Recent

MINNEAPOLIS WEATHER

Check Out Our Forum Tab!

Click On The "Forum" Tab Under The Logo For More Content!
If you are using your phone, click on the menu, then select forum. Make sure you refresh the page!

The views of the poster, may not be the views of the website of "Minnesota Outdoorsman" therefore we are not liable for what our members post, they are solely responsible for what they post. They agreed to a user agreement when signing up to MNO.

Weekly CO Reports

Views: 25897


CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
   

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

  Division of Enforcement

         15011 Highway 115 (Camp Ripley)

  Little Falls, MN 56345-4173

 

Contact: Rich Sprouse

              Public Information Officer

              800-366-8917, Ext 2511

 

   CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT

 District 1 - Baudette area
01-07-12

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods. Fishing success remains spotty, with some limits being seen. Violations during the week included angling with extra lines and angling without a license. 

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods. Ice conditions continue to improve, but still lots of unsafe ice, especially a few miles out. Overall fishing success has been poor. Assistance was provided to the Wildlife Division with registering bobcat and otter. CO Birchem continues to work with local resorts on littering issues.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) responded to calls of both an incidental fisher and gray wolf caught in bobcat traps, checked area bobcat hunters, dispatched three injured car struck deer, and checked local anglers. Lake Bronson State Park was patrolled, checking anglers and snowmobilers. The public is reminded that a park permit is required to enter and fish within the park boundaries. Enforcement action for the week included numerous no State Park permit, angle with extra line, and no snowmobile registration. 

CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) checked anglers and other activity on Upper Red Lake and area experimental regulation lakes. The panfish bite has been good and Red Lake continues to be the main destination for walleye anglers. Snowmobile and trapping activity was monitored. Enforcement activity for the week included angling license violations.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored fishing and snowmobiling activity throughout the week. Anglers continue to report good fishing on Upper Red Lake, but slow fishing on Lake of the Woods. Numerous TIP calls have been investigated and numerous over limit cases have been made throughout the week. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of walleye, illegal length walleye, immeasurable walleye, angle without  license, angle with extra lines, unattended lines, failure to submit fish for inspection, expired ATV registration, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Blackduck #2 - vacant.

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #1 - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports spending time checking anglers, snowmobile operators, and ATV operators. A deer violation case from the 2012 deer season was completed. Violations included no angling license and no snowmobile registration.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) monitored ice angling, answered calls concerning fur registration and vehicle deer accidents and attended a local sportsman's club meeting.  Anglers are reminded that they need their license in possession while angling and shelters left on the ice overnight unattended need identification and a shelter license. Ice thickness on area lakes varies from 12-24 inches.
 
CO Tim Gray (Bagley) completed reports from the firearms deer season and hunting while intoxicated investigation. Time was also spent with angling, trapping and fur registration issues.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji #1) and COC Regas monitored cross country ski, snowmobile, and ATV and fishing activity. CO Vollbrecht and COC Regas worked an Upper Red Lake work detail checking anglers which resulted in citations issued for extra lines and angling without a license. The Officers met with an area Minnesota Trappers Association representative and donated five Fisher and one Bobcat to the MTA fur project. They did follow up interviews as part of an illegal burning investigation and citations were issued.  Enforcement action for the week included registration violations, unmeasurable fish and angling licenses not in possession.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports investigating several calls of vehicles driving onto WPAs. Anglers should be reminded that motor vehicles are not allowed on federal properties including frozen lakes. A dogs chasing deer complaint was investigated and the owners of the dogs contacted. Car killed deer permits were issued. Anglers and trappers were contacted and the officer met with both the Otter Tail and Becker County Attorneys reference ongoing cases. Violations included no spearing license in possession, failure to mark shelters and ATV issues.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports good ice conditions on area lakes. Angling success has slowed but numbers of anglers remains high. Snowmobile trail conditions remain very marginal with a lack of snow. CO Seefeldt completed a trespass investigation resulting in enforcement action for shooting a coyote on private land without permission. He also investigated a report of an angler having unattended lines in a fish house. Assistance was provided to the Clay County Sheriff's Office in a search for a missing person. Enforcement action was taken for angling with extra lines and no ATV registration.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) monitored ice fishing, trapping and snowmobile activity. Fishing activity has slowed but compliance was good. Snowmobile activity is still light. Complaints of car kill deer and an incidental trapped fisher were handled.
CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) spent the week checking fishermen, snowmobiles and ATVs. Trail conditions remain poor and fishing success is spotty. A complaint of illegal encroachment into a WMA was investigated.

WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week with follow up on open WCA case files. Restoration orders were looked at and deed restrictions considered. Time was also spent on a complaint of a muskie that was caught and kept out of season. The fishermen were located and the fish seized. Enforcement action was taken for the illegal fish.

Perham - vacant.

Bemidji #2 - vacant.

District 3 - Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) held a snowmobile safety class in Fergus Falls and was assisted by CO Osborne, CO Anderson, and COC Chihak. Richards spent additional time checking anglers, shelters, and snowmobilers. Enforcement action was taken throughout the week for fishing and snowmobiling violations.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) had a busy week with lots of ice fishermen checked. Several unregistered snowmobiles and ATVs were encountered and more unmarked fish houses.  Fishing seems to be steady but the snowmobile trails are in need of fresh snow. Plautz participated in a work crew in the Alex chain of lakes area for fishing enforcement. 

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) checked fishermen, shelters, ATVs and snowmobilers. Ice conditions have improved considerably. Several aeration inspections were completed and the riding portion of the youth snowmobile safety class was also attended.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen, trappers and snowmobilers. Assistance was given to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office with a burglary in progress call. Osborne assisted CO Richards with a snowmobile safety class in Fergus Falls and also held a snowmobile safety class in Evansville.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) organized and participated in a work crew in the Alex area.  Officers split up and patrolled several different lakes over the weekend. Some of the violations found were fishing without a license, unregistered ATVs/snowmobiles, and a parent allowing the illegal operation of an ATV by a juvenile. Lawler also assisted the area fisheries manager with the public fishing closure of Elk Lake south of Garfield. A TIP call on a possible fish overlimit was investigated as well.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued to monitor the angling and spearing activity on area lakes. One group of anglers was cited for an over limit of crappie, after they were found hiding fish in the snow and in a vehicle. Additional time was spent monitoring snowmobile, ATV, and predator hunting and trapping activity. A TIP call and subsequent investigation revealed that a man had shot four deer in a one deer zone, with the most recent being shot with a firearm during the archery season. Numerous charges are expected and deer and equipment were seized.
CO Tony Anderson (Morris) continued field training COC Chihak. Enforcement efforts focused on ice fishing on area lakes, and snowmobile and ATV activity on area trails and ditches. Individuals need to check their ATV and snowmobile registration stickers before heading out on area lakes as a number have been found to be expired, with the excuse, "I just haven't gotten around to putting on my new stickers." CO Anderson and COC Chihak assisted with a snowmobile safety class in Fergus Falls. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, no angling license in possession, unattended lines, and failure to display valid ATV or snowmobile registration.  

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports fishing in the area has been spotty and the area snowmobile trails could use another coating of snow. Enforcement efforts for the week included checking fishermen, coyote hunters, trappers, and snowmobile operators.  Baumbarger held a work crew on Lake Minnewaska and participated in a work crew in the Alexandria area. Enforcement action was taken for various fishing and fish house violations, failing to tag traps, and operating snowmobiles without safety certificate.

Wheaton - vacant.

District 4 - Wadena area

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) focused efforts on anglers, dark houses, and fish houses during the last week. He also monitored ATV and snowmobile activity. 

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked ice fishermen and a few snowmobilers. Two snowmobiles went through the ice near county road 18 on two different occasions.  Please be cautious as ice conditions on many of Hubbard County's lakes are variable.  Officer Hunter noted that fishing in the area is picking up.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers during the week. Ice fishing conditions are near perfect and the fishing is going relatively well. He also checked wolf trappers and snowmobile operators. Enforcement action was taken for invalid husband/ wife angling license, angling with extra lines, no angling license in possession, and failing to display registration on snowmobiles and ATV's.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) took calls regarding possible illegal trapping activity and an accidentally caught fisher. He also monitored snowmobile and fishing activity. Snowmobile trails are marginal and activity was moderate. Enforcement action was taken for no shelter license and possessing an over limit of fish.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week monitoring angling and snowmobiling activity. Ice angling activity picked up. Anglers and snowmobilers are reminded ice thickness varies greatly in the Longville area ranging from 6 to 14 inches. CO Broughten fielded calls concerning trespass, stolen traps, and wolf hunting. He also assisted with snowmobile safety in Pine River.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) registered fur for local trappers. Officer Halverson also patrolled snowmobile trails and checked fishermen. He noted that those fishing for panfish were doing the best.

