Landowner accuses DNR of mishandling poaching investigation and misusing video evidence

In a recent Michigan House of Representatives meeting, a local resident raised serious concerns about the handling of a poaching incident on their property, highlighting issues of oversight and accountability within state government agencies. The resident, who has extensive experience in trauma care, reported a doe shot on their land, prompting a call to Officer Kiel of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an investigation.

Despite the urgency of the situation, the resident expressed frustration over the lack of timely response from law enforcement. Three days after the initial report, Officer Deppin from the DNR contacted the resident for a follow-up inspection, only to find that the deceased deer had already been removed by wildlife. The resident criticized the delay, noting that such investigations typically occur within 24 hours.

The situation escalated when Officer Deppin, while searching for the deer, recorded video footage of two fawns on the property. The resident felt that this action was inappropriate, suggesting that the DNR was more focused on finding faults to potentially revoke their permit rather than addressing the poaching complaint. The resident described the experience as appalling, emphasizing the perceived misuse of government authority in what should have been a straightforward investigation.

This incident raises broader questions about the effectiveness and priorities of state agencies tasked with wildlife protection and enforcement. As residents seek assistance for legitimate concerns, the community is left to ponder the implications of such encounters with government officials. The meeting underscored the need for improved communication and responsiveness from state agencies to foster trust and ensure the protection of both wildlife and residents' rights.