeltz placed the subject into custody and transported them to Charlevoix County, where the multiple warrants originated from. The subject was also issued a ticket for littering. The second suspect is identified, but contact has yet to be made.

CO Dan Liestenfeltz was patrolling Montmorency County after dark when he observed a minibike style ORV traveling down the middle of the roadway. CO Liestenfeltz then observed that the operator was wearing a skateboard style helmet that was not secured. The ORV also did not have any working rear lights. CO Liestenfeltz conducted a stop on the ORV. When speaking to the operator, there were obvious signs of intoxication. CO Liestenfeltz conducted standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) on the driver which were not passed. The operator blew a .192 on the PBT. CO Liestenfeltz placed the subject into custody and lodged them without issue. The subject was charged with felony OWI 6th and operating a motor vehicle on a revoked driver’s license.

DISTRICT 4

CO Zack Walters responded to a motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash just south of Suttons Bay in Leelanau County. CO Walters was the first on scene and located the pedestrian conscious and responsive. Upon emergency medical services (EMS) arrival, CO Walters assisted with loading the victim for transport to the hospital. CO Walters then remained on scene to assist Leelanau County deputies and the Michigan State Police (MSP) with road closure and accident reconstruction.

COs William Kinney and Zack Walters were following up on dispersed camping complaints in Grand Traverse County when they located a camp way back in the woods near the Kalkaska County line. Upon arrival at the campsite, the COs contacted two individuals. The COs observed a large volume of personal items; however, the individual told the COs that he had only been camping for approximately one week. The camper had built a fence out of sticks along the river’s edge, planted various flowers along the fence, screwed objects into the trees, and cut a large volume of young growth white pines to open his campsite view. A ticket was issued to the dispersed camper for cutting the live trees.

CO Josiah Killingbeck responded to a head-on collision involving two ORVs that occurred on ORV trails in Lake County. CO Killingbeck interviewed both drivers and determined that one driver had not been operating on the right side of the trail and upon entering a curve, struck an oncoming ORV. A report has been completed about the crash and a report will be sent to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

CO Cameron Wright was patrolling Newaygo County when a call came out reporting a female at Dollar General who had been trespassed from the property. The caller also reported that a man with her was stealing t-shirts. CO Wright arrived within two minutes of the call and located the subjects in the parking lot. As soon as CO Wright approached them, the male went “Oh! I forgot I had these” then went back inside and returned the shirts. It was discovered the female had warrants out of Kent County for child support. CO Wright arrested her for the warrants and, per the business’s request, had Newaygo Central Dispatch expand her Dollar General trespassing notice to all Dollar General locations indefinitely.

COs Cameron Wright and Tim Barboza were patrolling Newaygo County for a party on public land that frequently involves underage drinking, marijuana use, fighting, weapons, stolen cars, and various other criminal activity. The COs, along with the MSP, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, and White Cloud Police Department, patrolled the area making a litany of traffic stops. Violations were addressed for motor vehicle violations, general criminal violations, and minors in possession of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Due to the heavy police presence, the party goers lost enthusiasm as it lasted less than two hours and very few people showed up. This was a great example of law enforcement agencies working together to mitigate crime before it occurs.

CO Cameron Wright was on patrol when a call came out of an in progress domestic/felonious assault at a nearby residence. Dispatch was reporting a male at the residence had a knife and was threatening to kill everyone in the home. Inside of the house were multiple women and small children. CO Wright arrived at the residence within five minutes of the call and located the suspect outside at a picnic table with the knife next to him. CO Wright was able to order the male away from the knife and over to his patrol truck. CO Wright secured the scene and kept the suspect under control until Newaygo County deputies arrived. The case was turned over to the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.

While preparing to launch his patrol boat for the DamNation boating event on Hardy Pond in Newaygo County, CO Tim Barboza heard a call from dispatch of an unresponsive female at the event. CO Barboza launched his boat and responded to the scene where he located a female laying partially in the water and very pale in color. CO Barboza, with the assistance of bystanders, moved the patient out of the water onto the beach and covered her with blankets and towels. The female was responding to CO Barboza’s questions but was incoherent. CO Barboza assisted EMS and fire, carrying her up the hill to the ambulance. The female had reportedly consumed a fifth of rum while taking prescription medication.

