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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) spent time checking anglers and watercraft in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area during a work detail. He also monitored ATV riders and worked AIS. Enforcement action was taken for angling and boating violations.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) mourned the loss of her Academy member, co-worker and friend, CO Sarah Grell. Manning and other DNR and LEMA Honor Guard members devoted time to providing her family, co-workers and community with a ceremony befitting her dedication to them and the environment she worked to protect. Manning closed out a gravel-theft case, took a report of a nuisance bear, and checked ATV operators, anglers, and boaters. Folks are reminded that bears are out and hungry so it is time to put away wildlife feeders, secure trash receptacles and remove all food from the car or truck.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports a very busy weekend in Cook County. The wind and varying weather kept most recreational boaters at bay but some diehard walleye anglers were contacted trying their luck. Some nice fish were seen coming out of the BWCAW. Boating safety, especially life jacket enforcement, was conducted as well. One person was cited for not having any life jackets for them and their partner on board. To make matters worse, the front person in the canoe was seen standing up while the canoe was underway. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s and any exposure to cold water could prove tragic. ATVs were also abundant. One person was observed operating their ATV in the lane of traffic on a paved county road. They were also seen crossing over the center line multiple times. A traffic stop was conducted and the operator was arrested for DUI. Their alcohol concentration was over twice the legal limit.
CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji #1) monitored angling and boating activity on area lakes. The lakes were busy over the holiday weekend and fishing success varied. He patrolled area forest roads and ATV trails. Trails are dusty with the lack of rain, but were very busy over the weekend. Vollbrecht worked an AIS detail in the Upper Red Lake area and checked anglers on the lake. Vollbrecht responded to a call of four young squirrels that had their tails tangled together outside a youth house in Bemidji. He was able to trap the animals under a box, leaving their tails outside so a piece of cloth could be pulled away from the tails. The animals were all safely returned to the tree where an upset mother was waiting for them. An individual was stopped in a motor vehicle after being observed weaving in the traffic lanes. It was determined the individual was looking down to type directions into a cell phone to find a fishing spot. The individual was subsequently arrested for an outstanding warrant in the county for unpaid fines. Vollbrecht assisted the Beltrami County Sheriff ’s Office with a call of a possible domestic involving a shotgun.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers and boaters on Lake Superior. A call was received from a person who said he accidentally shot a large sturgeon in the Two Harbors area. Attempts to reach the caller at the number provided have so far been unsuccessful. ATV enforcement was worked, with riders showing poor courtesy towards each other and landowners. There were several violations related to helmets and safety training. Public access enforcement also resulted in several enforcement contacts for various violations. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and public access violations.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) worked on a dumping complaint and gate-damage incident at the Mille Lacs WMA. Turkey season ended with no issues and not that many hunters found. With the assistance of the Princeton Police Department and a Mille Lacs County deputy, Starr rescued 11 wood duck chicks from a dry sewer drain in the middle of town. The lucky ducks were taken to a local wildlife rehab facility.
CO Tyler Ramaker (La Crescent) checked anglers and ATV operators over the Memorial Day weekend. Assistance was also given to the Houston County Sheriff ’s Office in the search for a missing mushroom hunter.
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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