I was mistaken as far as notifying the DNR about harassment efforts. Notification is NOT needed to harass the birds at this time. When we are able to use lethal means in the future, THEN we will have to notify. As I said before, that is not currently a legal option for sportsmen.

Below are a couple emails from today between myself and Dave Westerberg - the BDNGLSF "point man" on this subject -


Hi, Right Chris, only when we use lethal means will we have to notify the law.

The email I sent about Ford River was forwarded to Kelly Smith (DNR), Pete Butchko (F&W) Tony Aderman (F&W) and several legislators by Larry Meiers (who is the lead contact person on Cormorant control).

Dave

--- On Sun, 4/18/10, Chris and Diane <baitshop2@chartermi.net> wrote:


From: Chris and Diane <baitshop2@chartermi.net>
Subject: Re: bird harassment
To: "otee" <otee739@yahoo.com>
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010, 12:22 PM


Thanks Dave, will do. I thought we had to notify the DNR first. Was that only when, (and if,) we start using lethal means?

CHRIS
----- Original Message -----
From: otee
To: Chris and Diane
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 11:28 AM
Subject: Re: bird harassment


Chris, I could not enter anything on the site, could you put this on there?
It is legal to harass the birds to keep them off fish anytime. We cannot use lethal harassment at this time. The Fish & Wildlife people have ok'd this - we don't have to ask permission from anyone - if you witness birds feeding on spawning fish or newly planted fish, please chase them and notify C. Dave Westerberg at 399-7741 or 786-3950, or otee739@yahoo.com

--- On Sun, 4/18/10, Chris and Diane <baitshop2@chartermi.net> wrote:


From: Chris and Diane <baitshop2@chartermi.net>
Subject: bird harassment
To: "Dave Westerberg" <otee739@yahoo.com>
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010, 11:05 AM


Hi Dave. There is currently a discussion on the Bays de Noc fishing site http://www.baysdenoc.com/fishing-reports.shtml about the birds chowing down on all the trout planted at the Ford River. Keith posted a copy of the email you sent to Kramer, and I told people they could contact you if they see any birds out on the water. I'm not sure if you are registered to post on the site, but if you are, could you go on there to fill people in on what they can and cannot do to harass them.

Thanks,

CHRIS WAHL