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 married couple just driving around, smoking some dope and road hunting for grouse while their children were left back in a motel room. In the driver’s haste to cover up the marijuana smell, she reached towards a compartment to spray a cologne cover scent. In that compartment was a loaded handgun that she’d forgotten about. When asked if there were any other loaded handguns in the car, they also forgot about the second loaded handgun they had. They both received citations. Enforcement action was also taken for ATV violations and failing to remove bear bait stations after the season.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) handled calls about nuisance beavers, tree stand use in state and national forests, and deer baiting. The officer also helped with new shotgun instruction and qualifications for all field staff at Camp Ripley.
CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) investigated a fire that was started illegally, then left unattended and nearly burned out of control through the woods and into dwellings and cabins had it not been for concerned neighbors who put the fire out.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) investigated a shooting complaint involving an individual shooting at dogs chasing deer through his back yard. The individual was advised of the current law regarding dogs chasing deer and he was advised to contact animal control. Guida did patrol the area in search of the nuisance at-large dogs chasing deer, but was unable to locate them.
CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) responded when a whitetail deer decided to wrap his antlers and head in an electric fence completely snaring himself. The buck was set free by CO Davis and other local deputies.
CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) followed up with a case of waterfowl hunting in the closed south season and 21 ducks were seized as a result. Mueller also took a complaint during the week from a landowner who had pellets from pheasant hunters fall on his barn.
CO Joe Kulhanek (Hastings) responded with another officer to a TIP call of a group shooting cormorants; they were located and enforcement action was taken.
CO Mike Krauel (Milaca) took a call about two eagles that were locked together in the woods. He discovered the eagles were not injured and were just too stubborn to release each other until they felt threatened by the officer.
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