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) worked anglers, boating, AIS and ATV enforcement. He also spent time in the BWCAW. Enforcement action was taken for illegal-length fish, insufficient number of PFDs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) spent the past week patrolling state and national forests checking ATV operators, anglers and boaters. Manning also assisted with watercraft scenarios at the DNR Academy at Camp Ripley. State park use continues to be high and many visitors had to be reminded to purchase their park permit, despite numerous signs reminding them as they drive in. All parks have self-service registration kiosks available to visitors.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports speaking to multiple business and property owners about bears getting into trash throughout the week. A very easy solution is to put up an electric fence. Those who have put up an electric fence swear by its effectiveness. ATV violations were very common, and Hill has noticed a trend of illegally operating ATVs in the lane of traffic instead of on the shoulder of the road. One person in particular was stopped for the violation, and they ended up receiving a citation because they had a juvenile passenger on board who did not have on a helmet or seatbelt. Citations were issued for PFD violations on a few boating contacts.
CO Sarah Grell (Grand Rapids) took a call about muskies being gutted and left in the Grand Rapids area. Most likely, they were illegally taken. The muskie is a game fish and considered by many to be a prize to catch. Information leading to who may have done this is welcomed and can be reported via the TIP line.
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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