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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 anglers trying to bag their last lake trout before the close of the season. He also spent time on border lakes checking walleye and northern pike anglers. Take precautions before you venture out as the ice is deteriorating quickly with the warmer weather.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers on area Lake Superior tributaries where the temperatures are still a bit low, but fish are starting to show up. Anglers are reminded to respect property owners’ postings and stay in the riverbed where land is posted. Snow is nearly gone from roads and trails, and drivers are urged to use caution when venturing out in unfamiliar territory as mud and frost heaves are taking its place. Cook County has several fish sanctuaries and a few of those rivers were also patrolled. Manning also assisted Lake County with traffic control during a brush fire over the weekend. She also took calls about nuisance beavers and off-highway motorcycle use.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity along Lake Superior. On his way home Saturday, he passed a small 2-foot-by-2-foot grass fire in the ditch of Highway 61. By the time Schottenbauer was able to turn around and attempt to extinguish the fire, it had grown to at least 20 yards by 15 yards and was climbing the cliff into the woods. Schottenbauer radioed for Silver Bay Fire and started an investigation into the origin. As the fire department started its response, they were stopped for three more fires along Highway 61, and Schottenbauer realized there were more fires behind him. Investigation turned to notifying residences of the danger and that they may need to leave. Fire support from up and down the North Shore, and DNR air support, were able to put the fires out. One building was lost, and the fires are still under investigation.
CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) spent time monitoring road and trail closures. With the dry weather conditions, several roads and trails have firmed up and are now open, while others remain impassable and closed. Issues with beaver trapping and birch-pole theft were also investigated.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) worked all-terrain vehicle traffic and sport fishing enforcement. Some lakes are opening up. Guida assisted the sheriff ’s office with a traffic stop on a suicidal suspect who had made terroristic threats toward another person.
CO Mike Krauel (Mora) spent the past week checking anglers and patrolling for ATV activity. Panfish anglers are finding success with the higher water temperatures bringing the panfish close to shore. Krauel and CO Griffith had a stop that proves no stop is “routine.” Upon stopping two individuals for illegal operation of an ATV and an OHM, the two individuals gave Krauel a false name. Upon discovery of their true names, Krauel found they had several felony warrants. During the arrest, Krauel also found several controlled substances, an illegal weapon, and that the ATV was stolen.
CO Luke Gutzwiller (Redwood Falls) spent time this past week working trapping and angling activity. A call of an otter found in a foothold trap was fielded. The otter was released without incident.
CO Clint Fitzgerald (Rochester #2) spent the past week checking anglers and monitoring ATV activity. Additionally, Fitzgerald was interviewed by reporters from KTTC after responding to a complaint regarding a dead bald eagle that had its wings and tail feathers removed. Enforcement activity for the week included expired ATV registration, off-road driving in a state forest, extra lines and fishing without a license.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked boaters and anglers on Lake Superior during the past week. ATV trails remain mostly closed due to spring melting and soft conditions. Fishing activity is picking up on Lake Superior, with many boats out trolling on nice days. In addition to safety equipment, boaters need to make sure to remember the navigational rules required of boaters along with a good sense of etiquette when fishing among other boats. Enforcement action was taken for angling and ATV violations.
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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