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) spent the week checking snowmobilers and anglers. The trails were in tough shape until the recent snow fall. Remote trout and walleye lakes were checked with decent success. The officer helped teach the riding portion of snowmobile safety. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines, no snowmobile registration and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked some very hardcore trout anglers who braved the -47 degree wind chill to find some trout. A few snowmobilers were out also. Some said it was better to be outside than inside no matter what the weather. Enforcement action was taken for failing to display snowmobile trail sticker and for no fishing license in possession.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) responded to a report of an accidental catch of a wolf after the close of the wolf season. The report was given by the trapper and after further inspection the animal turned out to be a large coyote that the trapper was happy to be able to keep.
CO Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reports that he checked snowmobilers and anglers over the holiday weekend. The lack of snow and cold temperatures kept some people away. Enforcement action was taken for an unregistered snowmobile. The violator was warned verbally while unloading his sled. CO Johnson met him on the trail about two hours later.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt/Ely) reports attending division taser training. A motorist was cited for litter when he threw a lit cigarette butt out of his vehicle right in front of the CO.
CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) checked anglers on area lakes. Some issues with ice ridges have been reported so use caution when driving across lakes especially at night when they are difficult to see. Several calls of aggressive wolves and coyotes where fielded. Often these animals become more territorial toward domesticated dogs during their breeding season.
Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) finished up the moose survey and started the moose capture on Sunday out of Grand Marais.
CO Scott Staples (Carlton) attended a district meeting and taser training. Assistance was given to the Wisconsin DNR in searching for a missing snowmobiler. He was found walking out of the woods after spending two nights out in the woods in frigid temperatures.
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