|
|
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 the fishing opener on area lakes. Time was spent on border lakes and checking anglers in the BWCAW. Ice conditions remained on several lakes over the weekend as one angler was checked sitting on the ice. The officer also attended 911 for kids at the Sawtooth Elementary school. Enforcement action was taken for angling and boating violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) reports a slow start to the open water season, with most folks having a tough time finding fish. Some lakes remain locked with ice but should be open in the coming days. Bears are out and about so make sure low hanging bird feeders, garbage cans, grills, etc. are stored properly. Enforcement action was taken for no life jackets, no license in possession, and unregistered watercraft.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports an unbelievably slow fishing opener in Cook County. Very few anglers were contacted, but those that were had full live wells of walleye. ATVs are beginning to come out more often. One operator was arrested for DUI.
CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) worked fish run activity along the north shore of Lake Superior. Time was spent during the night hours monitoring smelting activity around the Duluth area. Fisherman were checked on area rivers attempting to catch steelhead. The 2023 walleye/northern opener brought out many fisherman on area lakes. Most fisherman reported success throughout the weekend. Enforcement activity included illegal length fish, fishing license violations, watercraft license violations, and a few watercraft missing PFD’s.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) worked night-time fish run activities with bow fishing for suckers causing some landowner concerns. Violations for spearing suckers at night and no fishing license were found. A trespass case was also dealt with. Opening weekend was fairly quiet and walleyes were cooperating. ATV activity was up, with riding on State Highways, no registration, failing to transfer ownership, and no safety certificate violations found. A wolf depredation complaint was investigated with two calves reported to be killed.
Leave a Reply