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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 and trappers in the area. Time was also spent working on station equipment.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) took reports of car-kill deer and bobcats. She assisted with firearms qualifications at Camp Ripley. Recent snowfall and cold weather is improving trail conditions and local clubs are getting trails packed and cleared. Visitors to the North Shore are reminded to check before venturing on unfamiliar roads that are more than likely snowmobile-access only.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports conducting an interview for the ongoing background investigation that Hill is working on for the upcoming Academy. Work continues on a big-game case in Lutsen. A warning was issued for allowing a smoldering fire in Lutsen. Trappers were out in force this weekend and multiple fisher and pine marten trap lines were checked. Compliance was great. A juvenile ATV operator was stopped for multiple violations. They were escorted home and were coached up on how to make the necessary corrections.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) continued field training with COC Jesse Drown. They worked angling, snowmobile, and trapping enforcement. The big snow event made it difficult for trappers to get in the woods. Enforcement action was taken for modified exhaust, failure to display registration, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. A trespass complaint was also investigated and resolved.
CO Matt Miller (Silver Bay) checked trappers and snowmobilers following the second heavy snow of the season. Many snowmobilers were out, with lots of early season violations. Many riders on mountain-style sleds were contacted riding on county roads, saying that the snow in the ditch was too deep for their skills. Others rode sleds with no registration stickers and illegal modified exhausts. Trails are in very rough shape with trees and brush blocking most stretches, and crews working just to get the trails passable. It will likely be a week or two before groomed conditions can be expected. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile violations.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked early ice angling in the area with many anglers venturing out. With ice conditions very spotty, a snowmobile and an ATV were reported to have fallen through the ice. Occupants were able to climb out and get to safety. With all the added snow insulating the ice, it is imperative individuals are well informed about ice conditions before venturing out. Sutherland also worked on finishing past cases from the deer season and conducting ongoing investigations.
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