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Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports Date of Production: December 2016/January 2017 This documentation is provided by Michigan DNR staff as supplemental information to the Eastern UPCAC members via email on January 13, 2017.

Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator: Stacy Haughey DNR Public Meetings January 13 DNR Recreation Grant Workshop, Little Bear Arena-St. Ignace,

9:00am January 18 Western UP Citizen’s Advisory Council, Baraga, 5:30pm January 19 Eastern UP Citizen’s Advisory Council, Newberry, 6:30pm January 19 UP Sportsmen Coalition, Bruce Township Hall-Dafter, 1:30pm January 25 Aquatic Resources Meeting, Chocolay Township Hall-Marquette,

10:00am January 26 UP Sportsmen Coalition, DNR Great Lakes Sportsmen’s Club-

Escanaba, 6:00pm U.P. State Park & State Sponsored Activities January 21 Van Riper State Park – Lantern-Lit Snowshoe Hike February 4 Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Upper Falls Guided Snowshoe Hike/Lantern-lit Ski & Stroll February 11 Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Upper Falls Guided Snowshoe Hike/Lantern-lit Ski & Stroll February 18 Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Upper Falls Guided Snowshoe Hike/Lantern-lit Ski & Stroll February 18 Van Riper State Park – Lantern-lit Snowshoe Hike February 25 Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Upper Falls Guided Snowshoe Hike/Lantern-lit Ski & Stroll Upcoming U.P. Recreation Events For a host of winter events around the UP, go to www.uptravel.com. Here are just a few… January 27 Suicide Hill Ski Tournament, Ishpeming, www.ishskiclub.com January 27-28 IronLine Sled Dog Race/Fatbike Race, Iron River, www.theironline.com January 28-29 Noquemanon Ski Marathon, Marquette, www.noquemanon.com February 16-19 UP 200, Marquette/Grand Marais, www.up200.org Recent DNR Press Releases For full details, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/dnrpressroom Camping reservations to resume for FJ McLain State Park 1/12/17) Snowmobile bridge reopens in Dickinson County (1/11/17) Master plan finalized for FJ McLain State Park in Houghton County (1/9/17) Camping rates adjusted in wake of erosion at FJ McLain State Park (1/5/17) Michigan residents asked to check trees for hemlock woolly adelgid (1/5/17) Experience #MiFreeFishingWeekend Feb 18-19 statewide (1/4/17) Showcasing the DNR: Small Trust Fund projects can have big impacts (12/29/16) Snowmobilers cautioned on trail usage (12/27/16) Showcasing the DNR: Treatments in UP mines aimed at protecting bats from deadly disease (12/22/16)

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DNR to hold Blueberry Ridge Pathway trail grooming open house Dec. 29 (12/22/16) Snowmobile Trail #14 in Marquette Township to reopen (12/21/16) $2.2 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants support park improvements (12/20/16) 36 communities to share $1.4 million in Recreation Passport grants (12/20/16) The bald eagle: December’s Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial featured bird (12/20/16) Snowmobile bridge and trail closed in Gogebic County (12/15/16) DNR snowmobiling trail updates, other need-to-know information (12/13/16) 2017 Winter Free Fishing Weekend: February 18 & 19 (12/12/16)

Grant Contacts For other grant information, to go: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-58225---,00.html

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, carlockm@michigan.gov Recreation Passport Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, carlockm@michigan.gov Aquatic Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, parkerk4@michigan.gov Michigan Invasive Species Grant Kammy Frayre, 517-284-5970, frayrek1@michigan.gov Wildlife Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, parkerk4@michigan.gov U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Grant Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247, scullonh@michigan.gov The Natural Resources Commission met in Lansing on January 12, 2017. Major actions taken:

• Director Keith Creagh approved an order to designate the Dr. Gordon Guyer Augusta Creek State Wildlife Area in Kalamazoo County. Dr. Guyer, who died last year, was a past director of the DNR and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and past president of Michigan State University. He was involved in the creation of Augusta Creek State Wildlife Area, and was himself raised in Augusta.

• The director approved an order to limit access to portions of Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve in Jackson County, Michigan’s newest state park. The order will reduce disturbance to resting and feeding waterfowl during spring and fall migration seasons.

• The director approved five land transactions. Details of those transactions can be found in the NRC agenda.

The Marketing, Partnership, Youth & Outreach Advisory Committee met first this morning. Marketing and Outreach Chief Kristin Phillips updated the committee on the Marketing and Outreach Division's strategic planning process. Still under development, the plan is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. Kristin and Dennis Fox of Marketing and Outreach attended a joint meeting of western and midwestern states on recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of hunters and fishers. This week, Kristin attended the annual meeting of tourism industry representatives who are implementing the Pure Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan. Julie Ellsworth of Marketing and Outreach gave an overview of the ongoing redesign of the DNR's website. The department has hired an outside consulting firm to help with this process. A key principle of the redesign is to make sure the site is organized in a way that makes sense to and serves the needs of the public rather than reflecting department structure. The redesign will rely in part on analytics that show how people use our site. The hope is to reduce the number of navigation categories, which will make the site more mobile-friendly, and eliminate unnecessary or outdated content.

January 2017 NRC Meeting Summary – Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

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2017 U.P. NRC Meeting June 8, 2017 Michigan Tech

University Houghton, MI

Kristin gave an overview of how the department uses video for a variety of purposes -- everything from explaining complex issues such as salmon stocking, to promoting particular programs or locations, teaching people to enjoy the resource, conveying fascinating facts about animals, showing our employees in action and many other purposes. Online videos now account for 50 percent of mobile traffic, Kristin said, and including a video in emails leads to a 200 percent to 300 percent increase in click-through rates. The department plans to continue to expand its video presence. Dennis Fox told the committee about the Glassen Education building at the Rose Lake Shooting Range. The building is open for business and is being used for a variety of meetings. Kevin Frailey gave an update on DNR education programs. Last year nearly 400,000 people stopped at one of our ten visitor centers across the state. More than 100,000 people participated in a program, half of which were school children. Two of the most popular programs are Arrows Away, which teaches people about archery, and Hook, Line and Sinker, where people learn to fish. These programs allow us to deliver important department messages to people, including priorities such as invasive species. MOD staff also educate and entertains campers, get into classrooms and do professional development for teachers around natural resources. The Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries met next. Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter told the committee about a proposed seasonal sturgeon weir on the Manistee River being proposed by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The floating weir, to assess the sturgeon population, is of a type not previously used in Michigan and has raised concern among some conservation organizations, especially in regards to boat passage. The DNR will continue to work with the tribe to address our concerns. Wildlife Chief Russ Mason shared statistics on the Pure Michigan Hunt. Nearly 52,000 license applications were sold this year, a 47 percent increase over last year. Winners will be announced at next month’s NRC meeting. The predator-prey study being conducted in the Upper Peninsula is in its third phase, which focuses on heavy snowfall areas. The Crystal Waters property in northwest Monroe County -- a recent Trust Fund board acquisition recommendation -- will provide new opportunities for hunting and fishing in southeast Michigan, Russ said. Recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Advisory Group on State Game Areas will inform management of the land. Funding for the acquisition still needs approval from the Legislature. This week in Montana a mallard was found with highly pathogenic avian influenza, Russ said. The disease could potentially migrate to Michigan, with implications for wildlife and domestic poultry. The department is continuing to monitor wildlife populations. Chad Stewart of the Wildlife Division told the committee about the 2016 Late Elk Season, which ran from Dec. 10-18. State hunters harvested 92 elk -- 29 antlered and 63 antlerless. Tribal hunters harvested 11 elk -- three antlered and 8 antlerless. Russ informed the committee of an additional $1 million approved by the Legislature for management of chronic wasting disease. The money will be used for disease testing, study of deer movement, sharpshooting of deer, and check stations and communications. Brent Rudolph of Wildlife provided an update on ongoing deer hunter retention research. The research looks at young adult males who are consistent hunters, young adult males who are intermittent hunters, and female hunters. Nearly 26,000 people have responded to the survey, which closes Feb. 10. The survey asks respondents about their hunting and license purchase history, when they prefer opening day to be, interest in multi-year licenses and discounts, approval of antler point restrictions and what they think about the complexity of hunting regulations. During the Director's Report in the Committee of the Whole, Parks Chief Ron Olson said that camping numbers are up 23 percent this year over last year. Snowmobile permits are up 60 percent this year over last. Oak wilt disease has been

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discovered on Belle Isle. The department has an extensive strategy to manage and stop the spread of the disease. Parks is working on a strategic plan for Belle Isle Park as a whole. The Waterways Commission has provided funding for dredging of Leland Harbor. Law Enforcement Chief Gary Hagler recognized four COs for saving lives.

