Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority
of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are
a few who 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 Mary Manning (Hovland)
checked anglers, ice houses, and minnow traps before the snow flew. New snow will mean good conditions for snowmobiling and cross country skiing once groomers have a chance to get out. Skiers are reminded to purchase cross-country ski passes before hitting any of the state trail systems.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia)
checked anglers on area lakes. On one of these lakes two anglers were observed from a distance using five lines. When Frericks got closer to the anglers he watched one of them cut the line he had in his hands. Frericks then mentioned that he watched the angler who cut the line pull a fish out of the hole a few minutes earlier. A citation was issued.
Area snowmobilers were checked also. Frericks observed one snowmobiler who was having trouble starting his sled that hasn’t been currently registered since 2002. The older gentleman was out of breath and appeared tired. The CO quickly got the sled running and then escorted the snowmobiler back to his cabin. When it came time to issue a citation the snowmobiler begged, “Oh come on, can’t you be a good guy and look the other way?” Frericks did his job and issued a citation.
CO Paul Kuske (Pierz)
received a call on Christmas Eve from an individual who had reported a violation to TIP, but had not received his requested reward. The person complained that TIP doesn’t work and, because he didn’t get his reward, he was unable to buy his wife a Christmas present this year. Kuske plans to check on the status of the potential reward and contact the person to ensure a happy holiday season.
CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington)
was approaching a fish house one night when he overheard a conversation from inside. It seems that one of the fishermen didn’t have a fishing license. The second fisherman assured the first not to worry; he’d never been checked by a game warden there. There’s a first time for everything!
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls)
investigated a complaint of billowing black smoke. The smoke was caused by a person burning tractor tires. Enforcement action taken for burning prohibited materials.
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