This last hunting season, we ran in to a little problem with the DNR in
the UP, Michigan. We have hunted this same spot for over 17 years,
and on opening day 2005, Nov.15th, a good friend of mine was hunting in his pop-up blind 8:oo am, and two forest officers walked up to his blind, on state land and give him a bunch of crap, because there were ATV tracks going up to his blind. Up there you can drive your ATV on main marked trails. He was about 50 yards or so off the main trail, This man is 78 years old, has had a hip replaced, and one knee, He doesn't get around to good.
He explained to these officers that he couldn't walk and that his grandson dropped him off at his blind that morning. They didn't care, they just threatened him with a $100.00 dollar fine if they caught anyone off the trail.Plus ruined his opening day of hunting. I understand the law is the law but I think these guys took it too far.This was probably his last year of hunting anyway. We have never saw the DNR up there for all the years we have been hunting it until this year.What gets me is they let locals in there to cut wood and they tear the trails up real bad, they are suppose to repair the ruts and holes they cause but they don't.
Has anyone ever had any harassment from the DNR before?

glockman55,

I've had good luck with Conservation Officers here.

I guess I might be lucky but I think it might have just been a bad apple of a DNR officer.

Most of them here love hunters. AFter all we pay for there incomes lol. Nah they are good guys. But cross them and they will throw the book at you!

I'm sorry for what happend but I'm sure its a rare event.

Dimitri

I didn't want to give the impression that DRN are bad, I think they do a great job,might I add, a tough one. This was bothering me and I just wanted to get it off my chest. Enough said.
Happy Hunting;
Jerry