• Officer Richard Cardenas, who is assigned to Barry County, responded to a call of a suicidal man who jumped off the MacArthur Bridge at Belle Isle in Detroit. CO Cardenas saved the man by throwing him a rescue disc and holding him above the water until more help could arrive.

• Conservation Officer Greg Patten of Muskegon County rescued a man who had fallen through the ice on Black

Lake, also using a rescue disc.

• Conservation Officer Isaac Tyson of Branch County helped revive through CPR a man who had been found unconscious in the water.

• Conservation Officer Ken Kovach of St. Clair County responded to the report of a man who had sustained an

accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in the bicep. CO Kovach was able to apply a tourniquet to the man's arm, stabilizing him until additional help arrived.

Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter gave an update on efforts to return Arctic Grayling to Michigan. The department is partnering with 32 different organizations in the effort, including the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Jim told the commission about this year's Invasive Species Grant Program. The three Quality of Life departments announced today that over $3.5 million will be awarded for the detection, management and eradication of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. Steve Shine of the Wildlife Division reported on a new program to provide wetland mitigation banking on state-managed public land. The unique partnership will improve the environment by expanding high-quality wetlands, also improving habitat for wildlife. This will have the added benefit of helping local governments meet environmental regulations as they make necessary improvements to infrastructure, and it will help farmers in complying with the federal farm bill. Kerry Fitzpatrick of Forestry talked about a long-term project to document the changes in state forest lands. Since the mid-1920s at 49 locations around the state the department has taken periodic pictures of forests to show how those forests change. The photographic series tells stories of forest management, wildlife management and recreational uses on this land. The pictures are preserved in the state archives and available to the public. The project will continue and may expand. Chad Stewart of Wildlife informed the commission about the recent decision by the department to issue a permit for sterilization of deer in the City of Ann Arbor. The permit has raised some concern in the conservation community. Because of this concern, I wanted to point you to a statement placed on the DNR's Facebook page that explains the department's reasons for this management action and other important facts. The statement is copied in full below.

There have been some questions about sterilization of deer in Ann Arbor and we would like to pass along some information that might offer some clarity.

The vendor hired by the City of Ann Arbor has received a scientific collector’s permit from the Michigan DNR to remove 100 deer and surgically sterilize up to 80 female deer within the city of Ann Arbor. This research project provides an avenue to better understand a multi-faceted approach to resolving deer conflicts within urban communities, both immediately and long-term. The removal of deer via sharpshooting techniques is a safe and effective way to reduce a local deer population quickly. This technique is used in communities all across the country, and the chosen vendor has demonstrated a high level of skill and proficiency in removing deer from similar communities across the country.

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Sterilization of deer is not a procedure that is favored by the DNR in managing deer. However, some communities experience deer conflicts in areas where hunting or sharpshooting are not options to safely remove deer, and are therefore faced with considering only nontraditional solutions to resolve these conflicts. Surgical sterilization using tubal ligation was not proven effective in a previous study on Cornell University, primarily because female deer continue to have multiple estrous cycles throughout the winter, attracting nearby male deer into the city. The procedure being conducted in this research is an ovariectomy, which surgically removes the ovaries from female deer, rendering them permanently infertile. This procedure prevents females from entering into an estrous cycle. The efficacy and feasibility of using this procedure to achieve population-level management effects is largely unknown in the scientific literature, and this study should help evaluate the utility of this technique in conjunction with sharpshooting to help address urban deer management issues. Sterilized deer will be female deer, who in urban settings tend to stay within a very small area, not venturing beyond their known home range. If a sterilized deer (which will all be ear-tagged) should be harvested next year by a hunter, the actions from the sterilization procedure should not have any impact on the venison quality.

The DNR did not solicit this research, and no funding is being provided by the DNR to the vendor or the City of Ann Arbor to support this project. The DNR maintains that hunting is an effective and cost-efficient way to manage deer, even in urban areas. However, our agency must be flexible in considering other tools in communities where hunting is prohibited or largely restricted, and where local units of government have requested consideration of alternatives after engaging their citizens in efforts to explore deer management options, which is the case in Ann Arbor.

The vendor conducting the operations is required to observe the 150 yard safety zone distance when removing deer. Shooting will only be conducted on selected city park lands and, if written permission is obtained from landowners, on adjacent private lands. Capture operations for deer to be surgically sterilized will be conducted in other neighborhoods where sharpshooting is not occurring. Additional details on how this process is developing can be found by visiting the City of Ann Arbor website (www.a2gov.org), visiting their Department of Community Services, and locating the information relevant to deer management in 2017.

Legislative Liaison Trevor VanDyke told the commission about important legislation affecting the department. A law was recently approved restoring the NRC’s authority to designate game species. The law essentially re-enacts the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which was struck down by a state Court of Appeals decision in November. Another law has been passed that requires the NRC to determine by October 2017 whether additional colors – including hunter pink – are effective and safe for people to wear while hunting. Also, the five-year sunset that had applied to the hunting and fishing license fees which took effect in 2014 was removed by the Legislature in the most recent session, Trevor said. A new commissioner joined the NRC today. Christopher Tracy of Kalamazoo County was appointed to the commission last month. He replaces Tim Nichols. PA 340 of 2016 (SB 800) – Appropriations – Sen. Hildenbrand: This Act provides supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2016-17 which include the following: $1 million General Fund to wildlife management for Chronic Wasting Disease; $1 million General Fund to Mackinac Island for fort and island facilities; and $500,000 for wetland mitigation banking. This Act was given immediate effect. PA 351 of 2016 (HB 5128) – Retired State Employees and Wildfire Suppression – Rep. Rendon: This Act amends Section 68c of the State Employees’ Retirement Act to allow a retired state employee to contract with the Department of Natural Resources for wildfire suppression without loss of their retirement allowance. This Act was given immediate effect. PA 356 of 2016 (HB 5702) – Provide for issuance of permits to prevent or control damage, disease, or nuisance caused by animals – Rep. Bumstead: This Act amends Section 40114 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to authorize the issuance of permits for the taking of animals to control disease. In addition, this Act establishes that the taking of animals pursuant to permits issued under this section is not considered hunting.

January 2017 Legislative Update - Trevor VanDyke , Director, Legislative & Legal Affairs Office

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PA 377 of 2016 (HB 5484) – Allow Hunter Pink as a Hunting Apparel Color– Rep. Lyons: This Act amends Section 40116 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) to determine by October 1, 2017, whether any additional colors, including hunter pink, are effective and safe for individuals to wear while hunting. Based on the determination made by the NRC, they shall then issue an order authorizing any additional safety garment colors may be worn while hunting. This Act was given immediate effect. PA 382 of 2016 (SB 1187) – Provide for the Natural Resources Commission Authority to Designate Species as Game – Sen. Casperson: This Act amends sections 40103, 40110, 40113a, and 48703a of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to reinstate the content of PA 281 of 2014, which enacted the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. PA 281was struck down by a November 22, 2016 Court of Appeals decision. This Act was given immediate effect. PA 461, 462, and 463 of 2016 (SB 1073-1075) – Display Certain Licenses with an Electronic Device – Sen. Meekhof, Sen. Zorn, Sen. Schmidt: These Acts amend sections 43516, 43523a, 43525b, 43532, 43533, and 43536, add sections 43525b and 43526b, and repeal acts and parts of acts of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow an individual who has been issued a hunting, fur harvester’s, waterfowl or fishing license, to display the license electronically. In addition, the Acts require the Department to develop an electronic license for non-kill tag species licenses not later than March 1, 2018. The Acts also allow for the Department to work on the potential for hunters to use the application to show proof of their kill tag. In addition, each Act contains a provision that requires the Department to continue to expand the use of mobile electronic technology to begin to adopt other services that will further enhance hunting and fishing experiences for individuals in this state. PA 469 and 470 of 2016 (SB 521-522) – Michigan Historical Commission – Sen. Horn, Sen. O’Brien: These Acts codify existing laws and Executive Orders to create the Michigan Historical Act and the Michigan Historical Center Act. PA 477 of 2016 (SB 1093) – Extend Period for Development of Aquatic Permitted Species List – Sen. Kowall: This Act amends section 41302a of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to extend the period of time for the Department to create a permitted aquatic species list for commercial trade and aquaculture purposes. If you would like to learn more about these and other bills, you can access the Michigan Legislature website at www.legislature.mi.gov. The WUPCAC is meeting on Wednesday, January 18th in Baraga. Agenda items include updates on the UP Wildlife Habitat Workgroup and CWD/UP CWD Task Force. New council members, a western UP trails update and a western UP deer season recap/2017 sportsman coalition meetings round out the agenda. Committee reports and two proposed resolutions are also planned. The next meeting will be the Joint UPCAC Meeting on March 14 in Marquette. Finance & Operations: Christina Hammill, Eastern UP Dates to Remember 12/15 – Fisher & Marten trapping season closes 12/16 – Goose season (2nd segment) closes in North Zone 12/20 – Fisher & Marten registration deadline 1/1 – Bobcat hunting opens 1/1 – Archery deer season closes 1/1 – Ruffed grouse season closes 1/1 – Application period for Spring Turkey licenses begins

Western UPCAC Update

Division Updates

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1/6 – Last day for deer check/patch issuance 2/1 – Application period for Spring Turkey licenses ends 2/1 – Bobcat trapping season closes (Unit A & B) 2/11 – Bobcat (trapping season) registration deadline (Unit A & B) 2/18 & 2/19 – Free Fishing Weekend EUP Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor Deer The Camp Survey is a cooperative effort between the DNR and numerous UP hunters for the 16 day regular firearm

season. Survey materials were sent out to over 650 camp contacts before the firearm season. Forms were completed and returned by cooperating hunters. DNR staff are currently analyzing the data and will produce a report of results in mid-winter that will be sent to participating camp contacts. Results range from sighting rates to hunter success rates and hunter opinions. This information helps us better understand the size, trend, and composition of the deer herd and the issues that are important to hunters concerning deer management. Several UP sportsmen’s groups have generously offered prizes for a drawing to support the survey.

