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) reports big differences in ice conditions across area lakes. Check ice depths for yourself and do not rely on rumors. Just because a snowmobile track crosses a lake doesn’t mean it is safe to walk on. It is best to carry ice picks in case you go through. Anglers are reporting that water is gushing up through holes they cut on some lakes. Some trails to remote trout lakes are still impassable. The CO did a wilderness patrol into the Boundary Waters during the week.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled GIA snowmobile trails and checked sledders. Clubs have done an amazing job getting trails cleared and in good shape after the snow damage to trees; most are now open if not groomed. The officer also checked a few anglers and reports ice conditions are improving with the colder temps. Manning also checked cross country ski passes and assisted with an administrative project.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the majority of the week on his snowmobile checking trails and area lakes. The local snowmobile trail clubs have done an outstanding job clearing the trails from all the down trees and brush. Area lakes still have variable conditions and some have deep slush. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobile violations.
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) took a frozen swan call. COs found the swan bogged down with heavy ice on its wings. They scared the bird into walking to open water where the ice melted from its wings and it swam away.
CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) received a complaint about coyote hunters shooting too close to a residence.
CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) found two separate anglers fishing with extra lines. One angler had a tip up, a fishing pole down and was holding a spear over the spear hole when checked. When asked how many lines they were using the angler looked up and said “too many.”
CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) assisted Wright County Sheriff ’s Department and State Patrol with the search for a missing child. The child was located and returned home a little scared but okay.
CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) received a report from a concerned citizen that a group of snow and Canada geese was frozen in the Cedar River. The geese were merely resting on the ice before continuing on their way.
Contact local DNR
Conservation Officers to report
violations or ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom 218-370-0244
Darin Fagerman 218-387-9751
Mary Manning 218-475-0121
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