As an outdoorsman, Ive discovered over the years that it can be quite easy to get a bad attitude about the DNR. I mean, hang around in a coffee shop, bait shop, tavern or even a church foyer and someone will begin to complain about the state agency that everyone loves to hate.
I suppose the very nature of the DNR being a regulatory agency often puts it in a position of being disliked, much like Congress, the police, the IRS, the county board, city council and, oh yes, even the church council. Of course, if any of these groups are needed and actually help you out, then they are okay - at least for time being.
Years ago, I served a stint as a conservation warden and one of my duties was to check hunters during opening day of the deer gun season. I recall one time that I pulled into a public hunting grounds parking lot and on the bumper of a car was a very anti-DNR sticker with words unfit to print in this publication.
A nice, big doe was tied to the trunk directly above the sticker and two men were sitting inside enjoying a cup of coffee and a sandwich. After checking their licenses and tags and finding everything in order, I asked them about ...