Staff have begun the process of measuring snow depths throughout the UP in an effort to provide an index of the

winter conditions and anticipated effects particularly to deer. Fifteen snow stations are checked weekly through early May and measurements are taken in a standardized fashion to ensure consistency between years. As of the week of January 2nd, the UP average total accumulated snow index is tracking just below the 2005-16 average.

Staff will be conducting an opportunistic winter track survey concentrating in and around Deer Wintering Complexes

to indicate deer presence or absence in areas of the UP in an effort to continually monitor use of wintering areas. CWD The DNR has tested over 11,000 deer since the first free-ranging CWD-positive deer was found in May 2015; thus

far, nine cases of CWD have been confirmed. The CWD positive deer include 3 hunter harvested deer, 1 targeted deer and 5 deer culled by Wildlife Services. The Core CWD Area includes 17 townships in Ingham, Clinton, Shiawassee, and Eaton Counties. Hunters harvesting deer in these townships are required to submit deer heads for testing within 72 hours of harvest.

Anyone interested in learning more about how Michigan is managing CWD can view the biweekly CWD updates the

DNR provides online at www.mi.gov/cwd. Announcements of additional CWD-positive deer will be posted online as well.

Moose Throughout January, staff are conducting an aerial survey to estimate moose abundance in the western UP.

Monitoring moose abundance is important for assessment of the population’s status. In addition, any consideration for a hunting season requires reliable abundance estimates collected over multiple years.

The DNR’s current strategy is to estimate moose abundance every other year using a fixed-wing aircraft survey in conjunction with a sightability model to correct the counts for animals that survey observers miss.

The last population estimate was 323 animals in 2015. The 2017 estimate will be available later this year. Outreach Staff at the Sault Saint Marie office talked to two 6th grade classes (about 40 students total) learning about

ecosystems and wildlife species roles and populations.

Newberry staff are preparing to participate in the local 4H Winter Break for Knowledge program by offering a class on furs, skulls and tracks and a class on wildlife plantings and habitat.

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Forest Resources Division: Jeff Stampfly, Eastern UP Supervisor The 2018 Year of Entry (YOE) inventory has been completed, and the 2019 YOE inventory is underway. All three EUP

FMU’s had their final 2018 compartment review meetings in October, and final changes have been made to the data. Open house and compartment review schedules are posted online, along with other state forest inventory information at: www.michigan.gov/forestry.

As of December 2nd, 244 timber sale contracts are open in the EUP. This represents 469,736 cords of timber on 32,505 acres, and is valued at approximately $24.2 million.

Foresters have started working on the 2017 timber sale plan of work. The draft EUP timber plan of work calls for preparing 12,000 to 13,000 acres of timber in the 2017 FY.

In the EUP, approximately 10 sales were sold in October and November, one of which had previously gone no-bid. All sales sold, but prices were mainly at or just above minimum bid.

Logging activity in the EUP is currently average to low, with approximately 20-30 active sales. Loggers are concerned

about the poor markets with lower quotas at the mills. Unusually warm fall with a lot of rain has had producers in the “summer wood” areas longer than normal. They are now prepping roads and getting ready for “winter” sale work.

The first Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) timber sale in the EUP (on the Hiawatha National Forest) is scheduled for

bid opening this month. Statewide, three of the eleven GNA sales have sold so far, and harvesting has started in one.

Newberry had an internal certification audit in November. There were a few minor opportunities for improvement noted, but no major deficiencies.

Current vacancies in the EUP include fire supervisors in both the Sault and Shingleton units, and a fire officer at Seney. The Shingleton vacancy is a result of Scott Lakosky being promoted to the Incident Coordination Center in Marquette.

A one-week forestry training was held in October for our new employees.

Newberry and Sault staff helped the USFS with a fire near Brimley in mid-November that burned 12 acres in

hardwood leaf litter. A second fire in November was 26 acres on state forest land behind the Stalwart Fairgrounds. Nine EUP staff have traveled south to help with the fires in Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee.

Recent road and bridge projects include: bridge and culvert work near Detour, culvert replacement on the Charcoal

Grade, and grading of Batty Doe Lake and Cranberry roads. Snowmobile trail improvement was done within the Sault city limits, to allow access between the snowmobile trail and Seymour Street.

The MSU hardwood research project in the UP is underway, with areas being marked according to the research

guidance. Once the research staff are finished with timber marking, FRD staff will complete timber sales in these areas.

The division is continuing to monitor stands that are at high risk for loss due to the current outbreak of Spruce Budworm. Aerial Detection flights are being used to detect the hardest hit areas. These areas will be reviewed in the context of the whole resource, salvage sales maybe set up to utilize the trees before mortality occurs. For more information on this and other forest pests go to www.michigan.gov/foresthealth.

The Commercial Forest 2016 listing application inspections and hearing reports have been completed. CFM

Foresters are working on a project in cooperation with the USFS, NRCS, Conservation Districts, Forest Industry, Sportsmen’s Clubs and Private Landowners, to establish an ongoing series of newsletters and training sessions for

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private landowner, professional foresters and biologists regarding wildlife habitat enhancement through carefully designed silvicultural practices.

In an effort to market how forest management benefits the public, we are making an ongoing investment to market

our sustainable forestry practices. This effort will promote a broader conversation about the importance of sustainable forestry to the state’s economic viability, recreational opportunities and natural resources. This proposal also focuses on the benefits of public land. In order to gauge the current perception of forestry, we’re working with a marketing firm that’s based out of Lansing to help with research, message development and media placement. Not only will this campaign help us to better understand where we stand in terms of public perception, it is also helping us meet some of our strategic planning goals. We wanted a better way to tell people what we do and why, and this is it!

In another outreach effort, FRD made a small investment to be a part of a multi-state initiative called the North

American Forest Partnership, or the NAFP. The idea behind NAFP is to bring together natural resource agencies, nonprofit organizations and private industry to increase public awareness and understanding of forestry. NAFP is looking to build a presence on social media, and they’ve started with Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, please consider joining the group at www.facebook.com/groups/nafpcommunity and get involved in the conversation.

Eastern UP Fisheries Division Field Units (Cory Kovacs, Acting Lake Superior Management Unit Manager) Newberry field staff is completing fall maintenance work on equipment. The crew is prepping scales and spines for

aging during the winter months. Field staff has treated all rearing ponds in preparation for Walleye rearing next spring. Fisheries technicians completed their renewal testing for commercial pesticide applicators license. Additional

training for field staff included an invasive aquatic vegetation workshop and electrofishing workshop. Fisheries technicians stocked Muskellunge in North Manistique Lake (Luce) and Black Crappie in Roxbury Pond East

(Chippewa). Roxbury Pond East is a recent project by Fisheries Division to create a warm water fishery with good shoreline access.

Staff attended Fisheries Division Biologist Conference to discuss statewide issues such as regulations and habitat projects. Lake Superior Basin Biologists brought forth multiple topics for discussion including Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, Round Whitefish, and minnows.

In November, fisheries staff participated in the Forest Certification internal audit providing input on best management practices in riparian management zones and Natural River Plan.

