SAVE THE HOOLIGAN & OUR RIGHTS!

The Story Behind Our January 2024 Trail Ride and What Followed

In early January 2024, I invited others to join us on a trail ride. Fast forward to January 27, 2024 — I pulled into the parking lot where everyone planned to meet and was shocked by how full it was. Over 20 side-by-sides were parked and ready to ride with us. I never anticipated such a large turnout, especially on a cold, snowy day in northern Michigan.

We set off on a 150-mile ride, stopping at a local gas station to fuel up before continuing. About 30 miles later, we stopped for a snack and restroom break at a designated parking area along the trail. This area featured a hill with multiple trails leading up, and many riders started climbing it for fun. I captured the excitement on camera and eventually decided to climb the hill myself, spinning my tires lightly and mostly flinging snow, with minimal dirt disturbed.

The ride continued throughout the day and into the night, with additional stops for fuel and food. According to the Michigan DNR website, the trail we were on included the hill, so I believed riding there was permitted. Unfortunately, things took a turn I wasn’t prepared for.

The Legal Fallout

About a month after the ride, I heard rumors of a warrant for my arrest. I immediately contacted the DNR office to investigate, but they had no record or confirmation. Months later, DNR officers arrived at my home with a warrant and two tickets:

1. Operating an ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) in a manner creating an erosive condition

2. Hosting a group event on state land without a permit

I was unaware that a permit was required for gatherings of over 20 people (a $150 fee), and I never expected such a large turnout. Someone had sent the DNR a video of our ride, prompting an investigation. It reportedly took two months of door-to-door inquiries and visits to local businesses for the DNR to track me down.

When I refused to plead guilty — believing I hadn’t caused significant damage and unable to afford the $2,000 fines — the DNR escalated the situation, adding more charges and prolonging the legal process.

I secured a court-appointed attorney, and we decided to take the case to a jury trial, hoping for a fairer outcome. However, during the trial, the prosecutor added a new charge without prior notice or evidence, forcing adjournments and repeated delays.

Resolution and Restitution

By October 2024, after moving over an hour away from the county handling the case, I faced mounting court costs and personal expenses. To end the ordeal, I accepted a plea deal: plead guilty to one charge in exchange for the dismissal of the others.

However, after pleading guilty and paying the $2,000 fine, the prosecutor sought $7,648 in restitution to “repair” the hill I had allegedly damaged. Their solution involved hauling in 35 massive boulders (6-10 feet in diameter), cutting down 10 living trees, and planting grass seed on the hill. Heavy machinery like semi-trucks and front loaders was used, causing far more environmental damage than I ever did.

Despite presenting photos and videos showing the hill had been damaged long before my visit, the judge ruled in favor of the state, holding me responsible for the full restitution cost.

A Call to Action

The Michigan DNR, tasked with preserving our natural resources, appears to prioritize financial gain over true stewardship. They allow extensive logging operations that destroy trails yet penalize everyday outdoor enthusiasts like me for minimal impact. This situation reflects government overreach and corruption, and it’s time to hold them accountable.

My fines and court costs now total over $10,000. While my wife and I work hard to make ends meet, this is something we cannot handle alone.

The off-road community is like family to us — we always strive to support one another and have each other’s backs.

If you’re able to help, any contribution is greatly appreciated. I’ve also listed my side-by-side for sale to cover expenses, though selling it would be heartbreaking, as trail riding is one of the few joys my family shares.

If you’d like to learn more, view evidence, or discuss this issue, visit Hooligan UTV on Facebook. Let’s stand together and fight for our rights to responsibly enjoy the land we cherish.

Thank you, and God bless!