Two anonymous tipsters were awarded $500 each, splitting a $1,000 reward, for information they gave Department of Natural Resources conservation officers that led to the arrest and conviction of three northern Michigan relatives who poached three cow elk in the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord.

Since 2019, the Safari Club International — Michigan Involvement Committee has offered a $1,000 cash award to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of an individual or individuals illegally killing an elk or moose in Michigan.

“We are very grateful to the individuals who stepped up and helped provide officers with the information they needed to move this case through to completion,” said Bob Taylor, SCI Michigan Involvement Committee president. “All of Michigan’s citizens have a voice in conservation and should speak up if they see wrongdoing occurring.”

The investigation into this poaching case began in late 2019 with a tip called in to the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline. Sentencing of the three men took place in March 2021.

Anyone with information regarding poaching incidents should call or text the Report All Poaching Hotline line at 800-292-7800. Information can be left anonymously.

Conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.