The steelhead run on the Two Hearted River has been very good this fall following a subpar salmon run. Staff are preparing work plans for 2017 to conduct fisheries surveys in area lakes. Waters of note for 2017 are

Milakokia Lake (Mackinac) and Au Train Lake (Alger). Marquette & Thompson State Fish Hatcheries (Jan VanAmberg) Marquette State Fish Hatchery Splake, lake and brook trout spawning operations have been completed (approx. 1.3 million eggs) Second year using the new method or water hardening eggs in iodophore solution for all species 300,000 USFWS lake trout- Seneca Lake eggs will arrive on Wednesday. Brook trout fall fingerings and surplus brood stock have been stocked out (met all allocations) Technician crews are currently picking dead eggs from the splake and lake trout egg lots; egg eye-up looks much

better this year Winter prep is complete. Purchased a 12’ snow- pusher for this season to be mounted on FRD’s loader. Will share with FRD- Marquette Incoming road main culvert failure has been assessed and deemed safe to use until fix can be done in spring.

Working with DNR (Michelle Crook) engineers and MDOT is taking the lead. Incubation building was insulated and new entry and overhead doors replaced this past summer. This is an energy

conservation initiative.

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Working with Chris Klage to convert all our old indoor electronic feeders to pneumatic. Falling behind on day to day maintenance issues due to trade’s helper vacancy. Newly renovated Intermediate planting unit had its first runs this fall. Several issues found as would be expected.

Hoping to have all resolved before spring stocking. Regraded ramp and lowered the tower on the truck disinfection station. Fully functional for spring. Did LOX tank fill training with all staff. Training done by Troy McDaniel from Thompson. Found some issues that

needed attention. Additional parts are on order. Annual generator service done by outside contractor this year. Thompson State Fish Hatchery All steelhead are outside and growing well. Spring target sizes and lengths are on track to be met. 500,000 green Chinook eggs obtained from Strawberry Creek wier Wisconsin. Chinook eggs were distributed to 17 salmon in the classroom teachers. Monitoring oxygen flow meters has shown substantial fluctuations in the 2-25 lpm models due to changing outside

temperatures. Installing flow meter control valves has corrected this issue. A note to the other hatcheries was sent for them to learn about this.

Prepping and repainting of all 42 inside tank inlet pipes has begun. Questionable incoming electrical power triggered a few equipment failures. Issue is supposedly fixed. Tree removal from pager tower and propane tank area is complete other than some debris clean up. The higher volume oxygen valves installed on aeration cans have proven to not hold pressure with temp swings. An

additional block has been added and appears to solve this issue. This is a good find for us with our history of LOX usage the past 3 years. More monitoring is being done.

Still waiting on the reallocation of our Trades Helper to Maintenance Mechanic. It is our understanding that it is being held up in Civil Service.

Finished drive asphalt and concrete repair from LOX line project. Four stall building failure and collapse. Demoed the remainder of standing structure and hauled to landfill. Annual generator service done by outside contractor this year. Parks & Recreation Division: Eric Cowing, Eastern Supervisor Fayette Historic State Park

- Portion of headquarters of roof re-shingled - New toilet shower building, sanitation station, and

on-site sewage disposal project: The sanitation station and gravity sewer are 100% complete. The on-site sewage disposal system is 100% complete, the sanitation station is 100% complete, and the toilet shower building is 95% complete. Overall, the project is approximately 99% complete. The project is one month behind schedule and is under budget at this time. The project budget is $1,130,000.00.

- New floating dock with water, electric, and finger piers: The project is 99% complete. The contractor is working to resolve issues related to the Electrical Monitoring System. The new dock is accepting reservations for the 2017 use season.

- Nahma Boating Access Site - Ramp replacement: The EUP has been allocated $200,000 in funding to design and construction services for a concrete launch ramp replacement. Professional services are requested for designing a cofferdam to remove and replace the ramp in the dry and to design a sub-base for supporting the new ramp given existing soil conditions.

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- Fall Fest Held October 1st : Camps: Friday-61, Saturday-60, down one camp from 2015 & up 8 camps from 2014; Day Use: 560 people in, up 175 people from 2015 & up 304 people from 2014!

- Camps (October & November): 2016-313; 2015-307; 2014-203

- Construction projects are nearing and/or complete – all staff and visitors will then be “happy campers!”

Indian Lake/Palms Book

- Wagner Falls State Park - ADA parking lot improvements: MDOT & DEQ permits has been approved. Construction is 75% complete. The parking lot was raised to improve safety by reducing entry and exit grades. The parking lot was expanded to allow for 8 vehicular parking spaces with one ADA Accessible space. Additional improvements include a new site sign, kiosk, parking signs, parking bumpers, and improved site drainage.

- Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park - Structural renovations of the stairway and observation platforms: The DNR will be requesting proposals from consulting firms to design the improvements. The project has received design and construction funding from a 2015 Michigan Natural Resources Trust fund grant.

- Camping and day use numbers for August/September, camping +7%, day use +8%, shelters 3 rentals compared to 0 last year, State Campgrounds +42%, mini cabins +17%, Palms Book +32%

Brimley State Park/Detour Harbor/Lime Island

- Unit Supervisor has been working with District planner, DTMB and NDG to remedy a failed portion of shoreline stabilization at Conely Point BAS.

- Detour Harbor will receive capital outlay dollars for evaluation and planning for replacement of the diesel storage tank. The pre-plan meeting was on Nov 21st.

- Lime Island R.A will receive capital outlay dollars for a study to look at the failing boat docking area. Meetings will start in spring 2017.

- Brimley is currently in the process of replacing a failed 3” water valve in the park. - Brimley was up 30 camps in October compared to October 2015. - Brimley’s second weekend of Harvest activities (Sept. 30th & Oct. 1st) had 234 camps for the weekend, compared

to 178 in 2015. - Brimley staff has been doing trail maintenance at Algonquin/Pine Bowl pathways…getting ready for cross-

country ski season. Hazardous tree removal, brushing and replacing non-operating lights with new LED fixtures at Algonquin has been the main focus of work.

- Brimley S.P campground closed for the season on November 13th. - Lime Island R.A cabins closed for the season after Labor Day. - Detour State Harbor closed for the season October 1st. - Unit supervisor continues to attend Superior Township Parks and Recreation Committee and Bay Mills Spirit

Stone Trail meetings.

Straits State Park - Contractors have been back to the 2 new toilet shower buildings to bust out the flooring and re-pour as it was

malfunctioning. Punch list works continues. - The new master sign for Father Marquette along US 2 has started however with the cooler temperatures staff is

not able to get the stone on the sign until spring and warmer temperatures. - Trek the Mac was held October 1 and went off with no problems. This year’s crossing had 764 machines which

down considerably from last year. - Straits will again be hosting 3 winter events the first will be a shoe year’s event on January 7th from 5-8pm. The

2 winter family fund days will be held February 11th and March 4th from 2-7pm. - Camping numbers are starting off up 460 camp nights up from 2015 for October and November.

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- Another collaborative meeting with Eric Craymer for the Father Marquette parcel was held and things look promising.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

- Construction has begun on the Lower Falls Capital Outlay project. L.J. Construction has moved quickly so far on the Viewing Wall & Canoe/Kayak launch improvements. Everyone is hoping for continued mild weather for a couple more weeks.

- We are working on establishing a winter sports “quiet area” at the Lower Falls for this coming winter use season. There is a 4 mile snowshoe trail in the works as well as a 1 mile hiking trail. We are also hoping to have an increase in Dog sled tours there as well.

- One of our two water wells at the Upper Falls has stopped working. We are in the process of seeking bids to replace the pump.

Muskallonge State Park Electrical upgrade project continues to be on hold. Still hopeful that improvements can be made this fall, early

winter. Received capital outlay funding for phase 2 of park headquarters relocation due to severe erosion. Removed part of septic and footing from cold storage building at old headquarters location due to severe

erosion. Trails Section Unit Report – East U.P.

- Rail-Trail Projects Sault to Raco Grade: Gate improvements to open gated openings from 50” to 65” for side x side ORV use has

been completed and groomed. - Snowmobile Trail Updates

Hancock Insurance/Forestry is issuing permissions as they can, some clubs have them in place now others to follow.

Prout Road Bridge by Cut River had a pre-bid walk through on 11/30 with intentions of awarding bid for replacement in February and construction begin next spring.

Joe Straw Bridge: Near Detour being replaced now. Lots of water on many trail areas with a lot of beaver activity going into fall. Antique/vintage snowmobiles will be crossing the Mackinac Bridge on December 17th. Most clubs have been signing and brushing having trails ready for December 1st. The Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup meeting will be in Christmas on December 8th at Foggy’s Grill, starting

at 9:00 am. - ORV Trail Updates

Mackinac County ORV Route Proposal: Currently at the Division Chief level of approval. The proposal is a 109 mile of route to connect St. Ignace, Trout Lake, Brevort, Cut River, Rexton, Newberry, Naubinway, Curtis, and Gould City communities with long distance ORV riding opportunities.

Many efforts by grant sponsors and DNR Management Units have completed restoration projects on snowmobile trails. Many involved grading and additional surfacing of forest roads used as snowmobile trails.

