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Michigan DNR Report
A 14-year-old boy reported missing early last week was treated and released from an area hospital after Michigan DNR conservation officers located him cold and wet near Foster Creek, south of Marquette.
At 4:25 p.m. Marquette County Central Dispatch informed local emergency responders of a runaway boy who lives along Marquette County Road 545 North in West Branch Township.
The DNR is not releasing the boy’s name because he is a minor.
Conservation Officer John Kamps and probationary Conservation Officer Steve Sajtar were patrolling nearby and immediately began searching the area.
Kamps and Sajtar located a set of footprints and began tracking them, south of County Road 545 North and Maplewood Road. Officers followed the footprints about 650 yards, until they encountered a person walking, who confirmed a boy who matched the missing teen’s description had walked east on Maplewood Road about three hours earlier.
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Clear H2o Tackle will host its Annual Spring Open House this weekend at the store.
Hours are 7-7 Friday, 6-6 Saturday and 6-4 Sunday.
Owner Darrin Schaap says there will be deals on fishing gear for all anglers, including panfish, bass, catfish, walleye and trout and salmon. Tackle, clothing and electronics will be marked down during the show as well as drawing for prizes.
As a bonus, when you buy a qualifying item the store will buy your 2023 Michigan fishing (resident or non-resident) license for you.
For more information, visit the store on Christiana Lake Road near Edwardsburg or call 269-414-4131.
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MDNR Report
Two people were arrested Saturday for possessing illegal firearms and drugs after a Michigan DNr conservation officer conducted a traffic stop in a remote area of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, in Otsego County.
The officer initially observed the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. During the stop, the vehicle occupants told the officer, “We are just out looking to hunt stuff.”
The officer saw that the passenger had an uncased .308 rifle near their right leg with a rifle round on the door handle. Additionally, the driver – who had binoculars around his neck – had a loaded .22 caliber rifle behind the seat.
Additional conservation officers soon arrived on scene to assist.
Officers searched the rental vehicle the suspects were operating and found two additional firearms, used rifle casings, alcohol, several containers of crystal meth, marijuana, and evidence of drug use.
DNR officers confiscated three rifles and one shotgun, along with the ammunition and drugs.
The names of those arrested will not be released until they are arraigned in court. Both suspects face multiple felony charges. The investigation is ongoing.
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MDNR Report
Michigan Ice Shanties
Anglers taking advantage of winter ice fishing should keep a close watch on ice conditions, as unseasonable weather may prompt shanty removal prior to the seasonal dates required by the Michigan DNR.
“Throughout most of the Lower Peninsula, Mother Nature unfortunately didn’t cooperate with us this year,” said acting Lt. Jeff Rabbers, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “As disappointing as it is that many anglers must cut their season short, safety is the DNR’s main priority. We want to make sure that everyone has ample opportunity to remove their shanties before conditions become unsafe.”
People venturing onto ice should use extreme caution as temperatures begin to rise or fluctuate. The repeated thawing and refreezing of ice weakens its strength, decreasing its ability to support the additional weight of people, snowmobiles, ORVs and shanties. Deteriorating ice, water currents and high winds increase the probability of pressure cracks, which can leave anglers and others stranded on ice floes or at risk of falling through the ice.
Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for up to three times the cost of removal.
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MDNR Report
Recreation PassportPacking up for a camping trip. Fishing from your favorite pier. Parking the car, ready to enjoy thousands of miles of motorized and nonmotorized trails or drop your boat in the water ...
Those are just a few outdoor amenities and experiences that start with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ valued-packed Recreation Passport, which gives year-round vehicle access to 100-plus state parks and recreation areas, more than 1,000 state-managed boating access sites, 140-plus state forest campgrounds, and parking at thousands of miles of trails and other outdoor spaces.
Next month, people will see a slight increase in the cost of a Recreation Passport. Effective March 1, the Recreation Passport resident vehicle fee increases from $12 to $13 (and from $6 to $7 for motorcycles) – the first such increase since 2020.
New nonresident Recreation Passport fees, including the nonresident annual pass that went from $36 to $39, went into effect Jan. 1, 2023.