CO Colleen Adam (OHV Recreation Officer - Park Rapids) monitor trail sticker and ski area pass compliance. Ice fishing activity is increasing on all lakes and many were out during the holiday/vacation days. Officer Adam monitored shelters for identification and license checks and noted that most fishermen were finding fish daily.

District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports little snow in the area. Snowmobile trails are in poor shape due to lack of snow. Fishing activities continue to be monitored. Area forest roads were checked. Computer work and administrative reporting rounded out the week

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports checking angling activity throughout the area. Fishing remains quite slow with a few panfish and northerns observed throughout the week. A few snowmobiles were observed on Lake Vermilion. Even on the lakes there is barely enough snow. The snowmobile trails are in poor shape. More snow is badly needed. A car injured deer was dealt with.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) worked ice fishing and snowmobile activities, with BWCA trout opener bringing very little success. There is not enough snow for trails to be groomed, or ridden on for that matter. A non-resident was found fishing without a license, stating that since he didn't catch anything, he should not receive a citation. Needless to say, CO Starr did not agree with this logic and issued the summons. New snowmobile registration laws related to the trail sticker are causing some complaints; however, it is very simplified.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked angling, trapping, ATV and snowmobile activity during the week and followed up on trapping violations.  An individual who had previously been a suspect, was caught red handed dumping a deer carcass on public land near his home.  Enforcement action was taken on littering and a number of ATV and snowmobile violations.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) patrolled area lakes checking anglers and dark house fishermen. On one particular lake, CO Frericks knocked on the door to a dark house and announced "game warden." After entering he found a husband and wife looking down two separate spear holes. There was a decoy down both holes and the husband and wife each had a spear next to them. After checking the husband's licenses CO Frericks asked the wife for her spearing license. The wife looked right at CO Frericks and said, "I'm not spearing." After a short conversation about what was considered spearing the wife apologized and accepted a citation for spearing without a license. Area snowmobile trails were patrolled and are seeing usage despite them being in very poor shape.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked fishing activity on area lakes where some crappies were being caught. Violations of angling with an extra line and no license in possession were found. State snowmobile trails are in poor shape with few sleds seen. Some snowmobiling is taking place on lakes and violation of expired registration and failure to display registration were found.

Ray - vacant.

I. Falls # 2 - vacant.

District 6 - Two Harbors area

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) spent the week answering several questions and phone calls regarding the winter BWCA stream trout season. New rules were passed after the synopsis was printed, making the dates wrong in the 2012 synopsis. All lakes completely within the BWCA are now open for lake and stream trout. Anglers were checked in the BWCA. Many people were happy with the easy going and very good fishing so far. Enforcement action was taken for failing to register a deer before it was processed.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled State and GIA snowmobile trails and saw good compliance. CO Manning and CO Wahlstrom checked lakes and trails in the Isabella area and in the BWCAW. Enforcement action was taken for no license in possession, under 21 alcohol possession and underage consumption.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week working anglers on inland remote lakes. Ice conditions continue to improve. The crappie bite is starting to pick up while only a few walleyes were seen in the bag. The Officer used snowshoes to check trout lakes in the BWCA. A few fishermen were seen with their limit of Lakers. Snowmobile trails are starting to improve, but more snow is still needed. Enforcement action was taken for no license in possession and under 21 in possession of alcohol.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked on snowmobile and fishermen enforcement. Time was spent in the Isabella area with the neighboring officers checking remote lakes. Fishing has been somewhat slow, but some good success has been seen in remote locations. Ice fishermen littering the ice has begun and makes the sport look bad. Please take everything home when you leave the ice.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt / Ely) spent the week on fishing and snowmobile enforcement. Enforcement action was once again taken on many instances of no shelter license, expired snowmobile registration, and fishing without a license in possession. An instance of wanton waste of perch was dealt with. The CO attended the funeral of a retired game warden pilot.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked fishing and snowmobile activity in the Two Harbors and Grand Marais stations. Most area lakes have good ice this year with very little slush. Murray also handled a road killed deer in a traffic lane.

Ely #1 - vacant.

Silver Bay - vacant.

District 7 - Grand Rapids area

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) worked anglers, dark house spearers, bait and ATVs on infested and other area waters in the station. Walleyes and some nice northern pike and perch were observed angled on Big Winnie. Full-sized trucks are driving the lake surface. Enforcement action was taken for no license in possession and for fail to display ATV registration. Bobcat and wolf hunters were worked as well as late season otter trappers. Many hunters with hounds were observed as well as some late season tribal deer hunters.
CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, snowmobiles and ski trails. He also handled several trapping complaints during the week.

CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked anglers, trappers, and small game hunters. Worked on cases from the firearms deer season, answered calls regarding the wolf season, and seized accidentally caught furbearers.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked angling and small game activity. CO Hansen also picked up a dead owl, answered questions on trapping, and registered fur.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) checked area lakes for fishing activity, which has been slow but should pick up in the next coming weeks. She also worked ski trails and snowmobile trails this past week. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobiling violations.

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week monitoring ice fishing, snowmobiling and trapping activity. Anglers are reporting slow activity with enforcement action taken for false application for a license and numerous failing to possess fishing licenses. Wichmann also spoke to a couple of snowmobilers who failed to stop at a public roadway and not having a snowmobile certificate. A local trapper was also checked and found to be transporting a loaded firearm.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) continued work with COC Holt over the past week. Enforcement action was taken for an unregistered snowmobile, operating a type 2 ATV on a U.S. Hwy, no angling licenses in possession and failing to place a shelter license on an angling house left on the ice unattended over-night.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) continued field training with COC Grewe, checked anglers, monitored snowmobile activity, worked trapping enforcement, investigated an injured wolf call, spoke at the local high school biology class and assisted the county with a house fire. On New Year's Day, CO Fairbanks assisted with a search for a missing 8-year-old girl and her dog. CO Fairbanks and a County Deputy tracked the little girl and her dog by the tracks in the snow from her residence to the snowmobile trail. The little girl traveled about five miles up the trail with her dog pulling her in a sled most of the way. She was eventually found at a warming shed on the trail sleeping. She was checked out by medical staff and all was well. Enforcement action was taken for no angling license in possession, expired registration on OHV, angle without valid license and snowmobile registration issues.

District 8 - Duluth area

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) worked to check ice anglers this past week in Duluth area lakes. He conducted an investigation into a report of a timber wolf trapped outside the season closure dates.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) handled several calls of injured animals during the week. Many winter fishermen were visited while they were enjoying the outdoors. A report was completed involving a big game violation. Time was spent working trapping locations and following up on possible trapping harassment violations. Officer Duncan also completed a trespass case that happened during the last week of archery deer season.
CO Scott Staples (Carlton) checked some fishing activity in the area. Some enforcement action was taken for leaving shelters on the ice overnight without reflectors and failing to display license or name information on the shelter. Assistance was given to Cloquet PD after a local business was burglarized. A short track with K9 Schody showed the direction in which the burglar's fled. This case is still under investigation with the Cloquet Police Dept. Lots of questions were answered while attending the Minnesota Trappers Association's winter meeting in Askov.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott followed up on wetland violation investigations. Enforcement action was taken for a defendant who failed to comply with a wetland cease and desist order. He also aided the division by instructing Use of Force and Taser Training.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sgt. Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers in the Duluth area. The lack of snow cover has kept snowmobile traffic on area trails to a minimum. Shore anglers were checked. He attended a funeral of a retired officer

CO Matthew Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) reports continuing training with COC Vang. Officers worked ice anglers on the French River and St. Louis Harbor and responded to a trapping issue. Enforcement action was taken on no fishing license in possession and no registration of OHMs and ATVs.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) and COC Williams assisted a local officer in a trapping investigation. They checked several anglers on local lakes and Lake Superior with anglers reporting some success. Violations included no license in possession, expired ATV and Snowmobile registration, and underage possession of alcohol.

District 9 - Brainerd area

CO Jim Tischler (Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area) monitored ice angling, trapping and snowmobile activity in the Brainerd Lakes area. He also patrolled rec. sites in the SRA, winters trails in the Sagamore Mine unit and Yawkey Mine unit are in excellent condition for Fat Tire bikes, snowshoeing and skiing.

CO Jim Guida (Nisswa) continued field training with COC Silgjord. A big game investigation from the firearms season was concluded with enforcement action being taken on a shooting at big game from the roadway violation. Snowmobile and fishing activities were monitored throughout the week. Some anglers were found to be having moderate success. Several snowmobile operators expressed thanks for patrolling the Brainerd Lakes Area Trails and ensuring users safe operation. Enforcement action for the week included multiple speeding violations, angle with extra lines, angle with unattended lines, and operate snowmobile without required equipment.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) checked fishermen, spearers, snowmobilers and trapping activity during the week. Enforcement contacts included snowmobile registration, over 200 feet from tip up and unattended lines.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) followed up on a trapping complaint, monitored the Paul Bunyan Trail for snowmobile issues, and checked anglers where the top violation for the week was again angling with too many lines, with several anglers stating that they were using extra lines because the fishing was so slow.

CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) handled several TIP calls including fish houses with no license or ID and burning of a beaver house on an area lake. Officer Shoutz reminds anglers that fish houses left unattended anytime between midnight and one hour before sunrise require a license. Two accidental catch fisher caught by area trappers were turned in to me and both bobcat and otter season came to a close today (Jan. 6). Fur registration is scheduled for Tues., Jan. 8 in Backus.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reported activity included checking fishing, snowmobile, and cross country ski activity, speaking at a youth snowmobile safety class, handling incidental fur, and responding to miscellaneous complaints including trespassing and ATV's using snowmobile trails. Contacts were made for ATV registration, fishing license, and cross country ski pass violations. 

Cross Lake - vacant.

McGregor - vacant.

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) patrolled Mille Lacs Lake and area lakes. A few walleye were seen during the week and weekend along with some nice sized perch. There didn't seem to be a hot spot on the lake with success spread out from anywhere closer to shore to the flats. The night bite seemed to be the best time for walleye. Time was also spent checking for predator hunters. Enforcement action taken on angle with extra lines, leave lines unattended, angle without license in possession and fail to display snowmobile registration.

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports working fishermen and snowmobilers over the weekend. Even with little snow, there was quite a bit of traffic on the trails. Fishermen checked on Mille Lacs lake had some walleyes and perch in the bag. Fishermen on the stations smaller lakes were having some luck with pike and crappies. A depredation complaint investigation found a calf had been taken by a wolf. A predator controller zone was set up and a trapper was called in. Lots of questions regarding ice fishing, trapping, and snowmobiling laws were answered. Enforcement action was taken for no angling license in possession.

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) saw quite a bit of angling activity during the week. After finding a pair of anglers fishing in a remote area, CO Grundmeier watched the two individuals for over an hour from the nearby pine trees. The fishing partners ended up setting eight lines through the ice and could be heard discussing how much trouble they would be in if the DNR showed up. Time was also spent at the annual trappers' convention and visiting farmers that had gray wolves harassing their livestock.

WREO Rob Haberman checked fishermen on local lakes. WREO Haberman spoke to anglers about AIS laws pertaining to winter ice fishing. WREO Haberman also conducted snowmobile patrol and followed up on public water and WCA cases.

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) checked ice anglers on Mille Lacs where ice conditions have gotten better but fishing success has slowed down. Solid sided ice houses got onto the ice in force along with resorts setting up rentals. A lot of anglers were still using ATVs to get to those houses when they ran into problems due to lack of registration and juvenile safety equipment.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) took calls regarding ice fishing questions and ice conditions. He spent time checking area lakes and state forests. Some snowmobilers were out over the weekend, but trails in the southern part of Pine County are not in the best condition. Panfish and pike continue to be the fish biting in the area.

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) followed up on a trapping case. The initial case involved failing to tend traps, setting snares on deer trails, snares set too high and snare loops that were two large, taking deer out of season, incidental wolves caught in snares and possession of illegal bobcat. The illegal bobcat involved additional parties. Enforcement action was taken for all of these violations and restitution for the animals taken totaled more than $2000.
Heaton handled fishing related calls and incidental fisher. She patrolled are snowmobile trails and issued antique snowmobile permits.

Isle - vacant.

Onamia  - vacant.

District 11 - St. Cloud area

WREO Keith Bertram reports the highlight of the week was working a deer investigation with CO Jeff Johanson. The investigation yielded a subject that took three deer over the limit during the season. Licenses and tags were borrowed from friends and family to cover the deer. The last deer was taken Christmas Eve with a firearm and registered as a bow kill.  Charges are pending.

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) checked sleds last week. CO Mies checked anglers on area lakes. CO Mies worked on a trap theft complaint.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked snowmobilers, anglers, and followed up on TIP calls.  Ice conditions in the area are good with 12-14 inches. A TIP call in the Avon area where a buck was shot and the head removed is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the TIP number at 1-800-652-9093. Enforcement action for the week included snowmobile speed, failure to stop at stop sign, expired registration, extra line, and expired ATV registration.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) assisted District 12 with a work crew in Chisago County. CO Kuske checked angling activity and snowmobile complaints in Morrison and Crow Wing counties. CO Kuske received a complaint of coyote hunters shooting off the road onto posted private property.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) continued training with COC Tetrault. Both worked with neighboring Officers. A TIP call was received and the investigation continues. Enforcement action was taken for common fishing, snowmobile and ATV violations.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) handled calls of dogs chasing deer. A complaint was received of coyote hunters riding the "gray areas" regarding trespass and hunting dogs.  A moderate number of anglers were out; success was slow. Snowmobilers enjoyed the weekend weather.

