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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 small-game hunters and anglers on area lakes. ATV trails were monitored. He handled wildlife-related complaints and assisted other agencies.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled forest roads and trails checking small-game hunters and ATV operators. Manning also checked end-of-season trout anglers on inland lakes and worked the salmon run on Lake Superior tributaries.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) continued to work on a background investigation for the upcoming Academy.
CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, worked waterfowl-hunting activity and handled nuisance-animal complaints this week. Angler success was good while hunter success was slower. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Si also assisted in locating a suspect who fled into the woods and located a juvenile runaway. Enforcement action was taken for license issues and an arrest was made for outstanding warrants.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked duck-hunting activity in the area with continued success had by area hunters. Enforcement action was taken for not having small-game licenses, federal duck stamps and a state waterfowl stamp. Sutherland has taken numerous calls of deer being hit by vehicles recently. Be careful while out driving as the deer are on the move.
CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) continued to investigate the possible illegal take of a black bear. Duncan worked small-game-hunting areas and checked waterfowl hunters during the week. Complaints were followed up on, including night shining deer locations, ATV trespass, and possible illegal harvest of decorative materials. Anglers and archery deer hunters were also checked throughout the week.
CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) continued to deal with wolf depredation of livestock in the Hinckley area. Depredation investigations confirmed the losses of an adult cow and calves, along with non-fatal injuries to a calf. Several wolves were removed from farms where livestock were killed and injured. An investigation was also completed involving two individuals who attempted to steal money from a DNR campground. The two thieves were caught on camera attempting to take money out of a self-service pay tube. Charges are pending.
CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports fewer duck hunters, but some limits of ducks were checked. The river was very busy with a large fishing contest, the Wisconsin duck opener and recreational boaters out enjoying good weather. He followed up on trespass and illegally-taken-deer complaints. A sick fox was hanging around in town at a local golf course and was reported to have taken some golf balls.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports nuisance-bear reports continue to be heard, as well as complaints of people feeding other wild animals, which are causing problems and concerns for neighbors. The area was busy, with ATV riders, grouse hunters, and waterfowl hunters contributing to most of the activity. In one instance, two off-highway vehicle operators drove next to the officer’s patrol vehicle at a stop sign and then continued onto the highway, operating in the driving lane and on the shoulder at a high rate of speed. Contact was made with both individuals. Work continues on a background investigation and equipment maintenance was tended to.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers as the lake trout season drew to a close. ATV- and bear-related complaints were received and handled. A road-hit moose near Duluth was dispatched and signed over to a private party. A detail in the BWCA was worked related to fire closures. Enforcement action was taken for ATV complaints.
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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