CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers, boaters and worked invasive species enforcement. Officer Wahlstrom completed investigations on ATV and angling complaints. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines and illegally transporting fish.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked area boat accesses, checking anglers and boaters and enforcing aquatic invasive regulations. The officer also patrolled ATV trails and state forest roads and took a call regarding operation on private property. Officer Manning also took a report of a nuisance bear checking out cabins and garages.
CO Darrin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports black fly season is in full swing. Black flies are not protected in Minnesota so there is no limit. Take as many as you want. The CO was surprised to find a youngster in the middle of nowhere on top of a high ridge. When asked what the young man was doing, he stated that he left camp to find some cell service so he could use his mobile device. He seemed to be happy and oblivious to the hundreds of biting black flies that were surrounding his head.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) spent time with multiple fawns at the Silver Bay school that were either being chased by children, or reported as orphaned; one was removed from a residence.
CO Sean Williams (Ely) assisted the St. Louis County Rescue Squad with a search in the BWCA. The two canoeists who were overdue by three days had sent a message for help almost a week before rescuers were called giving their position somewhere near Ramshead and Oyster lakes. Officer Williams and Bermel, with the help of the USFS, flew into the BWCA and began searching the area until dark. Air units from the State Patrol and National Guard arrived to take up the night search. Fortunately the aircraft spotted them just after midnight when they signaled them using a flashlight. Both victims were lifted out and brought directly to the Ely hospital.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) encountered a boater whose registration expired 10 years prior and did not have a wearable PFD. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) investigated a complaint of wolves harassing livestock at an area beef farm and found evidence that wolves had killed and eaten a day-old calf. A 90-pound wolf was caught and removed from the area within a day.
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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