Every spring there seems to be a rash of trash dumped in local gravel pits and in the woods. The Cook County News-Herald reminds residents and visitors that littering and dumping of trash or debris is illegal and can result in criminal penalties.
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) monitored spring beaver trappers and ATVs. The officer checked trout anglers during the inland stream trout opener and assisted with a firearms safety class in Grand Marais. Wahlstrom worked spring fish run and checked anglers along the North Shore rivers.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked in another part of the state as part of the wildfire investigation team. He also worked with Officer Thomasen on the Rainy River during the last couple of days of that season. A few people were encountered who had a hard time keeping track of the two walleye limit. Fish were seized, citations were issued and the folks at the Grand Marais Senior Center will have a nice walleye lunch this week.
CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked fishing and hunting complaints and spent time in the BWCAW. Every year, we get those people poaching while pretending they are fishing for panfish in the northern and walleye spawning areas. Daredevils and large minnow rigs are not typical crappie or even perch baits and you may be cited for using them. Remember that 2011 fishing licenses will expire at the end of the month.
CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) continues to investigate a case involving two juveniles shooting a variety of animals this spring. A complaint of a person shooting a pheasant was also investigated.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) monitored angler activity as fishing continues in a very low-water spring. Lower numbers of both anglers and trout have been seen due to the lack of warm spring flow. Two people were apprehended netting fish from a sanctuary in the middle of the night.
CO Larry Francis (Remer) investigated a dump pile for identifying items and referred a case of two parties tilling, clearing, and planting food plots on federal land to the U.S. Forest Service.
CO Scott Staples and K-9 Schody (Carlton) conducted a work detail on North Shore streams where two individuals were caught taking trout with a dip net. Both parties are facing gross misdemeanor charges.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) followed up on an illegal dumping complaint that occurred on state property. Guida located Social Security cards of three children, a banking card, and numerous other very important documents. The owner was contacted and indicated that they were previously stolen. Numerous other items including televisions, mattresses, and appliances were unfortunately littering the area.
Leave a Reply