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) checked grouse hunters and some designated trout lake anglers. The CO saw lots of grouse during the week as the underbrush leaves have dropped. The sunshine also helped out as many birds were out picking grit and catching a few rays. Fall walleye fishing has been excellent also. It is time to start thinking about sighting in deer rifles instead of waiting until the last minute.
CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais East) participated in an ATV work detail on the North Shore checking grouse hunters, ATV operators, and anglers. The officer also handled nuisance bear calls, took a report of a legally taken moose, and assisted Cook County with a firearms complaint at a cabin.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored grouse hunting, waterfowl hunting, and ATV activity. The officer assisted in a work detail in Lake and Cook counties. Enforcement action was taken for ATV, small game, and firearms violations.
CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) observed an angler off a public pier using two poles for walleyes. He had no idea when asked about the number of lines legal to fish with; two was his best guess. A citation was issued.
CO Marc Hopkins (Tower) cited an individual for illegally destroying a beaver dam, causing a loud explosion and disturbing the neighbors.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) received a call regarding a dead wolf that turned out to be a dog.
CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) received a call of a bow-killed deer that was left to rot on state property without any of the meat being harvested.
CO Chelsie Leuthardt (Prior Lake) responded to a TIP call regarding a closed season goose hunter and a goose being shot. The suspect claimed to be crow hunting and claimed he never shot a goose. CO Siems was contacted to bring her dog to the area to search for a downed goose. A wounded, but alive, goose was located. The suspect finally admitted to hunting in a closed season once he was presented with the goose. Enforcement action was taken on hunting in a closed season, hunting waterfowl with an unplugged gun, no HIP certification, hunting in closed hours, no small game license, and operating a motor vehicle in a prohibited area. CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) observed someone throwing litter in the river; upon contact the subject had a can of spray paint and two burritos tucked in his pants. The subject admitted to huffing paint and littering.
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