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) patrolled remote areas by snowmobile and the BWCA by snowshoes during the week. The lake trout lakes are producing some fish, but the designated trout lakes have been very quiet.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked a snowmobile detail with Lt. Thomasen and Officer Manning over the weekend. The trails were very busy with snowmobilers from all over. Despite the heavy traffic, the state trail held up nicely. The officer checked anglers on remote trout lakes where the bite was slow. Enforcement action was taken for multiple snowmobile violations.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled snowmobile trails and generally found good compliance. Anglers and fishing shelters were checked; anglers report slow fishing. The officer also answered questions on moose, wolves and changes to snowmobile trail passes. One snowmobiler who was stopped for failing to display her registration stated that the sled was new and that’s why the registration and trail sticker were in a Ziploc in her pocket, not on the machine. Except that the stickers had been purchased in 2011 when the sled was new. She received additional papers to put in her pocket.
A reminder to sledders that these items must be purchased and properly displayed on the snowmobile. Enforcement action was taken for operating an unregistered snowmobile, no state trail sticker displayed, no registration displayed, no snowmobile safety certificate and no angling license in possession.
CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) conducted a follow-up investigation on an illegally taken deer. An anonymous typed letter with no return address was sent to the region office for the officer with information regarding the incident. The hunter admitted to several violations during the interview including failing to tag and take a doe in a lottery area without an either sex tag. Charges are pending. The letters were a great asset to the investigation. It is a great example of the different methods that can be utilized to get TIP information to your local CO and remain anonymous.
CO Duke Broughten (Longville) was waiting as a snowmobiler was refueling his machine. The operator attempted to start the snowmobile when it unexpectedly started on fire. He retrieved his fire extinguisher and was able to put most of the fire out and drag the machine away from the fuel pumps. Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident; however, the snowmobile sustained extensive damage.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) reports snowmobile speed enforcement was the emphasis for the week with several cited – some with speeds recorded as high as 86 mph. A refresher course in wind chill factor may be necessary for one driver as his excuse for speeding was because it was cold out.
CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) assisted when a group of anglers found themselves in a tangled mess after returning from a lunch break at a nearby bar and finding the CO wanting them to explain the unattended lines. As the anglers attempted to pull up their baits it was discovered a feisty northern pike had tangled all five lines in the fish house. The illegally taken northern pike was released unharmed.
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