CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais East) patrolled inland lakes and Lake Superior checking anglers and boaters. The officer also checked several off-highway motorcycles; resident operators are reminded that they must have registration on “dirt bikes” unless they are used exclusively for organized track events. The officer also encountered ATVs operating on the state highway and had to remind the drivers that county ordinances do not allow for operation on these types of roadways. Manning also investigated a litter complaint on the Superior Hiking Trail; a large group of young men from the Twin Cities area left trash strewn around a campsite – including their half-full trash bag, and defecated at two tent pads; hopefully information left behind will lead the officer to this group.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a busy week with lots of anglers and boaters. The officer also patrolled remote designated trout lakes by ATV and checked for signs of early bear baiting. Enforcement action was taken for boating and fishing violations.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers on Lake Superior. The salmon and trout bite were good. Time was also spent checking ATVs and answering wildlife calls. Enforcement action was taken for angling with extra lines, angling without a license, and no PFD on watercraft.
CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) received complaints of deer being shot and killed at night. The deer were left intact except for the antlers, which were removed.
CO Chris Vinton (Perham) investigated a TIP call of wanton waste after a caller witnessed an angler toss a walleye into a trash can at an area gas station. Vinton recovered the walleye from the can and was able to locate the angler who dumped the fish. The laws relating to utilization of wild animals was explained to the angler and the fish was returned to him.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) encountered a group on Bear Island Lake with neither boat displaying valid registration, neither boat with the proper PFDs on board, two individuals without fishing licenses, and one using an extra line. Bermel had previously cited a couple members of the group for similar violations.
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!
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