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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 Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled campgrounds, dispersed campsites, and boat accesses with U.S. Forest Service enforcement officers. They took a report of an illegal campfire at a campground. Upon investigating, officers found a family using handheld electric bug zappers that sounded remarkably like a crackling campfire. Manning also investigated a report of illegal alterations to a lakebed and river flowage. Enforcement action was taken for watercraft-registration violations, storage of personal property on forest lands and failure to have angling license in possession.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers on remote trout lakes and ATV riders in the area. He responded to nuisance-bear complaints where some were getting into cars. Time was also spent at Camp Ripley teaching use of force and firearms tactics.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports attending the funeral service for Red Lake Officer Ryan Bialke. Hill also attended training at Camp Ripley. Boats were checked on Lake Superior, and Hill reports an excellent catch. Pink salmon, coho salmon, and nice lake trout were seen in the bag. No violations were detected this week. Thanks to all who made this possible!
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) took numerous reports of nuisance bears. OHM violations were addressed. Time was spent on enforcement related to local fires.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked angling, water recreation activities and ATV riders in the area. Anglers have found the bite a bit tough in these “dog days” of summer, but some panfish in the baskets were observed. Sutherland took enforcement action for a non-resident angling without a license, multiple no licenses in possession and not having enough life jackets on board a watercraft.
CO Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) worked Lake Superior and inland lakes north of Duluth. Lake Superior had a small craft warning and there were dangerous rip currents over the weekend that resulted in several swimmers along Park Point having to be rescued by U.S. Coast Guard crews and local responders. Bear-related complaints are starting to spike within the city of Duluth and surrounding townships.
CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) spent most of the week assisting farmers who were struggling with black bears destroying field corn. Multiple corn producers reported bears tearing up large areas of field and gorging on newly formed cobs. Reports of several bears in a single field were common. Some wolf-depredation-of-livestock calls were also taken.
CO Dustin Miller (Windom) spoke with local media over the past week in regard to upcoming waterfowl seasons and changes related to them. Assistance was given to local law enforcement in an effort to locate a felon who fled on foot. Commercial inspections were conducted, and enforcement efforts focused on recreational vehicle use and AIS compliance. Training was also attended at Camp Ripley.
CO Meng Moua (Spring Valley) reports littering continues to be mentioned in conversations with other DNR divisions. Moua wants to remind everyone to clean up after themselves and take their trash with them, whether camping in state forests or while fishing.
CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) spent time this week at Camp Ripley doing training. Griffith also spent time monitoring angling activity on Mille Lacs Lake and ATV activity. Assistance was given to local agencies on various calls. Some of the violations encountered were angling with extra lines, boat safety violations, and multiple ATV violations. Many of the violations included minors without helmets on ATVs. The most common excuse from riders is they’re “up north.” Griffith reminds ATV riders that even though they’re “up north,” state law still applies. A litter complaint was followed up on. Griffith also assisted an officer with making arrest for DWI on an ATV.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked boaters, anglers, and off-highway vehicle operators. Commercial enforcement items were tended to, and area OHM and ATV trails were checked. Assistance was given regarding a missing juvenile at a state park and at a vehicle crash with injuries. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and boating 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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