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 a very quiet ending to the deer season. Hunters had enough of the weather and not seeing much for deer or sign. Trees falling around stands and on back roads didn’t help either. The officer checked whitefish and herring nets for identification and depth. Netting has gotten off to a very slow start with the water temps being much warmer than what they are normally at this time of year.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked deer hunters and patrolled WMAs and state parks. The officer followed up on reports of a hunter using his rifle scope in place of binoculars to check out approaching vehicles. The predicted winter storm did not bring enough snow for snowmobile trails, but it did bring high winds that took down many trees that now block roads and trails and will make more work for trail personnel.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked deer hunters, small game hunters and trappers. The officer continued to follow up on big game investigations. Enforcement action was taken for firearm, burning, and snowmobile violations.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked the close of the firearms deer season from a snowmobile after a winter storm hit the Northland. Some diehard hunters kept trying for a deer but the woods were eerily quiet for the final weekend of the season. Ice has begun to form on small ponds and shallow lakes in the area but has a long way to go before even foot travel is advised.
CO Scott Staples (Carlton) and K9 Schody assisted area law enforcement with searching for evidence after a pursuit. The suspect fled on foot from a vehicle and was believed to have thrown a gun. K9 Schody searched the area and alerted to a ball of tinfoil buried in the snow near where the suspect fled. The tinfoil turned out to have a substance that is believed to be narcotics. The gun was found at a later time in a different area by deputies. The suspect faces several felony level charges.
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