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) came across an illegal campsite on public lands during the week. Someone had built a small structure, cut down a live tree to make a shooting range, left garbage, shell casings, and junk behind. The CO did take note of the words Mother Nature, my happy place, and flower child written on the campsite structure. He then wondered why someone who claimed to be so close to Mother Nature would leave such a mess strewn about on her forest floor?
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking small game hunters, archery hunters and ATV riders. Time was also spent completing reports and following up on complaints.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) reports that wood ticks have emerged in numbers once again making a walk in the woods less enjoyable.
CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) worked a shining complaint and observed a party shining a light out the driver’s window while in a cemetery. Schmidt and Officer Duncan stopped the vehicle and the occupants were reluctant to explain their actions due to embarrassment. The occupants finally stated that they were looking for ghosts and used the camera flash, as a regular flashlight does not light up ghosts. They explained that their ghost radar on their phone said there were ghosts in the area.
CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports that a caller stated a “coopers hawk” had flown through a large window of his house. The bird was discovered to be a ruffed grouse. Vinton also contacted a landowner who was threatening to start shooting deer if they weren’t provided with extra deer licenses. After listening to the landowner’s concerns, they agreed not to violate the law and work within the system.
CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) had an increase in nuisance bear complaints involving bear destroying corn and hay bales. Farmers reported bears tearing open big round bales and also destroying large areas of standing corn. One landowner reported that he had a black bear sitting on top of a bale of hay watching him chop corn!
CO Leah Weyandt (Mound) received a complaint of a person harboring two wolves at a house in Mound, claiming they are German shepherds. An investigation is being conducted along with the local police department.
CO Brittany Hauser (Red Wing) was notified that someone had shot a swan. The subject and swan were located and a citation issued. Many duck hunters were checked and found to be in possession of lead shot shells; the officer would like to remind waterfowl hunters to double-check their shell bags before heading out.
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