Look at That Rack! Lansing DNR Office’s Poachers Wall of Shame

I know you just clicked to see more pictures of that rack. Come on! Can you imagine the heart-pounding adrenaline this hunter must have felt when this beauty walked into his line? The nerves ticked up as they drew back or clicked the safety off before taking that final calming breath and then...THWACK!

Related: UPDATED as of November 23: Michigan 2023 Deer Harvest vs 2022

By now they could hear their own heartbeat as they tracked the trail and eventually came upon this magnificent fallen animal. A responsible hunter will tag the deer as soon as possible. Why wouldn't you?! But this mount isn't the hunters. No, it hangs on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources's (DNR) Lansing Customer Service Center and serves as a warning for poachers.

Michigan DNR's Poachers Wall of Shame

As seen above, the DNR Wall of Shame has some very impressive trophies. All 8 of them were either taken illegally or seized by law enforcement according to officials with the Lansing Customer Service Center.

Whether taken outside of deer season or shot without a tag... whoever took these animals doesn't get what the Michigan outdoors is about.

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Anyone can shoot an animal. True Michigan adventurers know that the conversation efforts and laws in place are meant to preserve our state's natural splendor and a healthy deer population.

If you're a poacher, you'll eventually be caught. That said, even well-meaning, rule-abiding folks make really poor choices. For instance, waking up one morning and deciding to go hunting WITHOUT a license.

Related: Saving Doe! How to Get a Deer Out of a Dollar General

"I won't shoot anything, I'm just going to go sit and listen to the leaves rustle". Mmmm hmmm. And what about when Goliath the Mega Buck walks right into your lane? Still just gonna sit there?

Times are busy, I get it. But make time to get your tags this year. You can even go check out this irregular rack (Sir William) while you're getting it at the Lansing DNR Customer Service Center.

Take the kids or grandkids when you go, because the DNR's Wall of Shame is also a Pokemon Go stop!

Or you can do it from your phone or anywhere online. Here's the link. Please be safe out there.