CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked anglers by snowmobile during the week. He also did a radio interview on pike spearing, the Boundary Waters trout opener, and ice conditions.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended the funeral of CO Chelsie (Leuthardt) Grundhauser as part of the DNR Honor Guard detail. She also patrolled area lakes, forest roads and trails. Snow dances are currently under way in the Arrowhead region as warm weather has taken a toll on already low snow conditions.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) attended training during the week.
CO Chris Vinton (Perham) took calls about a raccoon in a person’s yard. The description of the raccoon led Vinton to suspect the unseasonably warm weather woke up the hibernating critter and it was still a little groggy. Vinton directed the concerned homeowner to Wildlife staff if the raccoon didn’t return to its bed.
CO Andrew Goodman (Elbow Lake) reports checking ice anglers and pheasant hunters throughout the week. The fishing bite seems to have slowed on many lakes, temping some to use too many lines. One angler found to be using four lines greeted Goodman at the fish house door by saying, “I guess I’m popped.”
CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) attempted to help a motorist whose trailer had lost a tire, but further ruined his night by arresting him on a warrant for failing to appear in court.
CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) is working with Wildlife on some nuisance turkeys residing in city limits and causing some ruckus with residents.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) played the role of “The Grinch” when he issued a citation to an individual who cut down and stole a Christmas tree out of a state park
Contact local DNR Conservation Officers to report violations or ask questions:
Thomas Wahlstrom
218-370-0244
Darin Fagerman
218-370-1717
Mary Manning
218-475-0121
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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