With archery deer season opening Oct. 1, local hunters are heading into the woods in search of trophies for the wall and meat for the freezer.
Just remember, no hunting of any kind is allowed in any of Oxford Township’s four parks ? Oakwood Lake, Seymour Lake, Powell Lake and Stony Lake.
Township ordinance states, ‘No person shall kill, trap, hunt or pursue any wild bird or animal within any park.?
Violators face a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days.
Ron Davis, director of the township parks and recreation department, said illegal hunting isn’t as much of a problem as it used to be in the parks, but it doesn’t hurt to remind people of the prohibition.
‘It’s been curtailed,? he said. ‘Everybody’s been respecting (the ordinance).?
‘We used to have people bow hunting in Powell Lake, believe it or not,? Davis noted. ‘We had people bow hunting at Seymour Lake . . . in the back, by the soccer fields.?
The 300-acre Oakwood Lake park was the biggest problem, given its size and the fact that it’s located directly across from state-owned land where hunting is permitted.
‘State land is on the south side of Oakwood (Road), not the north side,? Davis reminded.
But just because the situation has improved doesn’t mean park staffers aren’t still vigilant about watching for violators.
‘If we see a (tree) stand, we’re going to remove it,? Davis said.
Given it’s hunting season, Davis advised park users to take certain precautions.
‘If you do go walking in one of our parks, especially Oakwood, I would wear orange,? he said. ‘You never know who’s going to be in there . . . Always have something visible on, preferably hunter’s orange.?
‘I don’t want to scare anybody,? Davis noted. ‘Just be aware of your surroundings.?
Park users who spot illegal hunting are asked to please contact either the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office or Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
‘Give us a call,? Davis said. ?(Notifying) any one of those three (agencies) would be helpful.?
The phone number for the parks and rec. department is (248) 628-1720. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Oxford Township substation can be reached by calling (248) 969-3077.