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) watched a fisher chase a snowshoe hare across the Gunflint Trail. Unless there were endurance issues, the hare probably wasn’t going to end up on the fisher’s menu, but the CO was impressed at how fast a fisher can motor in deep snow. The CO took enforcement action for taking a small game animal (Canada lynx) out of season. A young man shot it last fall after he believed it to be a bobcat. Bobcat season wasn’t open at the time and the lynx is a federally protected animal.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked snowmobile and ski trails throughout the week. The continued cold and new snow is extending the season for these outdoor winter activities and helping to keep trails in excellent condition. Trout anglers found limited success.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored snowmobile trails and checked anglers. The officer had two ride alongs. One was with a law enforcement college student and the other was a DNR park employee working on his NRO certification. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile violations.
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) received multiple calls concerning a bear exiting a den near a county highway. Those concerned were advised that this is a natural and non-threatening occurrence.
CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) investigated over limit complaints. As Osborne was checking fishermen coming off a lake, one truck was found to be eight fish over the limit. The occupants said their cousin gave them the fish and was right behind them. When the cousin came off the lake he didn’t have any fish in his vehicle but he did have a loaded handgun on the front seat right next to him. The subject did not have a permit to carry.
CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) is seeing carp shooters out breaking the law already. Enforcement action was taken on 10 illegal shooters with equipment seized. Most heard rumors that the season opened but failed to confirm what those regulations are by reading a regulation book.
CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) received a number of complaints about dogs chasing and injuring deer. Complainants were upset with the lack of accountability people have for their dogs and the disregard for the health and safety of deer struggling to survive the winter. One dog owner who was counseled saw no issue with allowing his dog to “play” with the deer. Enforcement action was unable to be taken in these situations because the CO did not witness the events.
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