COs Cameron Wright, Tim Barboza, Ryan Jager, Angie Greenway, and Sgt. Ben Shively were patrolling Hardy Pond for the DamNation boating event in Newaygo County. During the patrol, COs Wright, Greenway, and Sgt. Shively were flagged down by a man who observed a male subject push a female in a boat. The COs drove by the boat but did not observe any disturbance. The alleged victim even gave a thumbs up to CO Wright indicating that she was okay. The COs motored around a raft of boats and continued observing the vessel. They then observed the male aggressively shove the female down in the boat. He then ran towards the stern of the vessel and shoved another female, jumped into the water and ran up the hill into the woods. The COs contacted the victims on the boat to identify the male. Sgt. Shively and CO Greenway stayed with the victims and began interviewing them and witnesses. It was found that the female was the wife of the suspect and had an injury to her mouth where she had been struck. COs Wright, Barboza, and Jager made their way to shore and began searching the woods for the suspect. They eventually located him walking down a two-track and placed him under arrest. The suspect gave CO Wright a false name and refused to identify himself. He was lodged in the Newaygo County Jail for domestic assault and obstruction.

DISTRICT 5

CO Kyle Cherry responded to South Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon County to assist rangers with a female subject in the campground who was experiencing a diabetic episode. The subject was located and monitored until safely turned over to EMS.

CO Kyle Cherry responded to a request for assistance from Grand Traverse County deputies after a male subject fled on foot into the woods upon seeing a patrol vehicle. CO Cherry located a man matching the description walking nearby. The subject was detained without incident and turned over to the deputies for further investigation.

COs Kyle Cherry, Matthew Zultak, Cheyanna Langworthy, Tyler Sabuda, Ben McAteer, Joshua Jobin, and Sgt. Brian Olsen presented a law enforcement demonstration at the Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Center for the Academy of Natural Resources. This year’s focus was on teaching educators techniques used by COs during classroom presentations. Teachers participated in exercises acting as conservation officers, including writing reports to obtain arrest warrants. They were encouraged to develop similar classroom scenarios to engage students in protecting natural resources.

While patrolling a busy boat launch after sunset in Roscommon County, CO Matthew Zultak observed a personal watercraft (PWC) attempting to pick up a passenger without navigation lights. He contacted the operator and explained the dangers of operating without lights after dark. A citation was issued, and transportation was arranged for the operator and passenger.

CO Matthew Zultak responded to a call for assistance from a nearby park involving a disorderly person. He assisted park rangers and local law enforcement in trespassing several individuals for drunk and disorderly conduct.

CO Jacob Hamilton submitted a report to the prosecutor regarding an angler harassment complaint on Manistee Lake in Kalkaska County. Two anglers reported being harassed by dock owners while fishing near the dock. One individual drove a four-wheeler up and down the shoreline to scare away the fish and the anglers. CO Hamilton contacted and interviewed the suspects, obtained confessions, and submitted a report for prosecution.

While patrolling Hartwick Pines State Forest Campgrounds, CO Jacob Hamilton responded to a complaint about a large group camping illegally near the Upper Manistee State Forest Campground. He located the group and addressed multiple violations. A citation was issued for failing to obtain a camp card, and a warning was given for cutting trees.

COs Josh Russell and Craig Neal were on patrol in Arenac County when they received a complaint through the Report All Poaching hotline regarding individuals dumping walleye carcasses on state land. They contacted the suspect, who admitted to dumping fish from that day and the previous day. A citation was issued for the violation.

While patrolling in Gladwin County, CO Josh Russell observed a side-by-side vehicle blocking an intersection with red, white, and blue lights. The operator and three others were contacted. None were wearing helmets or goggles, and one vehicle was unlicensed. They claimed a vehicle had broken down. Citations were issued for the violations.

