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 Tom Wahlstrom (Grand Marais #1) attended annual training at Camp Ripley. Trout lakes and snowmobilers were worked throughout the week. Enforcement action was taken for multiple snowmobile and angling violations.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports putting on many miles this past weekend on the snowmobile trails as gorgeous weather graced the North Shore. Compliance with snowmobile laws was outstanding with only one citation being issued to a rider for violating multiple laws. Ski pass compliance is getting better as word is getting out that officers are putting their time in checking passes Time was put into cases from this past fall and equipment maintenance was handled Hill also attended training at Camp Ripley.
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports attending the annual Enforcement Division awards and training conference at Camp Ripley. Snowmobiling and ice fishing continue to be the main focuses of work activity. Animal-related complaints and a report of a bear possibly being killed illegally were investigated.
CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) patrolled area snowmobile trails, checked anglers, responded to calls of OHVs stuck in the slush on area lakes and assisted the county with a barricaded suspect. Angler success was better this past week. Enforcement action was taken for license issues and registration issues.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) worked on area snowmobile trespassing complaints. An injured owl was picked up after it hit an overhead power line. Guida attended annual in-service training at Camp Ripley.
CO Chad Thesing (Albany) spent most of his time on angling enforcement. Accidentally caught otters and fishers were donated to the Minnesota Trappers Association for their educational efforts. Attended training at Camp Ripley. Joined a work crew on Mille Lacs Lake with neighboring COs. Enforcement action included extra lines, illegal-length walleye, no shelter license, ATV violations and possession of marijuana.
CO Nathan Benkofske (Milaca) spent the past week checking anglers on Mille Lacs Lake and other local lakes. Enforcement action was taken for a wide variety of angling violations, recreational vehicle violations, and controlled substance possession Benkofske, CO Musatov and deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office held a snowmobile safety training presentation in Foley Game farms and lake aeration sites were also inspected for compliances.
Contact local DNR Conservation Officers to report violations or ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom
218-370-0244
Kylan Hill
218-387-4393
Mary Manning
218-387-5285
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