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) continues to check moose, bear and grouse hunters. The CO was called out to help with a couple of fire investigations in the northwest, including the arson fire that burned several homes in Karlstad.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked small game hunters and moose hunters; compliance was generally good. One vehicle carrying would-be hunters was given an unappreciated lesson on the dangers of shooting from roadways in unfamiliar woodlands full of other hunters. Manning also investigated the death of a moose calf; the animal was recovered with the much-appreciated help of the hunter who reported it and biologists were able to determine that it died of systemic infection from an old wound. The officer also answered phone calls, took care of maintenance and seasonal equipment issues, assisted with a search warrant, and patrolled state parks, campgrounds and WMAs.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) executed a search warrant with area officers related to a big game violation. The officer checked anglers along the North Shore tributaries. Moose and bear hunters were also checked. Wahlstrom spent time meeting with the county attorney to discuss ongoing investigations. Enforcement action was taken for ATV, angling and big game violations.
CO Al Peterson (Osage) responded to an eyewitness complaint of a turkey hunter shooting from a motor vehicle. The suspect was located at a nearby cabin with turkey in hand. After a discussion and denials and a couple of discrepancies, the hunter relented and told the truth. A citation was issued and the bird seized.
CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) responded to a TIP call regarding a boat going up a river loaded with concrete bags and lumber. Plautz contacted the individuals, who were boating upstream and building deer stands on private property.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) was called to rescue an archery hunter who was afraid to leave his stand as wolves were underneath it. The hunter was ill prepared in the first place, not even having a flashlight. He was found safe and sound.
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