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 Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) patrolled lake Superior streams checking anglers trying their luck for steelhead and loopers. The bite is picking up and some nice loopers were seen in the bag. The officer spent time at Camp Ripley preparing for the upcoming in-service training. Spring beaver trappers are out in full force, with a few accidental otter takes reported. Enforcement action was taken for an angler with illegal equipment and license violations.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked anglers, trappers and installed radios in boats. He took enforcement action for no fishing license.
Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (Northeast Region) attended lake service provider training in Grand Marais last Tuesday. Information was presented to those in attendance on the AIS issues with the service that they offer. Many questions were answered and those in attendance were receptive to the information.
CO Larry Francis (Remer) encountered a logger’s feller-buncher on its side and notified the logger. He learned from the logger that it was an act of vandalism. Enforcement action was taken for operating a motor vehicle on a closed state forest road.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) assisted when a moose that was running around in the production area of a local mine had to be destroyed after it had fallen down a steep bank and ended up in a rocky ditch. The moose was transported to St. Paul and turned over to researchers.
CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) responded when a dead eagle with a sucker clutched in its claws was found on the shoreline on the Pine River down from the dam. Foul play is not suspected and it appears that he may have dived into the high wire while fishing.
CO Steve Walter (Waconia) was on patrol when three teenage girls were out on Lake Waconia on a paddle boat when it started sinking. Lucky they were wearing their life jackets since they had to swim 300 yards to shore in 51-degree water. They were all taken to the hospital suffering from hypothermia.
CO Tony Salzer (Osseo) investigated the illegal sale of fish online. Salzer also investigated the dumping of freshly cut logs into the Mississippi River in Champlin. The dumping of anything, including yard refuse into wetlands, lakes and rivers is illegal. Enforcement action was taken.
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