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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 on lakes along the U.S./ Canada border. He spent time working seasonal fishing closures. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked shore anglers and steelhead anglers. Rain has eased, but many forest roads remained closed or badly damaged and travelers are urged to check with local forestry offices or officers before venturing on remote roads, and advised to heed the “road closed” signs. Manning also checked ATV operators and boaters, took a complaint of trespass and handled equipment-maintenance issues.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports checking anglers and monitoring AIS activity throughout the week. Equipment maintenance was also completed.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked boating, angling, and ATV activity during the week. Water levels in the area remain high, making river fishing difficult on most streams. Spring closures are still on for many ATV trails and recent storms have washed out culverts, making some county roads and Forest Service roads impassable. Please be cautious when traveling remote roadways and trails at this time.
CO Jeremy Henke (Albert Lea) worked angling, ATV and AIS enforcement this week. Angling activity continues to pick up in the area, and anglers are reminded to check out the regulations prior to going fishing. Henke took several calls of “abandoned” young animals this week. Remember these animals are not abandoned and the best thing you can do is leave them alone. Their mom is taking good care of them (many times it is after dark when mom returns).
CO Annette Kyllo (Rochester #1) spent the majority of her week monitoring angling activity as the panfish bite continues to be hot on area reservoirs. Animal-related complaints, including a sick fox, a dead eagle and turkeys harassing a neighborhood, were fielded and dealt with. Kyllo was also able to participate in several memorial services during Police Week as a member of the DNR Honor Guard.
CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers. Perch were biting well while the walleye fishing slowed down. Mathy responded to a report of a dead wolf, which was found to be a car kill. He separately investigated a calf depredation that likely was the result of a wolf attack. Calls of angler harassment and nuisance beavers were taken. Mathy also responded to an ATV accident that resulted in injury where excessive speed was a factor. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
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