Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are a few that run afoul of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers. Periodically, the DNR provides a report of some of the miscreants the Conservation Officers (CO) have encountered. The News-Herald shares these stories as a reminder to all to be safe and to follow the rules!
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a relatively slow week despite being one of the few areas of the state with snow. The few snowmobilers who ventured out enjoyed having the trail to themselves. He checked a few anglers and reminded a few riders that snowmobile trail stickers belong affixed to the snowmobile and not in their pockets.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled area lakes in and around the BWCAW. Ice conditions continue to be varied. Area forest roads and snowmobiles are getting some use despite rather thin snow cover; sled compliance was good. The officer also checked state parks and cross country ski passes.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking anglers on area lakes. A fishing contest was worked with few fish caught but most people were enjoying themselves and the warm weather. The officer worked on equipment-related issues and responded to injured animal calls. Enforcement action was taken for angling and ATV violations.
CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) watched a group of anglers shuttle limits of fish to a vehicle on shore and return to the ice to catch more fish. The fish were seized and charges are pending. Vollbrecht is also investigating a complaint of a landowner placing 50-plus Christmas trees on the ice.
CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) checked a group of anglers and observed one man trying to pass his license to a member of the group who didn’t have a license. The anglers didn’t think the officer saw the exchange. Forsberg asked the unlicensed angler the date of birth and address on the license. He was unable to answer and citation was issued.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) seized a mounted lynx from an online auction site. An investigation in under way to determine the origin of the pelt.
CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) handled several unusual calls during the week. These were a report of a pile of carcasses being discovered on a property that is for sale, an injured swan on Norway Lake, and a timber wolf found dead. These cases are still under investigation.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) was checking fishermen when an extra lining angler gave the excuse that while texting on his cell phone his foot may have hit the bail on the fishing rod which was lying on the fish house floor, lowering the jig tipped with a live minnow down 20 feet where it was suspended under a slip bobber, just prior to being checked.
CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) took a call about a Canada goose sitting on top of a house.
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