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 Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked the trout opener in the BWCAW. The weather was warm and some nice trout were seen in the bag. The officer spent time working snowmobile trail enforcement. Enforcement action was taken for an over limit, snowmobile, and fishing violations.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked with Officer Duncan over the BWCA trout opener. Many miles were put on by foot and the activity level seems to be going down every year for this opener. Not many people were checked and the fishing was slow. Hard packed trails made for easy going. The officers checked a remote cabin for a concerned cabin owner, checked snowmobile activity and Officer Fagerman assisted with a personal injury accident on the North Shore by Split Rock.
CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais) checked ice anglers and snowmobile riders. Snow depths vary greatly across the area resulting in some hidden dangers on the trails and ditches. The officer also followed up on deer season cases involving illegal stands on public lands.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) spent time last week getting two swans to a rehab facility. The birds were injured and could not fly. He also put down a sick deer in a local town. The deer was bedded next to the house and was taken to the local DNR wildlife office for possible testing.
CO Mike Krauel (Milaca) stopped an individual who was operating a snowmobile that was stolen 15 years ago.
CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) handled a complaint which resulted in two subjects being located who had shot a turkey and goose unlawfully.
CO Tom Hemker (Winona) responded to a complaint of somebody shooting at a swan and found people hunting in a closed area and taking game during the closed season.
Contact local DNR Conservation Officers to report violations or ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom
218-370-0244
Darin Fagerman
218-387-9751
Mary Manning
218-475-0121
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