New CO – Kylan Hill
Whether they are up at the crack of dawn checking bear bait stations or dealing with two legs who pretend they do not know the law, conservation officers (CO) protect the North woods and pile up miles. Most recently, Cook County welcomed a new CO, Kylan Hill of SE Minnesota, to the Tofte station.
In proper small-town fashion, here are a few questions introducing Kylan and what drew him to this unconventional Cook County job.
Q- How long have you been a CO? Where were you prior to this Tofte position?
A- I have been a CO for about 3.5 years now. I recently moved up here from the Zumbrota station, which is part of our “Mississippi River Team,” for lack of a better way to describe it. I covered portions of Goodhue and Wabasha Counties. I enjoyed working throughout the bluffs and the Mississippi River, Cannon River, and Zumbro River areas.
Q- Why did you become a CO?
A- I became a CO for the freedom of the job. We start at home and end at home, and each day is very different, especially in Cook County. Although we have supervisors much like any other career, we are, for the most part, in charge of how we operate in our patrol station. We get to meet people from a variety of backgrounds, and when we make contact with somebody out in the field, we are contacting them when they are out enjoying whatever outdoor sport they are into. People, I believe, are generally happier when hunting, fishing, ATVing, etc., and it is nice interacting with people taking part in their hobbies.
Q- What is your favorite part of the job?
A- My favorite part of the job is the change of the seasons. In other words, our duties vary throughout the year. Our deer season is in full swing, and once it is over, it’s time to fire up the snowmobile and check ice anglers. Once the ice thaws, it’s time to hit the lakes. It’s nice to have a variety of things to work throughout the year.
Q- What will be a challenge as the CO in Tofte?
A- I think the most challenging thing to address in the Tofte station is the availability of a backup. In the Zumbrota station, I could have another officer at my side within minutes. That is clearly not the case in the Tofte station, and it is always something I will be thinking about.
Q- What would constitute a “perfect” day for you outside of work?
A- I do a lot of outdoor activities outside of work. Not only hunting and fishing, but a lot of hiking as well. I have a pair of Drahthaars that keep me active because they need a lot of exercise. I’d say a perfect day would be a mixture of grouse hunting and dog training!
Q- What is the strangest/oddest/funniest story you’ve heard from another CO coming out of Tofte?
A- My predecessor told me not to be surprised if you notice that people in the Tofte station are overly nice. Throughout my first few weeks of patrolling, I can confirm this to be true!
To learn more about Conservation Officer’s outrageous run-ins and mundane encounters, check the weekly DNR reports in the “Conservation Officer Tales” towards the tail end of the News-Herald.
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