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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) checked anglers on Lake Superior tributaries and near their mouths. Recent rain and snowmelt is helping clear rivers of ice but water temperatures are still cold and fish are scarce. Officer Manning seized an accidentally taken otter, issued car kill permit and took reports of washouts on area forest roads. Drivers of state forest roads are urged to use caution as quickly melting snowpack inland is overwhelming some culvert pipes and flowing over road surfaces causing some instability of roads.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports another week of slow fishing reports on Lake Superior tributaries, but anglers are still trying their luck. A local angler predicts steelhead madness will be upon us in two weeks. Hill also began patrolling for beaver trapping activity as water has begun flowing. Hopefully trappers can get some trapping time in before the season closes.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) finished up a trapping complaint this week, as well as some training in the Metro with other allied agencies for public unrest response.
CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking ATV riders and turkey hunters. Anglers and bow fishermen were also contacted. Nuisance bear calls are coming in with bears out searching for easy food sources and ending up in residential yards after bird feeders or garbage bins. Please acknowledge this in the spring and take measures to get rid of the food sources at night at a minimum.
CO Stephen Westby (Little Falls) checked area pan fishing activity with few people catching much. Took phone calls about possible trespassing and turkey hunting problems. Located a bald eagle which appeared sick and was transported to Garrison Animal hospital where it was tested positive for avian flu. Officer Westby located ATV’s with youth under 18 with no helmet, and he would like to remind everyone anyone under 18 years of age has to wear a DOT approved helmet.
CO Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) worked shore and river anglers along the North shore during the week. The cooler temps and rain have kept every river and feeder streams flowing hard and fast. Olson also assisted with water safety training for the State Patrol academy class. Bear sightings and concerns have been fielded in the Duluth area. As a reminder, bring in bird feeders and secure your outdoor garbage storage to help keep bears away.
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