Go big or go home, I guess. Why poach a few fish when you can poach thousands!

A 67 year old man was arrested near Gladwin last week after Department of Natural Resources confronted him about exceeding the take limit on Lake Lancer.

Concerned citizens turned the man into the DNR after he was seen spending an inordinate amount of time fishing, and was oft times seen with more than the 25 panfish per day limit imposed on state anglers.

DNR officers initially approached him on the morning of August 14, and the man showed he only had 12 fish, well within the limit. But later that day he was out again, this time with 26 fish, putting him way over the limit.

A subsequent search of the man's home revealed over 1400 panfish in his freezer.

The stash was seized and will be donated to local food pantries.

“Thank you to the anglers who reported the suspicious activity to Conservation Officer Papineau,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “It’s because of honest people like this that Michigan’s natural resources can be protected for and enjoyed by future generations.”

If you witness or suspect a natural resource violation, call or text the Report All Poaching hotline, available 24/7, at 800-292-7800. Learn more about the work of Michigan’s conservation officers at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

 

 

More From 97.9 WGRD