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 Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked BWCA trout anglers, snowmobile activity and some trying their luck at walleyes. A couple of snowmobile trail patrols were done.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked area lakes, anglers and GIA snowmobile trails. Slush was a problem on a few lakes. Manning also checked cross country ski passes and encourages skiers to buy their pass before they go.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked snowmobile trails and checked anglers on area lakes. The local snowmobile clubs are doing an excellent job on the trails. The officer responded to a couple of calls regarding sick and mangy wolves hanging around the area. Time was also spent in vacant work stations checking anglers.
CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) received a call, and initiated an investigation, of a white fox that was taken out of season.
CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) observed some sleds on the trails just out of storage that probably should have waited until next weekend due to lack of registration, burnt out lights, and live mice who had not received their eviction notice yet.
CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) checked two shelters where anglers were sleeping inside with no ventilation and a sunflower heater being used. Anglers were reminded to seek fresh air frequently and open up doors.
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) is investigating an incident where two untagged deer were located during a local sheriff ‘s department search warrant. Through investigation and interviews it was determined the deer were taken illegally without licenses during the 2010 firearms deer season. Through the course of the investigation two rifles, a compound bow, and the two deer were seized with charges pending for taking deer without license on two individuals.
Leave a Reply