Plans are getting in place to remove reassurance markers from trees and install carsonite posts with reassurance markers on ORV single track and 50” ATV trails with the ORV maintenance clubs.

- Equestrian Trail Projects Attended an Equestrian Workshop on a trail proposal and communications.

Marketing & Outreach Division: Jon Spieles, Education Services Section MOD held a workshop to develop a strategic plan for marketing, education, technology and outreach programs. It

was a department effort with participation from each division.

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Web: Marketing Section – along with representatives from all divisions – is redesigning the main DNR website (michigan.gov/DNR). The team is working with a third-party vendor to assist in creating a new information architecture – meaning the site will be restructured to accommodate the way the public uses the site to find information rather than being organized according to how the department is structured. Once the information architecture phase is complete, the design phase of the site will begin. The targeted completion date for the new website is June 2017.

Social Media: For every dollar spent on social media advertising (primarily through Facebook) the DNR reached 477

people. As a comparison, advertisements for the Super Bowl reach approximately 25 people per dollar spent on the ad space. It's also worth noting that Facebook provides direct actions people can take, whereas television ads do not. The DNR’s Instagram account recently broke 10,000 followers – only a little more than a year after the account was created.

MOD staff provided archery shooting at the Great Outdoors Jamboree at Lake Hudson State Park. The event was

attended by 1,145 people! Staff with the National Wild Turkey Federation and Pheasants Forever conducted Turkey Thursdays and Pheasant

Fridays in 17 state parks this year. Participants were able to shoot BB guns and learn about turkey and pheasant hunting!

MOD staff is working to have lead reclamation completed at the Pontiac Lake shooting range and possibly the

Sharonville shooting range. The work is scheduled to begin in mid-October and is weather dependent. Best management practices of shooting ranges encourage reclamation as a method to manage lead shot on the ranges.

Work is nearly complete on the Glassen Shooting Education Center at the Rose Lake shooting range. The project

was possible due to a significant donation from The Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation and Pittman/Robertson funds.

The Youth Conservation Council held its June meeting at the Kettenun 4H Learning Center. Commissioner Tim

Nichols met with attendees and spoke with them about the importance of their activities to get young people back into the outdoors. During the weekend meeting the members heard presentations on the invasive species issues in the state and they also heard a presentation about the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

MOD completed Salmon in the Classroom Workshops at three locations this year in November (Wolf Lake State Fish

Hatchery in Mattawan near Kalamazoo, Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Beulah, and at the Marquette State Fish Hatchery in the UP). Teachers accepted into the program (application period ends April 1) for the first time must attend a workshop to obtain their permit, which gives them legal permission to carry the Chinook salmon eggs and to raise them until release in May the following spring. More than 50 new teachers and sponsors attended these trainings. All 250 active SITC programs have eggs that are now beginning to show eyes and tails.

MOD hosted more than 100,000 participants again this year at DNR Visitor Center programs around the state.

Participants roughly divided 50/50 between school programs and summer park and hatchery visitors. Programming and messaging in ¾ of those programs included important education on invasive species in 2016. That number is up from 44k in 2015.

A new high this season in DNR Visitor Center attendance set at 388,456. Most of the increase due to the July

opening of the new Ludington Beach House exhibits where more than 66k visitors toured through exhibits designed to explain Great Lakes ecology and threats to the Great Lakes.

17,000 visitors participated in archery or pellet gun introductory courses at DNR Visitor Centers and more than

25,000 visitors participated in introductory fishing programs in 2016.

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Public Information Office: John Pepin, Deputy Public Information Officer “Ask the DNR” broadcasts returned to the air on Public Television’s WNMU-TV13 this fall with successful programs

in October, November and December. Great DNR staff appeared to answer questions live on the air from viewers. The show will return at 8 p.m. April 20 with U.P. Natural Resources Commission members John Matonich and J.R. Richardson scheduled as guest panelists.

The “Wardens” television program continues to film in the Upper Peninsula for programs expected to air next year.

Several segments were filmed during the firearm deer hunting season. Craig Albright, DNR wildlife division field operations manager, appeared on a recent broadcast of “The Ryan Report.”

He did a great job. To see the program, visit this link: http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Ryan-Report---November-13-2016-401114405.html.

There have been a great number of press releases generated recently including snowmobile trail and bridge

updates, developments at McLain State Park, Little Presque Isle and more. The DNR’s Outdoors North column continues to appear in The Mining Journal’s Friday outdoors page. The Escanaba

Daily Press and Houghton Daily Mining Gazette have also now requested the column. Anyone with an idea for the column or a written contribution please let me know. I’ve had several good ideas turned into columns for the series so far.

In a similar fashion, the 2017 calendar for Showcasing the DNR stories is being developed. Recent stories include

lighted cross country ski trails, battling white-nose syndrome in the western U.P. and Michigan’s snowmobile trails. Anyone with ideas for stories or anyone willing to contribute a story, please contact me pepinj@michiga.gov. If you don’t subscribe to free Showcasing the DNR stories, you should. (visit www.michigan.gov/dnrstories)

Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Skip Hagy, District 2 As expected, the District officers have been very busy this deer season, hunter and deer numbers may have been down but there were still many violations encountered by officers as you will read below. Our newest officer Tom Oberg is now in place in Chippewa County he has had a busy deer season introduction to the District and is acclimating well. CO Calvin Smith was on routine patrol when he came across an ORV operator who was checking his trap line. A check of the

trapper’s gun case revealed a loaded shotgun with a live round in the chamber and four rounds in the magazine. Law enforcement action was taken.

CO Calvin Smith was on routine patrol when he made contact with a small game hunter driving his vehicle on a forest road. When CO Smith asked the driver if he could check his gun to verify that it was unloaded, the driver asked, “What are you looking for a loaded gun? I can assure you that this gun is not loaded.” A check of the firearm revealed that there was indeed a live round in the chamber. Law enforcement action was taken.

CO Calvin Smith assisted a MSP trooper with a domestic assault in a rural part of the county. CO Calvin Smith made contact with a duo who had made the trip to the U.P to do some scouting for the upcoming firearm deer

season. Unfortunately for the two eager hunters, they had committed several violations consisting of ORV trespass, riding double on an ORV manufactured for a single operator, over baiting, operating an ORV with no helmets, and failure to immediately notify of carrying a concealed pistol. Law enforcement action was taken.

CO Chris Lynch responded to a call of four duck hunters who got thrown overboard from their boat. On scene three of the hunters made it back to shore safely and one was still missing. CO Chris Lynch, along with a MSP trooper, located the shaken man in a marsh about a quarter mile away from where the other three hunters were. The man having difficulties walking was assisted to a waiting ambulance by CO Lynch and the trooper where he was taken to the hospital for hyperthermia and other minor injuries.

CO Chris Lynch was on patrol when he observed a truck operating the wrong way down a one way road. A traffic stop was conducted and upon contact the odor of marijuana was coming from the cab of the vehicle. When asked for a driver’s license the driver stated he didn’t have one. Gladstone Public Safety was called to the scene to assist. A search of the suspect’s vehicle turned up burnt marijuana residue. Enforcement action was taken.

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CO Pat Hartsig was patrolling for shining activity when he met an ORV on the road. The operator was stopped because he was not wearing a helmet. While speaking with the individual on safety issues, it was found the ORV was also unlicensed. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Pat Hartsig was patrolling an area frequented by bird hunters. While driving down a trail, he noticed an individual walking away from the CO with a shotgun in his hands. When stopped and asked why he wasn’t wearing orange, the older hunter stated he thought he didn’t have to. An orange vest was given to the hunter so he could keep hunting, as well as a current hunting digest and enforcement action was taken.

CO Jon Busken was following up on an illegal timber cutting on state land when he heard an ORV approaching. The rider was not wearing a helmet. Upon contacting the individual, CO Busken found that the ORV had no registration sticker. The individual was returning from baiting an illegal deer blind on state land. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Kevin Postma followed-up on a complaint of a dog being caught in a trap. CO Postma retrieved the trap from the complainant who advised that his dog was nearly killed by the coni-bear trap. After examining the trap it was determined that the trap set was legal for private property. The dog owner was encouraged to keep his dog on a leash, at least through the end of trapping season. The trap was returned to the owner without incident.

CO Kevin Postma assisted wildlife with tagging and collaring a wolf that had been trapped by a coyote trapper. CO Kevin Postma was called to the scene of safety zone violation involving duck hunters. The complainant advised that he

thought the hunters were too close and that this was a residential neighborhood. CO Postma arrived and determined that the hunters were actually just outside of the safe zone by about ten yards (160 yards). Contact was made with the complainant who advised he didn’t like that they were hunting ducks since they are like pets and they feed them all year. Contact was made with the hunters who advised they didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers. When the hunters were advised of the home owner’s concerns about this being a residential neighborhood and that he had fed the ducks all year. The hunter’s responded, “Well that’s why hunting was so good a couple of weeks ago.” There were no violations.

