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 Mary Manning (Hovland) checked trappers and trap sets during the short fisher/pine marten season. The officer also assisted DNR Wildlife staff with fur registration. Trapper success was good. The officer also handled deer possession tags and checked muzzleloader hunters.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked muzzleloader and small game hunters throughout the week. Fisher/pine marten traps were checked and the officer assisted in registering furs in Finland.
CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) reports that a call of thick black smoke led to enforcement action for illegally burning a large pile of household items removed from a foreclosed home.
CO John Slatinski (International Falls) took a report from a local trapper of sheep running loose in a heavily wooded area around the Galvin Line. The individuals stated they had to get a picture or they knew nobody would believe them. It is reported the sheep have been in the area for about a month. If anyone can provide contact information on a possible owner it will be appreciated.
CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) completed firearms deer season investigations including a case of individuals taking multiple deer from a motor vehicle after shooting hours, on agriculture land where no permission was granted. The individuals are facing gross misdemeanor charges, multiple fines, revocation of hunting privileges, and revocation of firearms and vehicles.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) has a case of criminal damage to property to the Mille Lacs WMA pending, due to a driver of a 4×4 truck rutting up a hay field for recreation purposes. The driver was confronted by DNR Wildlife staff and was told he could be fined for the offense, to which he replied, “It was totally worth it.” He now faces fines and restitution of over $1,000.
CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) handled a call of a deer hanging in a person’s yard for two weeks. The deer was found to have been a road kill and was not edible.
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