CO Josh Russell and PCO Cody Simmons assisted the Beaverton Police Department with a Hunter Safety class. They discussed hunting laws, ethics, safety, and helped familiarize students with various firearms.

While preparing for patrol, CO Kyle Bader was contacted about a missing canoer on the Rifle River. The man had been dropped off three days earlier but never arrived at his take-out point. COs Bader and Alex Bourgeois launched kayaks and, despite heavy rain and lightning, found the man’s canoe within 45 minutes. His dog was found nearby, and the man was later located deceased. The MSP took over the investigation.

CO Casey Pullum and PCO Evan White conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that crossed the centerline. CO Pullum detected signs of intoxication and initiated SFSTs, which PCO White completed them. The driver, with a PBT result of .10, was arrested and lodged in the Oscoda County Jail.

CO Jeff Panich responded to a complaint about an abandoned vehicle near the Oscoda and Alcona County line. He was joined by CO Jesse Grzechowski and PCO Nico Luna. During an inventory search, they found bloody clothing and a rug, raising concerns of foul play. They moved to an area with cell service and contacted the MSP and Tawas City Police Department. With further investigation and CO assistance, the victim and two suspects were identified. The victim’s body was later found, and the suspects have been arraigned on multiple charges including murder.

DISTRICT 6

District 6 COs teamed up to work a group patrol targeting Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) violations. During the patrol, multiple traffic stops were made for boat trailers transporting weeds in violation of AIS regulations. Numerous citations were issued to address the violations.

CO Mike Haas and PCO Cody Simmons were conducting a late-night patrol in Midland County when they heard vehicles revving loudly through a state forest two-track. The COs located a Jeep and a truck as they were operating through a saturated trail and making large ruts in the road. Neither vehicle was registered or insured, and the vehicles were creating erosive conditions. Citations and warnings were issued to address the violations.

During a patrol through Midland County state forest, CO Mike Haas and PCO Cody Simmons witnessed a subject shore fishing on the opposite side of a secluded pond. When the subject saw the COs, he quickly picked up his gear and made his way from the pond. The COs had a good idea of where the subject had parked and made their way around the pond and met the subject at his truck. The angler admitted that he didn’t have a fishing license and was cited for the violation.

CO Dan Robinson and PCO Alex Arndt were patrolling the Stanton State Game Area (SGA) when they came across an illegal campsite on a narrow dead-end two-track. While the COs were checking the camp card, a person came out of his tent complaining of severe chest pain stating he had felt bad since the morning and didn’t have a phone to call for help or get in touch with his mother who had left. CO Robinson called for an ambulance per the man’s request and stayed with him while PCO Arndt took the patrol truck to meet the ambulance and bring the medics to the scene. The COs transported the medics and the patient back to the ambulance where he was then transported to the hospital for additional care.

CO Jacob Robinson was on patrol in Montcalm County checking local DNR boat launches when he arrived at Half Moon Lake and found a subject launching a jet ski with a watercraft registration from 2011. The subject also did not have a license plate, a recreation park pass, registration, or insurance on his truck parked at the DNR launch. A citation was issued along with numerous warnings.

CO Jacob Robinson was on patrol in Montcalm County checking local DNR boat launches when he noticed a truck pulling a boat on a trailer with weeds hanging from it. After conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, it was found that the trailer’s taillights were also inoperable. The CO did educate the subjects as to why AIS are a huge threat to the local lakes and environment. A citation was issued to the subject for failure to remove the weeds on the trailer and transporting them away from the lake of origin and a warning was given for the inoperable taillights.