CO Mark Zitnik was checking waterfowl hunters when he observed a motorboat without registration decals. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the vessel was not registered. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Robert Freeborn received a call from a local trapper regarding a wolf in a trap that was already collared. CO Freeborn responded and assisted the trappers in releasing the wolf.

CO Mark Zitnik and CO Michael Evink were on patrol early on the first day of the 2016 firearm deer season. The very first hunter they encountered was next to a two-track trail the COs were on. CO Zitnik asked the hunter about his blind, the lack of name and address on it, and all the litter around it. The hunter took responsibility for his actions and the situation was dealt with.

An impromptu group patrol was the result of an in progress complaint. Lt. Skip Hagy, Cpl. Steve Martin and Cpl. Shannon VanPatten, along with CO Mike Evink, joined forces to simultaneously check blinds with several violations present. CO VanPatten and CO Evink located one individual who’s lengthy list of issues included hunting without a license, no hunter orange, illegal operation of an ORV, loaded / uncased firearm on an ORV, no helmet or ORV sticker, too much bait, and no name or address on the blind. Lt. Hagy and Cpl. Martin were not quite as lucky. The blind they found, following the illegal ORV trail across National Forest land, was empty. It was illegal however, had far too much bait, and an abundance of litter. The owner was however located, educated and enforcement action was taken with him as well.

CO Chris Lynch and Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon worked the opening day of the firearm deer season. Many good contacts were made with violations including over-bait, no hunter orange, hunt from illegal blinds, cut trees and shrubs on state land, and blocking public access to state land. Eight tickets and several verbal warnings were issued that day.

CO Chris Lynch waited for a hunter on an ORV to come back to his truck after the evening hunt. When the hunter arrived, he had an uncased rifle on the front of the ORV. A ticket was issued for the violation. He also discovered a non-resident hunting on a resident license.

CO Chris Lynch contacted a group a deer hunters that were road hunting. The odor of marijuana was present. A quick search of the vehicle turned up a subject to be in possession of marijuana. The drugs were seized and a report will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office.

CO Mark Zitnik and CO Mike Evink were following an illegal ORV trail when they made contact with the hunter. Upon further investigation, the COs found the hunter did not have on hunter orange, no hunting license in possession, no name on blind and an expired driver’s license. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Zitnik and Cpl. Steve Martin located a vehicle driving over a berm on a closed road. While making contact with the hunter, the COs found that the hunter owns a local body shop and was using a customer’s jeep to drive over a four foot berm. He was concerned the customer was going to find out. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Zitnik and Cpl. Steve Martin were patrolling on a snow covered two-track when they found a spare tire on the road. They picked up the spare tire and were going to follow the vehicle tracks to the tires’ owner. The tracks led to a nearby camp. Upon making contact with the camp owner’s wife, it was found the tire came off her nephew’s truck. While rolling the tire to

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the camp, Cpl. Marin noticed a garbage bag hanging from a rope. Upon further investigation, it was found that it was a quartered-up deer. The wife stated her husband shot a 5-point buck a couple of days ago. While the COs were investigating the meat, the wife asked CO Zitnik if it was ok if she had bought a hunting license and her husband could use it while she was in camp. CO Zitnik said no. Upon making contact with the husband, it was found he used his wife’s hunting license to tag his 5-point buck. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Pat Hartsig was patrolling when he noticed two hunters exiting a blind and walking towards their residence. At the residence, CO Hartsig contacted the hunters. While speaking with one, the other subject was seen hiding a rifle behind a tree. When CO Hartsig asked for his license, he replied he wasn't hunting. CO Hartsig recovered the loaded rifle behind the tree and pointed out the fact he was wearing orange, had grunt calls around his neck and was in possession of a loaded rifle in the field. The subject then admitted he was indeed hunting, but never purchased a license. Enforcement action was taken.

While on patrol, CO Robert Freeborn noticed a 4-wheeler traveling through marsh grassland. The CO stopped on the two-track and waited for the hunter to drive to his location. CO Freeborn talked with the hunter who stated he was baiting his deer stand. A walk to the hunter’s bait found it to be way over the legal limit. The hunter was also not wearing a helmet and did not have an ORV sticker. Citations were issued for the violations.

CO Robert Freeborn and CO Mike Evink received a tip from an informant that a tribal member had just shot a deer with a rifle during the closed tribal rifle season. The COs were only a few miles away from the suspect’s house at the time of the complaint. The COs stopped at the suspect’s house for an interview. The suspect admitted to shooting the deer out of his house with a rifle. The suspect was also found not to have a valid tribal hunting license. A report will be submitted through the tribe. The deer and rifle were seized per request of the Tribal COs and turned over to them for evidence.

While working opening day of firearm deer season, CO Robert Freeborn and Lt. Skip Hagy checked several hunters throughout the day. Overall compliance was good and the hunters seemed encouraged over the amount of deer they have been seeing compared to years past. The COs did issue a few citations for no hunter orange, no name on blind and uncased firearm on an ORV. They also dealt with a subject who constructed an elaborate ORV bridge over a creek on public land to access his hunting area.

CO Robert Freeborn and CO Pat Hartsig encountered a road hunter on a busy ORV trail. After speaking with the hunters, it was determined that the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle did not have current insurance or a valid license plate on the car. The operator was arrested for the violations and lodged.

CO Kevin Postma was patrolling a two-track road near dusk when he noticed a light turn on and off down the heavily wooded road. CO Postma used his binoculars to determine that a vehicle was the source of the light and it was heading in CO Postma’s direction. CO Postma then pulled his truck off of the road as far as possible and proceeded on foot in the direction of the slow moving suspect vehicle in an attempt to distance himself from his own patrol vehicle. CO Postma stepped out of the woods and made contact with occupants of the slow moving vehicle. It was quickly determined that there was an uncased gun next to the driver who stated he was grouse hunting. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Kevin Postma interviewed an individual reference a suspicious license purchase. After a short conversation, it was determined that the grandmother had purchased a license for her grandson who didn’t want to be done hunting after shooting a 3-point opening morning. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Kevin Postma contacted an individual driving down a two-track road in a heavily wooded area. After a lengthy conversation, it was determined that the individual was in possession of a firearm without a license while in an area frequented by game. After going back and forth with the individual for several minutes, CO Postma advised “If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck and looks like a duck... it’s a duck”. The individual then advised “I wasn’t duck hunting, I was deer hunting”, to which CO Postma replied “exactly”. Enforcement action was taken

CO Bobby Watson and CO Calvin Smith made contact with several deer hunters who had placed permanent ground blinds on CFR land. One hunter confessed to the COs that he had left his blind there over 30 years. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Jon Busken’s assistance was requested with a probation search. The individual on probation was found to have several rifles, unregistered handguns, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in his possession. CO Busken lodged the individual on several felony counts.

CO Jon Busken found an individual placing deer mineral out in April. The man claimed he was only putting the mineral down to see what was on camera. The CO gave the subject a warning and told him that he could not put any more bait down until it was the legal date if he wanted to hunt that spot. Six weeks before baiting opened, CO Busken found more bait had been placed. Contact was made with the hunter on opening day. He was reminded of their prior discussion and enforcement action was taken.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol with US Forest Service Officer Jeff Wise on Drummond Island. CO Oberg observed a deer in a sled and three individuals standing around it at a camp. CO Oberg observed one of the individuals run back into the camp and came out with a deer tag and attached it to the deer. CO Oberg explained to the subject that the deer needs to be tagged immediately after kill. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol when he responded to a call from Central Dispatch advising that there was an ORV accident involving a side-by-side ORV operated by an intoxicated subject and his 10 year old daughter riding along. After arriving on scene with Michigan State Police and EMS, CO Oberg and the Trooper observed the side-by-side ORV disabled at the end of the

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driveway and the intoxicated subject sitting in the ditch. The child was unharmed and the intoxicated subject had minor injuries and was treated by EMS. Enforcement action was taken. CO Oberg transported the 10 year old girl to St. Ignace so she could take the ferry to Mackinac Island to stay with her mother.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol when he responded to a call from Central Dispatch that there was report of a vehicle on the side of the roadway on I-75 and the driver appeared to be passed out. CO Oberg arrived on scene along with MSP, Sheriff Deputies, and Border Patrol. The female driver of the vehicle was having seizures and was suspected that it was from the bottle of pills that were in her possession. EMS arrived on scene and transported her to the hospital.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol when he responded to a call from Central Dispatch advising of a rollover accident on I-75. CO Oberg and an MSP trooper were first on scene. The driver of the vehicle and the passenger appeared to only have minor injuries, but were unable to get out of the car because of the damage. The Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department arrived on scene and was able to get the occupants out with hydraulic tools. Both occupants were transported to the hospital by EMS.

