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) checked small game hunters and trappers. The officer met with the assistant county attorney regarding past cases and attended court for a trial. Wahlstrom monitored ATV trails and worked an AIS detail with Officer Manning.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked hunters, trappers and whitefish netters during the week. The CO believes that this year will go down as a pretty good year for grouse hunters as many checked during the season reported good luck. The CO also looked around for people placing bait to attract deer. The CO found some bear stands still left up after the season so some hunters will return next year to find their stands removed from federal and state lands.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) closed out the inland trout season checking lakes and anglers. The officer also concentrated efforts on enforcement of aquatic invasive species transport laws. Several locations were checked for deer bait, including a couple of tips from concerned hunters. While checking area gravel pits, the officer noted an abundance of trash, shell casings, and “targets” left behind by target shooters including cymbals, a milk can, a pillow and circular saw blades, all giving a bad name to responsible shooters.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) responded to a call of a 150-pound bear caught in a foothold trap set for coyote. The bear was released, ran 20 feet, climbed up a tree for 10 seconds, and then ran off into the woods a little more educated.
CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) received a call for the east metro area where a hunter had shot a deer thinking it was a coyote. The call was forwarded to the correct area but, with firearms season just days away, this is a good reminder to hunt safe and know your target.
CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) heard from a 10-year-old boy who is trying to get into trapping only to find that someone stole his traps. A bow hunter disappointed with the fact his hunting area went from a five deer to a one deer limit was found with an untagged and unregistered deer. He was continuing to hunt, attempting to take additional deer and now faces a range of charges, loss of hunting privileges and equipment.
CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) was called for a bear cub on the loose in Clearwater. An individual reported that while he was enjoying a milk shake in a fast food parking lot, a bear cub came up and swiped it from him. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the bear cub was not a black bear as thought but rather a Syrian European brown bear cub. The cub was apprehended without incident and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility until the owner could be located. The owner later realized the cub had escaped and made attempts to locate it. Turns out the bear couldn’t ignore the restaurant’s sweet aromas and busted out of his crate and transport trailer to indulge while the owner was sampling some for himself. The owner produced the proper documentation and was reunited with his cub. Steps will be taken to minimize the possibility of another escape in the future.
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