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 Mary Manning (Hovland) spent a busy week checking grouse hunters, moose hunters and bear hunters. Many folks were also out enjoying fall colors and the nice weather. Salmon are still in the rivers, but most are in a poor and unappetizing condition. Unattended campfires are still being located by the officer – a fire is out when it is cold, not lukewarm. Enforcement action was taken for unattended fire, drain plug violation, failure to transfer ATV registration and transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) assisted with the execution of a search warrant with several officers. The officer worked the opener of the moose season with a few decent moose taken so far. Waterfowl, grouse, bear and ATVers were also checked. A good variety of ducks were seen in the bag. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and big game violations.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked moose hunters, grouse hunters and a few anglers out during a glorious fall weekend. The CO didn’t see a moose during his patrols. A little effort by some grouse hunters proved to be well worth it.
Sgt. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked anglers along the North Shore. There were pink salmon in the Grand Marais area. The weather and the fall colors seemed perfect over the weekend. The woods are tinder dry, and caution is urged with campfires in the woods.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) met a grouse hunter who needed to have some of the firearm transport laws refreshed when he was transporting a fully loaded shotgun in a motor vehicle. Further scrutiny of the hunter revealed he neglected to purchase a small game license as well. The hunter was issued two citations and advised to call his probation officer.
Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) investigated a large pile of animal entrails deposited at a landowner’s gate.
CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) checked a couple hunters who were walking out of the slough. He asked them if they had any luck duck hunting. The lady answered in an excited voice and a big smile said, “I shot a muskrat!” Her boyfriend at almost the same time said, “No, you didn’t shoot a muskrat.” The lady’s smile went away and she said, “No, I didn’t shoot a muskrat.” Officer Sladek said, “You shot a muskrat, didn’t you?” She then said, “Yes, I did.” Sladek then took enforcement action on the violation.
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