DISTRICT 7

COs Jim Nason, Jason McCullough, and Captain David Malloch assisted the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and MSP with a suicidal male from Battle Creek in Fort Custer Recreation Area. The man suffered a self-inflicted single gunshot. The man unfortunately succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

DISTRICT 8

CO Mark Reffitt was patrolling Ionia County when he encountered two anglers leaving a popular area boat launch. After making contact and conducting a marine safety check, CO Reffitt asked how the fishing had gone that day. The anglers stated that they had kept two small panfish. When he checked their live well, CO Reffitt noticed that one of the two fish was an undersized largemouth bass. The CO asked the angler who caught the fish if he knew the size limit for largemouth bass, and he stated, “14 inches.”  CO Reffitt measured the fish, and it was just under eight inches long. He had also noticed that several clumps of weeds had not been removed from the boat as it was being transported, and the drain plug had not been pulled. The angler was issued a citation addressing the violations.

CO Nick Thornton was flagged down by an obviously frustrated individual claiming one of his neighbors up the road is illegally driving his minibike up and down the road. The individual further vented his frustration on CO Thornton as the bike had extremely loud exhaust and this occurs frequently throughout the week. CO Thornton eventually found the subject operating the minibike and noticed the individual was not wearing a helmet, had no ORV license, and no muffler. During contact with the operator, CO Thornton learned the individual was on probation and had a valid arrest warrant out of a neighboring state. CO Thornton was not able to arrest him on the warrant as the neighboring state indicated he was too far away to pick up, however, CO Thornton did cite the operator for failing to license the minibike.

CO James Rowley completed an investigation regarding illegal circumstances on a harvested 8-point buck. The case began in the southwest corner of Ingham County while CO Rowley conducted an inspection. Statistical irregularities were discovered showing a voided deer license on the deer antlers. Following an interview, it was determined the buck was shot in Clinton County, not immediately tagged, was transported across two counties without being tagged, and never harvest reported. The accused individual then mailed the tag for placement on the animal. Following that, the individual reported the tag as being lost and purchased a third buck tag. CO Rowley interviewed the accused, recorded their statement, and compiled a complaint/warrant request. The complaint/warrant request was reviewed and approved by the Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the misdemeanor charges listed above.

DISTRICT 9

CO Cody Bourgeois worked several park shifts. During one of the shifts at Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, CO Bourgeois was running radar near the beach. CO Bourgeois observed a vehicle traveling at 34 mph in a 10-mph zone. CO Bourgeois initiated a traffic stop and issued the driver a speeding citation.

DISTRICT 10

While patrolling Maybury State Park, CO Ariel Young was flagged down by the lead ranger indicating there was a medical emergency in the woods of the park. CO Young grabbed her first-aid equipment and ran out to the individual. It was unclear what exactly was happening with the individual, but CO Young monitored the individual until EMS arrived. CO Young then assisted in getting the individual out of the woods and into the ambulance where they were then transported to a local hospital.

CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Andrew Werth were working at Sterling State Park checking for anglers. The COs contacted an angler at the North Lagoon who had some luck with panfish. The angler has a YouTube Channel and was recording his fishing adventures. The COs asked to see the angler’s fishing license and the angler provided a picture of a 2024 fishing license. After completing a system check for a fishing license, it was noted the angler did not have a valid 2025 fishing license. The angler was cited for fishing without a license and the panfish were released back into the water.

CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Andrew Werth responded to an unresponsive individual on the beach at Sterling State Park. When the COs arrived, the individual was having diabetic issues and a seizure. The COs were able to keep the individual in a stable position until EMS arrived. The COs assisted EMS with medical care on the individual and helped secure the individual in the ambulance. The individual was then transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation.

CO Nicholas Ingersoll and PCO Andrew Werth conducted a traffic stop on a speeding motor vehicle. The COs utilized their radar unit to verify that the vehicle was traveling 85 in a 55-mph zone. The COs contacted the operator and saw that the operator had an open alcoholic beverage in the back seat. The operator was cited for speeding and for the open intoxicant in a motor vehicle.

CO Andrew Monnich and PCO Joel Hill were checking anglers on Lake Cambridge when they checked a group of anglers at the dam. While checking the anglers for their licenses for the year, they noticed a fish basket in the water which had several panfish in it and a short largemouth bass. One angler said the fish were his and one angler didn’t have a valid fishing license. Both anglers were cited.

