Wardens

Michigan's District 3 is home to the state's only sturgeon spearing season; the limit is low, but the reward can be a fish of a lifetime.

Michigan Conservation Officers in the Upper Peninsula have a lengthy snowmobile season to patrol, from sound checks to safe riding on trails.

To enforce a ban on shining for wildlife on public ground during the month of November in Michigan, wardens utilize an aerial patrol at night.

To enforce a ban on shining for wildlife on public ground during the month of November in Michigan, wardens utilize an aerial patrol at night.

Michigan hunters harvest the second-most number of whitetails in the country; keeping track of everyone in the field requires near-24/7 surveillance.

Hunting blinds can not be left on state land year-round; when officers find blinds that need to be removed, they search high and low for the owners.

It can take seven years to draw a bear tag in Michigan's upper peninsula; conservation officers make sure everyone plays by the same rules so no one has an advantage.

The west side of Michigan has some of the state's best fishing spots. From inland rivers to the Great Lakes, C.O.s know their fall will be spent watching anglers.

Michigan's archery deer season lasts 77 days and the regular firearm season lasts 16 days; over that time period, conservation officers use a variety of tactics to make sure everyone plays by the rules.

The state of Michigan is highlighted through a contest to win hunting licenses and over $4000 in prizes; officers also patrol during a summer boating festival and the firearm deer season.

Conservation Officers patrol fishermen and women on the Detroit River, on the border between Michigan and Canada during the spring spawning run for walleye.

An officer on Michigan's east side meets a driver on the road without a license and an officer on the state's west side patrols during a waterfowl hunt on a state game area.

Conservation officers on patrols during fall fishing season as well as spring turkey season encounter suspects that have set fires in dangerous conditions.

Michigan Conservation Officers employ numerous tactics to enforce the state laws; some of them include using aerial patrols to look out for illegal activity as well as keeping an eye out for blinds on state land that have been in place too long.