CO Brett Gustafson worked with Senior Forest Technician, Cory Luoto, on the second day of the firearm deer season. They encountered a hunter while checking an illegal blind on state land near Rexton. The hunter admitted that his blind had been there for a while (since 1995 to be exact), and that he had not purchased a firearm deer license since he moved to Florida in 2014. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Bobby Watson and CO Calvin Smith responded to a tip that a very small spike buck was waiting to be processed at a local deer processor. CO Watson measured the spike and found it to be short of the legal 3” requirement. CO Watson made contact with the hunter and informed him he had shot a spike that didn’t make the 3” antler requirement. CO Watson then asked the hunter to meet with them to discuss the matter and show them his hunting blind, bait pile, and campsite, all of which he stated were located on state land. The hunter continued to ask if they could meet the following day rather than at that moment. CO Watson began questioning the hunter as to what he was doing that was more important. The hunter responded that he was at the bar and watching the Lion’s game. CO Watson informed the hunter that an illegal deer could face him with over $1,000 in fines and costs. The hunter then immediately responded that he would meet the two COs whenever they needed to meet him. CO Watson and CO Smith discovered additional violations, including no name on the hunter’s blind and excessive bait. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Calvin Smith located a suspiciously tagged deer at a commercial processor, he subsequently tracked down the individual who purchased the deer license. CO Smith asked the individual several questions about the deer which the suspect could not answer. The suspect confessed to the Officer that he did not shoot the deer and was asked to buy the license for his friend. The friend was then contacted by CO Smith and he confessed to having his buddy tag the deer for him so he could continue to hunt. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Bobby Watson was following up with an individual who had received a citation and a warning for shooting a spike buck which failed to meet the 3” antler length requirement. CO Watson had previously given the hunter a warning on the illegally harvested deer, which otherwise would have cost the man $1,000 in restitution fees. When CO Watson arrived at the man’s camp just before dark, the hunter was nowhere to be found. CO Watson began following a set of fresh boot prints in the snow. CO Watson observed the man approaching in the darkness, wearing hunter’s orange from head to toe, and carrying a rifle. When CO Watson alerted the man to his presence, the man attempted to hide his rifle behind a tree. CO Watson interviewed the man and discovered he had been hunting again, with no valid deer kill tag. CO Watson advised the man that the initial warning given for the illegal deer would now be amended, and he would be charged with shooting an antlerless deer, along with hunting with no license.

CO Tom Oberg received information on an individual who posted a photo on Facebook with a 6 point buck on November 16th. It was found that the hunter did not purchase a license until November 21st. CO Oberg interviewed the subject and got her to confess that she shot the deer with her brother’s crossbow on November 13th but did not have a license. The subject stated that her boyfriend came and tagged it with a tribal deer tag and took the deer. CO Oberg followed up with the brother and confiscated the crossbow for evidence. CO Oberg and Tribal CO Sam Gardner followed up with the boyfriend and received consent to search the residence for deer meat and antlers. They were unable to locate anything. Enforcement action was taken by Tribal CO Gardner to the subject for attaching a tribal deer tag to a non-tribal member’s deer. CO Oberg followed up with the subject who shot the deer and searched the area where it was shot, but did not find any remains of the deer. A report will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol on Thanksgiving Day when he turned down a road and saw a 4-wheeler driving towards him. As CO Oberg got closer, he observed the subject wearing blaze orange but was not wearing a helmet. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Tom Oberg was just pulling into his residence to end his shift when a call came out over the radio advising of a rollover accident just down the road from him. CO Oberg responded to the scene and was the first Law Enforcement unit on scene along with local emergency response teams. CO Oberg observed the scene and noticed that it appeared that the truck had driven off the roadway and flipped taking out several large trees and was lying on its side. CO Oberg also observed that the unresponsive individual in the vehicle could not be removed without hydraulic tools due to the amount of damage. Sheriff Deputies, Fire and EMS arrived on scene shortly after. Agencies scanned the area for other possible individuals being ejected from the vehicle. Luckily, it was found out that no one else was in the vehicle. Jaws of Life were called to the scene to extract

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the individual. The nearest unit was 20 miles away. Once arrived, the individual was extracted and loaded into the ambulance. The individual was pronounced deceased shortly after. Michigan State Police arrived on scene to do an accident reconstruction. CO Oberg continued to assist the agencies with traffic control and cleaning up debris.

CO Kevin Postma stopped a vehicle suspected of road hunting. It was determined that both of the occupants were in possession of marijuana and one of the individuals was a felon in possession of a firearm. A report will be sent to the Prosecutor’s Office for review.

CO Kevin Postma issued a citation to an individual hunting over roughly 30 gallons of bait on public land. CO Kevin Postma interviewed an individual who had his wife buy a deer kill tag so he could tag his deer in order to continue to

hunt. A confession was obtained and enforcement action was taken. CO Kevin Postma interviewed a hunter who obtained a second or “lost” kill tag on the 17th. An interview of the individual

revealed that the hunter had been successful but still hadn’t tagged his deer. A citation for fail to immediately attach kill tag was issued.

CO Kevin Postma performed a meat processor inspection. It was determined that the processor had in his possession a deer head from Minnesota. CO Postma contacted CO Brett Gustafson who was able to retrieve the deer head and secure it for CWD testing.

CO Kevin Postma contacted by Sgt. Grant Emery from District 1 and was asked to follow-up on an interview with an individual who claimed he had been attacked by a wolf on the west side of the U.P. CO Postma interviewed the individual who claimed that a wolf had knocked him over and stood over him at which time he shot the wolf dead. It was eventually learned that the wolf did not knock him down but did stand as close as 15 to 20 feet from him before he fired a couple of warning shots in its direction in order to scare it away, which it did. CO Postma asked the individual why he claimed that the wolf attacked him. The individual advised that he was hoping to use this incident as a platform to try and get some action taken with regards to the problems with wolves that they have been having in the area.

Upon receiving an anonymous complaint of two untagged deer hanging in a barn in Mackinac County and after a short investigation to locate the suspect, CO Brett Gustafson and CO Kevin Postma located a spoiled, untagged deer killed with a bow by a Tribal member early in November and a 9 pt buck killed by the suspect on the 19th of November. The problem was that he purchased the license on the 21st. Enforcement was action taken and transferred to the Sault Ste, Marie Tribal CO.

CO Brett Gustafson responded to a complaint from a USDA employee, of a deer acting very odd, walking in circles, swimming in circles and allowing him to touch the deer. After consulting with Wildlife Biologist, the animal was dispatched and will be tested by the lab.

CO Jon Busken was on routine patrol when he contacted an individual who said he was openly carrying a pistol in his motor vehicle. The individual did not have a CPL and was found to be in violation of the felony CCW Statue. Enforcement action was taken on the misdemeanor uncased firearm violation.

CO Jon Busken followed an illegal ORV trail in Mackinac County to a hunter. The hunter was not wearing a helmet while riding his ORV and did not have his deer license. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Jon Busken was on routine patrol when he contacted an individual driving a motor vehicle. It was prime hunting hours and the individual was driving with a pair of binoculars on the center counsel and a uncased firearm in the passenger seat. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Chris Lynch and Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon were on patrol when they received a RAP complaint. The complaint stated a subject shot an 8 point buck without a tag and was out currently hunting. The CO’s went to the scene and located the 8 point buck head next to several other older deer heads in different stages of decaying. Contact with the suspect was made after he came out from hunting on an ORV with a loaded rifle slung over his back. A check of his license purchases revealed he had not purchased a deer tag since 2011. The suspect was issued a citation for the illegal deer.

CO Chris Lynch was fueling up his patrol truck when several ORVs came to the gas station the CO was at. CO Lynch noticed none of the ORVS were licensed. Tickets were issued to the operators for failing to license their ORVS.

CO Calvin Smith located a possible illegal dear via social media internet. CO Smith contacted COs Mark Zitnik and Chris Lynch to follow up with the interview in Rapid River. The COs conducted the interview with the hunter which yielded a full confession of hunting without a license and tagging the violated 7 point deer with her boyfriend’s deer license. Enforcement action was taken.

COs Robert Freeborn and Michael Evink checked an area that has had several complaints of illegal ORV traffic and trespassing. The COs followed fresh ORV tracks on an illegal trail through the woods and located an ORV parked. After a brief walk the COs were able to locate the blind and hunter. He was not wearing orange, did not have his hunting license in possession, did not bring a case for his rifle and did not wear a helmet. Enforcement action was taken and citations were issued.

COs Robert Freeborn, Michael Evink and Chris Lynch set up a decoy in an area that has been known to have shiners at night. The COs sat out on the decoy for several hours into the night. Several vehicles traveled in the area but no violations were encountered.

