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 time checking hunters during the firearms deer opener. The officer responded to several ATV and baiting complaints. Several individuals were cited for hunting deer over bait and one hunter tried to get by without buying a license. The officer also received calls about pheasants and mountain lions in the area.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a very quiet opening weekend of deer hunting. The CO worked with other area COs in dealing with deer baiting complaints. Whitefish and herring nets were checked for depth and game fish. A firsttime hunter was reminded that it is very important for him to have his license with him. Enforcement action was taken for deer hunting over bait, loaded gun in a motor vehicle and for whitefish nets too deep.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) worked tips on deer bait locations and verified several baited stands. The officer worked the firearms deer opener with CO Fagerman and CO Wahlstrom and officers contacted several hunters on opening morning for hunting over baited areas; citations were issued and firearms seized. Manning contacted one hunter just loading up his ATV to head to the stand and found that he was preparing to carry his loaded rifle along; he was advised of correct regulations before earning a ticket for the violation. The officer also checked traps and worked ATV and trespass complaints.
CO Matt Miller and Officer Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) checked cisco netters on northern waters of Lake Superior between Grand Marais and Grand Portage. A few sea ducks were seen on the cold waters around Grand Portage.
CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) observed one group of seven hunters piled into a truck bed, driving across a field returning from a deer drive. When approached by officers, it was discovered there were four loaded firearms in the motor vehicle and two of the hunters didn’t have licenses. Needless to say enforcement action was taken along with two seized firearms.
CO Larry Francis (Remer) received a trespass complaint that involved three parties whose truck got stuck and approached a rural household for assistance. While asking for help they saw some geese in front of the residence. Instead of asking for permission, the parties tried to sneak by the residence (ducking under the front picture window) in an attempt to shoot the geese. The landowner saw them and of course was upset. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) saw a number of hunters who were attempting to site in guns on a local gravel pit the Friday before opener even though a designated rifle range was two miles away; they didn’t want to pay the $5 fee.
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