CO Andrew Monnich and PCO Joel Hill were working a dedicated parks patrol at Hayes State Park when they observed a vehicle operating and failing to maintain their lane on the road. The vehicle was stopped, and it was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and lodged in the Lenawee County Jail.

While patrolling Sterling State Park, CO Brandon Vacek observed a PWC towing a tuber without an observer and navigating very close to people swimming in Lake Erie. The operator was contacted at the shoreline where the CO determined he did not possess a boater safety certificate. The subject was issued a citation for towing without an observer. A warning was issued for no boater safety and the PWC was sent to the launch for retrieval by the owner.

While CO Mike Haas and PCO Cody Simmons were contacting a group of anglers fishing at Belle Isle Park, one angler put down her fishing gear and walked away. The COs contacted the angler and asked to see her fishing license. She stated she wasn’t fishing. After a brief conversation, she then gave the COs a partly false name and incorrect birth date to prove she was 16 years old and didn’t require a fishing license. PCO Simmons pointed out that the birthdate provided would have made her 8 years old. The subject then stated she didn’t remember her birth date. With help from DNR dispatch, the COs were able to locate the subject’s information using various search methods. The 20-year-old was cited for fishing without a fishing license.

CO Mike Haas and PCO Cody Simmons were speaking with anglers at Belle Isle Park when they witnessed a subject climb onto a roadway bridge and jump off the railing into the water below. The COs contacted the subject as he climbed out of the water and advised him that jumping from public roadway bridges was illegal and they pointed out that he had jumped into the water approximately 10 yards from an angler that was attempting to fish. A citation was issued.

CO Jason Ruth was working on Belle Isle when he witnessed a vehicle driving the wrong way on a one-way. A traffic stop was made, and the driver was cited for operating the wrong way on a one-way.

While on a traffic stop on Belle Isle, Sgt. Seth Rhodea was contacted by a passing motorist who advised someone was on the bridge and they appeared to be getting ready to jump off the bridge. The information was relayed to the other officers on the island. MSP troopers were first on scene and were able to get the individual to safety.

COs Ariel Young, Dave Schaumburger, Lisa Taube, Sgt. Keven Luther, and Lieutenant (Lt.) Damon Owens participated in the 41st annual Metro Youth Day at Belle Isle. So many kids showed up to earn swag from local colleges and get access to fun games, free food, and networking opportunities. While the fun did not last long this year due to a thunderstorm, it was a day that was still exciting for the youth involved.

CO Ariel Young had been at Belle Isle for a meeting when she observed the two COs who were assigned to the island head toward the beach with lights and sirens. CO Young switched over the radio channel to figure out what was going on. She heard what sounded like a first-aid incident and headed to the location to lend a hand. Upon arrival, CO Young discovered that the incident was a suicide attempt. COs Cody Bourgeois and Paul Lyden had arrived just seconds ahead of CO Young and had already tried reasoning with the victim. It became obvious very quickly that things were not going well and that the victim would not comply with the CO’s command. After attempting to deter the victim from ending their life, the COs observed an open wound on the victim’s arm along with a sharp object. Due to non-compliance, the COs were forced to use a TASER to gain control of the subject and prevent them from doing further harm. The individual was then disarmed, and a tourniquet was applied to stop the bleeding. The individual was transported to the hospital and was petitioned for a mental health evaluation so that they could receive the care they needed.

During a Belle Isle specific patrol to target excessive traffic speed around the island, CO Ariel Young observed a vehicle drive past her travelling in the wrong direction. CO Young initiated a traffic stop and discovered the driver of the vehicle was driving on a permit that required a licensed adult to be in the vehicle. The driver stated that they had just dropped off their spouse and got a little turned around. The driver was also unable to produce registration or insurance when asked. CO Young cited the driver for operating the wrong way on the one-way road and addressed the other violations with a verbal warning.

