Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen andwomen 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 the salmon are still hitting on Lake Superior. Some anglers are reporting water temps in the lower 70s which is virtually unheard of for the big lake, especially for this long of a period. Fagerman also responded to the U.S. Port of Entry at Pigeon River for an over limit of 39 smallmouth bass.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers and boaters, took calls on nuisance beavers, and answered questions about the upcoming wolf hunt. Manning also took reports of a dark-colored cougar and a mangy wolf that has been frequenting several homes.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked Lake Superior checking anglers, boat registration, and boat and water safety. While working on Lake Superior in the officer’s patrol vessel with Border Patrol Agent Rippingler, they performed a rescue during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Sgt. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked anglers north of Duluth. Lake Superior continues to have rather warm surface temps. Fishing has primarily consisted of lake trout in the Duluth-Two Harbors area. Salmon are being caught farther up the shore in the Silver Bay and Grand Marais areas. The warm weather continues to have many swimming and taking advantage of the area beaches.
CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) was patrolling a lakeside housing area when he spotted what appeared to be marijuana growing on the back side of a garden. Gorecki contacted the sheriff ’s department and assisted in the search of the property. When the owner asked how we knew there was marijuana growing behind his tomatoes, the officer explained that his nearly 4-foot-tall marijuana had outgrown his 2½-foot tomato camouflage. Marijuana plants, seeds, and paraphernalia were seized from the property owner and charges are pending.
CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth West) reports that a juvenile fatally injured a gull by throwing a basketball at it and will now have to explain this senseless act.
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