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) reports that many people seem to have abandoned winter activities. Snowmobile trails are still fair to good, but not many people out riding during the week. Many of the designated trout lakes have been quiet due to slow fishing. Some that were out were a little grumpy about the 20-below morning wind chills, but were happy the sun was out.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked lakes and anglers. Manning also attended training, completed office work, answered phone calls, and handled equipment maintenance issues.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent time checking anglers and snowmobilers. Snowmobile trails are starting to deteriorate as dirt is showing more frequently. Time was also spent working on equipment issues with his snowmobile and squad.
CO Daniel Baumbarger (Wheaton) responded to a complaint of individuals shooting Canada geese with rifles in which both subjects were located and charges are pending.
CO Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) spent time checking shore fishermen along the North Shore. Kamloops and coho salmon are showing up in the Duluth area. Received the first bear report of the year and investigated a timber wolf complaint.
CO Brad Johnson (Maplewood) took a call from a resident in Oakdale about a fisher that had taken up residence in her hay barn. He also received a call from a citizen in Roseville inquiring if deer could be relocated because of overpopulation.
CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) was called to assist local law enforcement with a noise complaint in the middle of a field. Upon arriving, the officers found an under-21 alcohol party. Several minor consumption citations were issued and parents were called. Many vehicles were left on the property that were not claimed and were consequently towed. One individual was taken to jail for fleeing a peace officer.
CO Larry Francis (Remer) reports that folks are starting to use their ATVs. Unfortunately several didn’t heed their renewal notices and were operating with expired registration. Enforcement action was taken for unregistered ATV, no license in possession, and failing to display shelter ID and license.
Leave a Reply