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) encountered a man who was proud of his new kayak as he was just going out onto a lake for a fishing trip. The man went on to explain he didn’t know how he was going to run three rods out of his kayak since he wasn’t used to it. The officer then told him that he’d make his predicament a little easier since you can only use one rod at a time in Minnesota. Fagerman also had to explain what kind of fish were in this particular lake and what the limits were as the man didn’t seem to understand the rules. The man did have a fishing license on him which at least is a better start than some encountered. Fagerman is about ready to put the grouse season in the poor column.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers and grouse hunters; birds continue to be elusive. The officer patrolled ATV trails and forest roads checking riders. The officer also followed up on open wetlands and hunting cases, spoke with local radio reporter, and answered questions about the fall deer hunt in the state parks.
CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) reports that a pair of young pheasant hunters were excited to display their limits of birds and then hit a nice rooster as they drove away and had concern about being over limit. The officer explained acts of nature and a bird in the grill of the pickup was not considered to be a part of their daily limit.
CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) took a call of an elk and mule deer being transported whole in the back of a pickup. The reporting party thought the animals were fresh but in fact turned out to be finished head mounts from a taxidermy shop.
CO Mike Krauel checked an individual who was operating a motor vehicle with a loaded shotgun in the seat beside him along with an open beer can in the cup holder. When the CO asked for a driver’s license, the individual said, “Well, I guess I got caught.” The individual had his license cancelled years back, but has continued to drive. The individual was arrested for driving after cancellation along with other charges.
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