July 15, 2017

Contact: Lt. Gerald Thayer, 269-685-6851 

DNR seeks public’s help with Canada geese case in Muskegon County

Information sought regarding July 10 incident on Mona Lake

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public’s assistance as it investigates a July 10 incident on Muskegon County’s Mona Lake in which personal watercraft riders killed and injured several Canada geese.

Witnesses report seeing two personal watercraft operators running over the geese shortly before 2 p.m. The riders drove in circles around the flock before plowing through it, injuring about three geese. A citizen’s video provided to conservation officers shows injured geese swimming away. Witnesses later found one of the geese that died.

The riders are described as Caucasian, one of whom has long hair. One watercraft is purple and the other is white and yellow.

“The DNR takes any abuse of Michigan’s natural resources seriously,” said Lt. Gerald Thayer, District 7 supervisor for the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “It’s important we identify the suspects involved in this incident so justice is served. We appreciate any information citizens can provide that helps us resolve this case.”

Illegally taking waterfowl is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $500, with additional reimbursement of $500 per waterfowl.

An individual offering information that leads to a successful conviction may be eligible for a reward through the Report All Poaching (RAP) program.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call or text the RAP line at 800-292-7800. While citizens can remain anonymous, they must provide their names if they wish to be eligible for a reward. The RAP line is a convenient, effective way for citizens to report the illegal taking of fish or game, or damage to our natural resources. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Michigan conservation officers are elite, highly trained professionals who serve in every corner of the state. They are fully commissioned peace officers with authority to enforce the state’s criminal laws. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.