|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 14 April 2005
Contacts: Alan Marble, 517-335-3427, Mary Dettloff, 517-335-3014
Poachers Beware! Turkey Hunters are Watching
April 18 signals the opening of the 2005 spring wild turkey season in
Michigan. With a statewide population over 170,000 birds, the Department of
Natural Resources believes the increased population and additional hunting
opportunities should produce another excellent season for the estimated
95,000 hunters who will take to the woods hoping a wily gobbler will answer
their call.
A successful turkey hunt depends on a number of factors, including
preparation, hunting skill and attention to safety. And though the vast
majority of turkey hunters abide by the rules, some people don't. These
individuals are poachers, and the DNR, in cooperation with the Michigan
Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and the
Michigan United Conservation Clubs, has distributed a new poster to all
license dealers throughout Michigan with a simple message: "Poachers
Beware! Hunters Are Watching."
"Most hunters are ethical individuals who enjoy participating in a great
sport, which also is a big part of our state's hunting heritage," said Dan
Potter, president of the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey
Federation. "Because Michigan's dedicated and hard-working conservation
officers can't be everywhere, it's up to hunters to become more involved in
stopping all forms of poaching."
According to DNR Law Enforcement officials, hunting without a license, the
illegal use of bait and recreational trespass are the three biggest
problems reported during the spring wild turkey hunting season.
"At any time of year, the illegal take of game is a crime and
prosecutors
need to understand that poaching is a crime," said Jim Maturen of the
Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association. "Hunting over bait continues to
be a problem. If hunters are out scouting for turkey and find illegal bait
sites or become aware of illegal turkey activities, they should report it
immediately."
"Now more than ever, conservation officers need the help of the public in
order to effectively clamp down on the unlawful take of wildlife," said
Alan Marble, DNR Law Enforcement chief. "This partnership provides a
reminder to lawful hunters to take a moment to document and report
violations they witness -- and a warning to poachers that their actions are
unacceptable and under scrutiny."
Hunters are encouraged to call the DNR Report All Poaching hotline at (800)
292-7500 to report any suspicious activity or violations of law.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and
enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future
generations.
Al Stewart
Upland Game Bird Specialist
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife
PO Box 30444
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7944
Office (517) 373-1263
FAX (517) 373-6705
E-Mail: stewarac@michigan.gov
|