COs Dave Schaumburger, Ariel Young and Sgts. Shane Webster and Keven Luther worked a saturation patrol at Belle Isle. Initially, the patrol was to target speeding vehicles, but due to the number of visitors at the park, the COs determined that they should target the other major problem at the park: possessing alcohol without a permit. The COs patrolled some harder to reach areas and the beach, writing several alcohol citations and citing one subject for an expired marine registration.

CO Dave Schaumburger stopped a vehicle with an expired license plate on Belle Isle. Upon making contact, the driver stated that somebody had stolen the catalytic converter off the car, and he recently got a ticket for his expired plate. He just had court on the last ticket, and he knows he wants to sell the car, so he has decided to not register the vehicle yet. Unfortunately for him, attempting to sell a vehicle is not an excuse for not registering your vehicle. The driver was issued a citation for his expired plate.

GREAT LAKES ENFORCEMENT UNIT (GLEU)

Corporal (Cpl.) Todd Sumbera assisted District 2 & 3 COs with patrols for yacht races on Mackinac Island. The activity was much slower than past yacht races. Citizens on the island were very pleased with the law enforcement presence.

Cpl. Todd Sumbera followed up with three net entanglements, two of which were in the same net located in St. Martin Bay. Most gear was retrieved from the fisher’s net and returned to the anglers. The third entanglement was located near Nine Mile Point on the south side of Little Traverse Bay. All three net entanglements occurred in nets that were legally and properly marked, with anglers trolling into the nets without first locating both staffs marking the ends of the gill nets.

Cpls. Mike Hammill and Cole VanOosten observed a fisherman on a public fishing dock with 6 lines. Upon contact, it was determined that the young angler was 15 years old. The angler asked Cpl. VanOosten if he’d like to see his fishing license as he handed him a senior citizen license. Cpl. VanOosten informed the young angler that this wasn’t his license as it was a senior citizen license and that he didn’t need a fishing license until he was 17 years old, to which the young man was very relieved, stating that the fishing license he had given the officer was his grandfather’s. When asked what he had caught so far, the fisherman stated, “Just legal ones,” as he led Cpl. VanOosten to a bucket containing two undersized smallmouth bass and an undersized walleye. Cpl. VanOosten educated the young angler on the importance of knowing and following the regulations. One smallmouth bass was released alive while the other bass and walleye, which were already dead, were seized and donated to a local family. Cpl. VanOosten made the angler reel up three of his poles, leaving him with the allowed three fishing lines. The young angler received verbal warnings for the observed violations.

Cpls. Troy Van Gelderen and Pat Hartsig taught a fish identification and enforcement class to the students of the Conservation Officer Youth Academy at the Ralph A. McMullen Center.

Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen conducted a Lake Michigan on-water patrol working security and water safety for the Fresh Coast Games Crossfit competition outside of the Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon.

Cpl. Troy Van Gelderen taught a boater safety class at the Pentwater Yacht Club which certified 16 students.

Cpl. Pat Hartsig coordinated the LED side of a border detail related to crossings for the Detroit Oddities and Curiosities Expo. Officers worked in conjunction with federal partners at the ports of entry at the Blue Water Bridge, Ambassador Bridge, and Windsor tunnel to check for prohibited species and other contraband.  Many contacts were made during the patrol, along with vehicle searches and interviews. Also taking part were Cpls. Nick Atkin and Troy Van Gelderen, along with several District 9 COs. Federal agencies represented included CBP, NOAA, and USFWS. 
Cpl. Justin Vanderlinde completed and submitted a report that is the culmination of a lengthy investigation into a business selling cut bait in violation of labeling and possibly testing requirements.

Cpl. Tom Peterson spoke with Upward Bound, a program that helps lower income youth start preparing for college and help decide on a career choice. Cpl. Peterson discussed the process of becoming a Conservation Officer, what we do, and what the Great Lakes Enforcement Unit does. 

Cpl. Mike Hammill was contacted by the Escanaba harbormaster, who advised that several boats were slipped in areas that were unregistered and not paid for. Cpl. Hammill responded to the marina and was able to contact the owners of the vessels. Within the hour the owners had responded to the marina and contacted the harbormaster.