$5K Reward Offered After Turkey Hunting Kiosk Destroyed By Vandals
ALLEGAN TOWNSHIP (WWJ/AP) - A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction following vandalism at the Allegan State Game Area.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said on Friday, April 15, suspects unknown destroyed the state's first "Turkey Tracts" kiosk — an information station built by volunteers — in western Michigan's Allegan County.
The DNR said the "thoughtless" vandalism took place just a few days after the opening of the "Turkey Tracts" site was celebrated, just days after it was it was erected.
"Turkey Tracts" are unique turkey hunting areas across the Lower Peninsula that provide hunting opportunities for a variety of hunters, including youth, adults new to the sport, veterans with disabilities and seniors. The kiosk included helpful information for hunters such as maps of the area, project sponsors and information on turkey habitat management.
The destruction of the Turkey Tract kiosk is not the first case of vandalism to the Allegan State Game Area. The DNR said gates protecting important wildlife habitat improvements from being damaged have been torn out of the ground and sometimes stolen.
Announced by the DNR Friday, the cash reward is being offered by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
"Vandalism on state game areas not only destroys the hard work of volunteers and partner organizations, but can hinder the ability to make improvements on the game area," said Maria Albright, DNR wildlife technician. "Hunter license dollars may end up being spent making repairs from the destruction of public property instead of making improvements for all users to enjoy."
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the 24-hour DNR Report All Poaching (RAP) line at 800-292-7800. Information may be left anonymously.
Learn more about turkey hunting in Michigan at mi.gov/turkey.
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