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) checked snowmobilers and ice anglers along the North Shore. The extreme cold kept most people off the ice, while a few sleds were still out on the trails. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobile violations.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) took part in a work detail on Lake Vermilion. Anglers and snowmobile riders were checked.
CO Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) reports coho salmon are being caught along the North Shore and in Two Harbors.
CO Chris Vinton (Perham) received several calls about a couple of dead swans on an area lake that most likely struck the power lines. The area is near a spot of open water frequented by local swans. DNR Wildlife staff is also aware of the situation and wanted to let the public know that unless the swans become a risk to the motoring public, nature will be left to take its course.
CO Annette Kyllo (Pierz) followed up on a complaint of dead wolves hanging in someone’s yard. When asked if it was possible they could be coyotes, the caller was adamant they were wolves. A check at the address showed they were legally taken coyotes and foxes.
CO Duke Broughten (Cook) while working snowmobile trail enforcement, stopped a snowmobiler for going through two posted stop signs. The snowmobiler was going too fast and had no way of stopping. The snowmobiler stated, “Well I slowed down, but I guess I should have stopped.” Snowmobilers are reminded to slow down and stay to the right when operating on the trails.
CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) reports that three individuals escaped an early morning fish house fire on Mille Lacs Lake and were located several hours later to ensure proper clean-up. A return to the site the following day showed they did a fantastic job of cleaning up.
Two brothers were contacted after Mlynar witnessed them drag racing snowmobiles on a trail located on a township road. They crested a hill at nearly 60 mph riding side by side. Luckily, nobody happened to be coming from the other direction during a busy vintage ride using the same trail. Fines for their actions will be in the range of $375.
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