CO Robert Freeborn received a complaint of a hunter that has been harassed by a neighbor for several years. The complainant gave CO Freeborn a detailed account of the actions the suspect has taken and showed the CO firsthand were the harassment has taken place. This investigation is on-going.

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CO Michael Evink participated in the regional PBS “ask the DNR” telecast. The show is a “live” call in style TV show that allows the public to have direct contact with members of the DNR.

COs Michael Evink and Robert Freeborn were doing follow-up on a complaint from earlier in deer season where a number of tickets had been issued. The COs walked in again and located an ORV illegally driven onto Forest Service Property. The officers made contact with a hunter who knew about the tickets issued the previous week but still decided that hunters orange was optional. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Pat Hartsig and Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon contacted a group of hunters whose car was blocking access to state land. The hunters had shot some snowshoe hares and were enjoying their day. One of the hunters hid in the back of the group due to not wearing any hunters orange. When asked why, he stated he couldn’t find any to wear and still wanted to go hunting. Another member in the group did not have a hunting license. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Pat Hartsig checked muzzleloader hunters in the late season. The migration had not quite begun due to lack of snow. Deer were scarce in the normal migration routes.

CO Pat Hartsig check group of hunters enjoying the late two-day split of the UP waterfowl season. Due to unseasonably warm conditions, and sunny skies, not many birds were seen or shot.

Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon was traveling to Escanaba when a BOL came out on a vehicle east bound on US-2. An off duty trooper was following a vehicle that was carelessly swerving in and out of traffic. A vehicle stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle. The elderly couple driving home from deer camp was very surprised by the stop. The trooper decided a warning was appropriate to get the driver to concentrate on his driving

CO Michael Evink, along with US Forest Service LEO Dave Tembruell, received a complaint of a lost truck in the forest. The complaint revolves around two individuals who borrowed a truck so they could cut Christmas tree boughs. At some point they became separated from their vehicle and could not find it. All persons are safe; however, the vehicle is still lost.

COs Robert Freeborn and Michael Evink participated in the local Shop with a Cop program. The COs along with several other officers in the community were paired-up with a child in need. The officers picked up the child at their residence and brought them to a local diner where they could order any breakfast off the menu. After breakfast, the officers transported the kids to the local Shopko were they were given $100 dollars to spend on Christmas presents for themselves and family members. After shopping the kids were transported to the local movie theater where the kids were treated to a movie along with snacks, while the officers wrapped their presents. After the movie the kids were transported back home to their families.

CO Chris Lynch conducted a meat processor inspection and observed an antler point restriction (APR) violation. Contact with the owner of the license was made and the license owner stated he didn’t shoot the deer. He stated his dad shot the deer. CO Lynch talked to the dad and a ticket was issued for borrowing a tag of another.

CO Chris Lynch received a complaint of a trespasser who went onto private property and shot a deer. CO Lynch investigated the scene and located a gut pile and other blinds on the property the trespasser was still using. CO Lynch went back to the area the next day and followed fresh tracks in the snow to the hunter. The hunter had walked passed two “no trespassing” signs onto the private property. Contact with the hunter was made. He didn’t have a valid hunting license and had a suspended driver’s license. The suspect had an expired license plate on his vehicle and the plate returned to a different type of vehicle then what the plate was on and had no insurance for the vehicle either. Interviewing the suspect led to a confession for trespassing and shooting a spike horn earlier in the season. The suspect was ticketed for recreational trespass and hunting without a valid license. Warrants will be sought for taking deer on property of another while trespassing, DWLS, and unlawful use of registration plate. The deer was located at a local processor and seized as evidence.

CO Chris Lynch was following up on meat processor’s records and noticed a suspicious license purchase. CO Lynch contacted the hunter and the hunter confessed to shooting the 8-point buck and buying a license after he shot it. A report is being submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review.

CO Pat Hartsig recently started checking ice fishermen on Little Bay De Noc. The recent cold has allowed ice to form. Near Kipling, ice is anywhere from 1-3 inches thick. Anglers who have ventured onto the ice have been rewarded with some first ice perch.

Sgt. Mike Hammill, COs Brett Gustafson and Kevin Postma attended the bear forum in St Ignace. Attendance was good, despite inclement weather. The meeting discussed possible changes in the bear hunting rules and regulations.

CO Tom Oberg was just starting out his shift when central dispatch advised that a man fell out of his boat into the freezing cold water off of Conley Point in Chippewa County. CO Oberg responded and arrived on scene along with a border patrol agent and a sheriff’s deputy. Luckily, three fishermen spotted the man struggling in the water almost a mile away and were able to make their way to him and rescue him upon arrival. EMS arrived on scene to evaluate him and he was released shortly after.

CO Kevin Postma responded to a complaint of a dead deer in someone’s yard which appeared to be untagged. CO Postma arrived on scene, located the gutted deer, and made contact with the occupants of the house. It was determined that the owner of the house shot the deer at midnight the night before, with a rifle and without a license. After dealing with wildlife violations, CO Postma then turned his attention to the fact that the deer was shot out of the window where a convicted felon resides. Also found in the room were various amounts of marijuana. Charges are being sought through the prosecutor’s office for a multitude of criminal and wildlife offenses.

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COs Kevin Postma and Calvin Smith waited for a hunter to return to camp at the end of the afternoon hunt, approximately 15 minutes after shooting hours had ended there was no sign of any hunters returning to camp. COs Postma and Smith then decided to attempt to locate the hunter who was thought to be possibly still hunting. After a roughly 1-¼ mile walk, the COs located the hunter still in his blind hunting almost 50 minutes past shooting hours. The hunter advised he was just waiting for the deer to leave; it was apparent to the COs that the hunter was taking advantage of the full moon and recent snow cover. Enforcement action was taken for hunting after hours and no kill tag in possession.

CO Jon Busken received a complaint of an individual taking a 10-point deer without a license in Mackinac County. Since the suspects live downstate, contact was made by CO Justin Ulberg. CO Ulberg made contact with the suspects and obtained a confession that the son took a deer without a license and the father loaned the son his license to tag the deer. Charges are pending.

Sgt. Mike Hammill and CO Dustin Zitnik were driving down M-28 when they noticed a vehicle in front of them operating with a broken taillight and traveling extremely slow. A traffic stop was made, upon contacting the operator of the vehicle Sgt. Hammill immediately recognized the smell of unburned and burned marijuana coming from the cab. The operator was searched, marijuana was found along with a ticket from the previous night for possession of marijuana out of Marquette County. The subject was arrested and lodged in the Chippewa County Jail.

COs Bobby Watson and Dustin Zitnik were patrolling for deer hunting activity when they observed a deer hunting camp that was occupied. The COs approached the camp to find out what kind of deer activity was being seen. CO Zitnik noticed a single set of boot prints going into the woods, with none returning. COs Watson and Zitnik waited until the hunter was able to be seen walking through the woods, returning to camp at dark. Contact was made with the hunter and it was discovered that he was hunting with a 7mm Remington Magnum rifle during the muzzleloader only season. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Zitnik received an anonymous complaint of possible poaching going on behind a camp in late bow season. CO Zitnik responded to the hunting camp and attempted to make contact, during this he observed fresh drag marks leading into the woods with a fresh gut pile at the end. CO Zitnik tracked the owner of the deer camp to his residence where he was in the process of quartering up a freshly killed doe which may not be taken during UP bow season. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Zitnik recovered a deer carcass from a complaint, the complainant stated the carcass came from a residence that CO Zitnik and CO Robert Freeborn had been investigating for several months. CO Zitnik went to the residence to investigate. The investigation revealed two untagged does hanging in a shed. The home owner stated his sister-in-law had shot the does with her tribal tags that he produced from the house. CO Zitnik had CO William Haskin conduct an interview with the sister-in-law who confessed that she did not shoot the two does in the Upper Peninsula. The following day CO Zitnik, CO Calvin Smith, and Sgt. Mike Hammill executed a search warrant on the premises, obtained a full confession from the individual, and recovered the firearm used to kill the deer.

CO Pat Hartsig and Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon were checking ice fishermen in Escanaba Harbor. While approaching one ice shanty, the odor of Marijuana could be smelled around it. The occupants were only smoking Marijuana and not even fishing. During a file check, it was found the subject in possession of the marijuana had outstanding warrants for over baiting deer and failing to wear hunters orange. The subject was lodged at the Delta County jail for the warrants and possession of Marijuana.

CO Pat Hartsig and Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon worked on snowmobiles on the trails in the Munising area. Recent heavy snowfall provided excellent trail conditions and brought numerous people out to enjoy it. Snowmobile violations including no trail stickers, operating unregistered snowmobiles and careless operation were observed. Several citations and numerous warnings were given.