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) followed up on past investigations. He investigated a litter complaint on the ice and handled wildlife calls.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked a Rainy River detail with other officers during the week.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) spent the week at Camp Ripley assisting with annual training for field officers in firearms use and defensive tactics. Manning also worked a snowy stream trout opener on the North Shore.
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls West) responded to a call of a black bear stranded in a farmyard ring dike due to flooding conditions. Enforcement action for the week included excessive speed for an individual who passed the CO traveling 104 mph.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) followed up on a call from the previous week about a reported wolf in a trap. It turned out to be a coyote. The freshly caught coyote was in a trap left out in the woods from earlier in the winter. The trapper was cited.
Also, an inexperienced ATV driver ran a stop sign and shortly thereafter made a turn on two wheels. The driver had a suspended driver’s license. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Amber Ladd (McGregor) observed a large amount of black smoke and investigated the source. She discovered a new homeowner burning some items discarded from cleaning out his new home, including a couch. The flames were quickly extinguished and revealed several prohibited items being burned.
CO Chad Thesing (Albany) assisted the Rockville Fire Department on the rescue of a deer that fell through thin ice on Pleasant Lake. The fire department used its coldwater suits to pull the deer to shore and the deer was released. The rescue was good training for the fire fighters.
CO Garrett Thomas (Eagan) spent time investigating an illegal garbage dump at a local wildlife area. More than 30 trash bags, furniture, and various garbage were dumped. The responsible party was located, is in the process of cleaning it up, and will be subject to enforcement action.
CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports a busy trout opener; one group checked with a limit forgot about the nine extra they had in the spare tire compartment. Enforcement action was taken.
Contact local DNR Conservation Officers to report violations or ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom 218-370-0244
Darin Fagerman 218-370-1717
Mary Manning 218-475-0121
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