Conservation Officer Tales

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) monitored anglers and boating activity on area lakes. Time was also spent in the BWCAW checking anglers. Enforcement action was taken for angling, watercraft and burning violations.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) reports that anglers are having more success as water temperatures continue to rise. Black flies, mosquitos, and no-seeums are out in droves. Nuisance bears continue to be a problem. Please keep garbage, grills and any other items that may attract bears in an inaccessible location.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports continued patrol for ATV and angling activity throughout the week. Compliance was excellent. Hill noticed an uptick in moose sightings and bulls are well on their way with antler growth. BWCA entry points were checked and no violations were seen.

CO Tyler Ramaker (La Crescent) participated in a BWI enforcement saturation patrol with Wisconsin DNR officers on Pool 8. A call was taken in the middle of the night from a camper at Whitewater State Park who reported a bear outside their tent. When the call dropped and the camper did not answer follow-up phone calls, officers responded. Ramaker and a State Trooper responded to the campsite to find the campers in good health and the offending animal to be a raccoon. Recommendations were given on food storage practices.

CO Jesse Drown (Jackson) patrolled public accesses and lakes working anglers and boaters. Questions and complaints were fielded. Assistance was rendered to the Lakefield Police Department as two baby owls had fallen out of their tree. Violations from the past turkey season are being investigated.