CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked GIA snowmobile trails. Snow is sparse and some trails are rough; downed trees are also a hazard as crews still need to get out to clear from the last wet snowfall. The officer checked muzzleloader hunters, took a call about nuisance wolves, checked for a sick moose, and assisted Cook County with a domestic and a stranded motorist. Automobile drivers are reminded that not all forest roads are plowed and getting stuck in a remote location could be dangerous.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that he checked his first anglers and snowmobilers of the year. Most lakes remain unsafe for travel because recent snowfalls have insulated the ice from cold temperatures. Everyone is reminded to check for themselves and not listen to rumors on ice thickness. Carrying ice picks is a must at this time of year for ice travel. Snowmobilers are reminded that 2016 registration stickers expired in June.
CO Marty Stage (Ely) handled a call of a deer with an arrow in it at a bird feeder. The next morning, a call came in about another deer that had fallen through the ice on the Kawishiwi River. The same thing can happen to a person, as the ice is very dangerous right now. If you can’t be convinced, at least bring survival gear such as ice picks, rope, and a PFD if you can’t resist being the first ones on the ice.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) reports that diehard shore anglers were checked casting from the Two Harbors breakwall in sub-zero temps.
CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) addressed over limit and lend/borrow violations when a deer hunter was found trying to fill a bonus tag in a lottery area. The investigation discovered the person had already shot two bucks in the one deer area, using his non-hunting mom’s license to cover one and failing to register the other, as well as trying to take a third deer.
CO Caleb Silgjord (Brookston) provided assistance to the sheriff ’s office when a wanted suspect fled into the woods. Silgjord located the suspect near a residence and was able to apprehend him. After securing the suspect, he advised the officer that he “looked like a nice guy, so he didn’t run.” The fact that the suspect had been on the run for some time in the cold weather with a K-9 unit not far behind may have also influenced his decision.
CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) talked to a homeowner about a complaint on the number of dead squirrels that were in his back yard. It was found that they were live trapping and then killing squirrels that were doing damage.
CO Eric Sullivan (Walker) was advised of a timber wolf that was hit by a car on State Highway 71 in Hubbard County. The wolf was located and donated to Bemidji State University for education.
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!
Leave a Reply