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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) worked angling, small-game hunting and ATV activity throughout the week. He responded to several hunting complaints in the area and assisted with an investigation regarding a vehicle that was shot in a person’s driveway. Enforcement action was taken for hunting violations.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) spent the week field training COC Ledeen. Small-game enforcement was conducted, with most hunting parties having great success harvesting grouse. Hill and Ledeen picked up a party on a local warrant. A few anglers were contacted possessing limits of some dandy brook trout. Worms seem to be working quite well. Enforcement action was taken for hunting with no license in possession, unattended property left at a public water access, and carrying a pistol while in possession of narcotics.
CO Matt Miller (Silver Bay) took calls of road hit moose and ATVs operating on the highway. Grouse hunters were checked. They had good success, especially those who got away from the roads and trails. Lateseason muskie anglers were trying their hardest, and a few anglers are still searching the tributaries for salmon. Enforcement action was taken for angling and ATV violations.
CO Stephen Westby (Little Falls) spoke with students at St. Cloud Tech High School about conservation officers and their role in the community. Time was spent preparing equipment for fall and winter use. A complaint of dead sheep was received. It was verified they were killed by wolves. Several pheasant hunters were checked over the weekend. Very few roosters were taken. Most waterfowl hunters in the area are doing well, with a mixed bag and more divers being seen.
CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked pheasant opening weekend with not much for hunters to brag about. About one bird for every three hunters was observed. One recreational dope smoker thought it would be a good idea to park in the wildlife management area parking lot to smoke his marijuana. VanderWeyst advised him it is still not legal in Minnesota and issued proper “coupons” for such illegal activity.
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