BATH TOWNSHIP, MI – Pheasant releases to boost the hunting season are suspended amid the cleanup and investigation of a fatal plane crash that killed three people last week, state officials announced.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that it paused the program at Rose Lake State Game Area in Clinton and Shiawassee counties. The crash happened near the game area on Thursday evening in Bath Township, east of Lansing.
All three people aboard the mid-size twinjet aircraft died. They were later identified as pilots Rodolfo Pimentel Zamora, 50, and Francisco del moral Jimenez, 55, and mechanic Alvaro Espejo Javier Rodriguez, 69, all of Mexico.
RELATED: Police identify pilots, mechanic killed in plane crash near Lansing
An ongoing investigation into the crash is being led by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Pheasant releases have been suspended to ensure the safety of investigators and hunters, the DNR said.
The state game area will remain open, but visitors are urged to avoid the crash area until the investigation is complete, which is expected later this week.
The DNR will make another announcement when pheasant releases at Rose Lake can safely resume.
“We understand this is a disappointment for hunters eager to enjoy the pheasant season,” said Mark Mills, a manager in the DNR Wildlife Division’s southern Michigan region. “However, public safety and the integrity of the ongoing investigation are our top priorities. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this difficult time.”
Hunters looking for alternative pheasant hunting opportunities can visit other DNR-managed pheasant release sites across Michigan. Visit Michigan.gov/SmallGame for more on pheasants, season regulations and release maps.
Pheasant hunting is currently in season in the Upper and Lower peninsulas.
All pheasant hunters must have a base license, and some may also need a $25 pheasant license. The $25 pheasant license is required to hunt pheasants on any public lands in the Lower Peninsula or on lands enrolled in the Hunting Access Program.
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