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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, boaters, and bear hunters. He assisted search and rescue and responded to wildlife-related calls. Enforcement action was taken for hunting and ATV violations.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports an uptick in AIS-related traffic stops throughout the week. A reminder to remove all boat drain plugs prior to transporting. Bear hunters and guides were checked, and decent success was found. No violations were detected and Hill thanks hunters for a clean season so far. ATVs are abundant in the area. Hill issued a cease and desist order to a landowner and a contractor after Hill found unpermitted work within a public water.
CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) kept an eye on early goose hunters and early teal hunters this past week. Several groups were out having some success in the hot weather. Angling activity remains high throughout the area with several citations issued for no licenses and overlimits. A call is being investigated involving an attack on a person by a domesticated raccoon. Time was also spent at the CO Academy evaluating the cadets during the final week before graduation.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports bear hunters were very active earlier in the week and the harvest of some larger bears was reported. Waterfowl hunters were contacted, with some success reported. Slatinski investigated complaints of illegal trail use. A location was found where approximately 35 gallons of chemicals, tires, and other debris were left along a county roadway. A complaint was investigated, and the responsible party contacted in an incident where an individual was getting rid of a camper by cutting it into pieces and burning it. Angling and boating activity continues in strong numbers, with anglers looking for the fall bite to kick in.
CO Clint Fitzgerald (Buffalo) spent the week checking waterfowl hunters and anglers. Early shooting of teal continued to be a problem on Pelican Lake. Enforcement action was taken for shooting teal during closed hours, possession of toxic shot while waterfowl hunting, no federal duck stamp, hunting small game without a license, an ATV youth helmet violation, fishing without a license, extra lines and taking a spiny softshell turtle without an aquatic farm or fish hatchery license.
CO Derek Schneider (Zumbrota) checked anglers and waterfowl hunters this week. Complaints have been received regarding waterfowl hunters hitting homes with shot. Enforcement action was taken for hunting waterfowl without the required small-game license and stamp. Other calls included dumping dead carp and operating a motor vehicle on a state recreational trail.
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