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 (Grand Marais) checked grouse hunters and remote trout lakes, and monitored bear-hunting activity. He attended a rifle-armoring class at Camp Ripley and took enforcement action for ATV violations.
CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) said one angler was very surprised to see him prior to sunrise on waterfowl-hunting opener. The angler was observed utilizing an extra line and as Silgjord approached the fishing location the angler cut the line in an attempt to evade detection. Unfortunately, he did so right in front of Silgjord and there was also a bobber attached to the cut line, providing for easy retrieval of the evidence. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Trent Seamans (Big Lake) investigated a TIP complaint of waterfowl hunters failing to make a reasonable effort to retrieve downed game. Although the suspects were long gone, one hunter forgot his hunting license on the scene. When contacted, the hunters denied the allegations despite the fact that the complainant was able to find one of their ducks left behind. Unfortunately, all four suspects failed to purchase a small-game license and enforcement action was taken.
CO Angie Warren (Mahnomen) was informed by an angler that he had fallen from his boat and was able to push from the bottom of the lake to get back up to the boat. When asked about a PFD, he stated he wasn’t wearing one but wished he had been.
Leave a Reply