Conservation Officer Mike Martin (St Cloud) checked anglers, snowmobilers, and ATV operators during the past week. Officer Martin spoke on a local radio show and worked a detail in a vacant station. Officer Martin assisted Benton County Sheriff's Office with the apprehension of a felon who had a warrant and fled when he saw deputies.

Little Falls - vacant.

Sauk Centre - vacant.

District 12 - Princeton area

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) observed an increase in angling activity on area lakes as the ice conditions improve for more vehicle traffic. Several lakes have been producing a good pan fish bite and the northern pike are hitting the tip ups, with numerous 30+ fish observed taken. Snowmobile traffic has decreased with the lack of new snow but the trails are still fair. Enforcement action was taken for over limit on crappies, angling with extra lines and snowmobile speed.  

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fishermen and snowmobilers. He followed up on a big game case with charges pending. He answered a number of trapping and coyote hunting questions.

CO Tony Musatov (Sauk Rapids) checked ice anglers and snowmobilers. Violations were found for no registration. Several animal complaints were handled.

CO Angela Londgren (Princeton) checked anglers/spear houses on local lakes, investigated trapping and trespassing complaints, checked coyote hunters, and had a ride along. Officer Londgren also reports checking numerous snowmobilers who reported that the trail conditions were not great. Investigations were followed up on with county attorneys as well.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) checked ice anglers during the week. Fishing has been spotty on area lakes. Several incidental fishers were also reported and collected. A couple of trespassing complaints were also taken and investigated. Enforcement action was taken on failure to affix required information to snares.   

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports checking anglers in the area. Most anglers are catching numerous pan fish but not many keepers. Snowmobiling activity in the area is still steady even with poor trail conditions. CO Langevin also investigated several trapping complainants in the area.

District 13 - West Metro area

CO Aaron Kahre (Minnetonka) checked fishermen on Lake Minnetonka this past week. The CO also patrolled area lakes in Hennepin County. He worked snowmobile patrol on Lake Minnetonka and assisted another state with an investigation from the waterfowl season.

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) investigated trapping complaints near Watertown. Coyote hunters were checked having very good success. Snowmobile trails were patrolled finding very few snowmobilers out.

CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington) received calls regarding trapping violations and injured animals. He spent the majority of the week on fishing enforcement and gave a presentation to a Cub Scout pack. The panfish, walleye and northern bite picked up on local lakes along with the warm front. Many anglers took advantage of the bite and were successful.

CO Jackie Glaser (Metro Water Resource Enforcement Officer) testified in an AIS hearing. She worked snowmobile enforcement on Lake Minnetonka focusing on excessive speed. She assisted District 13 officers with interviews for a case involving waterfowl and littering violations. Several controlled substance violations were also found.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) checked anglers and recreational vehicles in Hennepin County and Carver County. He assisted Fort Snelling State Park staff with several administrative duties and patrolled the park. He assisted a South Dakota warden in an ongoing violation.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked snowmobiling and ice fishing activities this past week. He worked ATVs, monitored state parks, state trails, and wildlife management areas. He returned many phone calls regarding registering otter, online firearms safety courses, and small game hunting regulations. Enforcement action was taken for unattended line and no fishing license in possession.

CO Adam Block (Prior Lake) spent the week mainly working ice angling activity. Time was also spent closing out a case from last summer. An investigation is ongoing regarding traps that are not being tended per state law.

Mound - vacant.

District 14 - East Metro area

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week checking ice anglers and recreational vehicle activity on area lakes. Time was also spent checking aeration sites throughout Washington County for compliance. CO Arntzen took part in a fishing related work crew in Chisago County. He also fielded calls about ice angling, trapping, and fish house questions. Violations included failing to display valid registration.

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) patrolled Washington and Dakota counties for snowmobile activity. Despite the lack of snow, numerous people were out on the trail system riding. CO McGowan continued to work on big game cases left over from this fall. A trespass complaint was also dealt where anglers trespassed to get to an ice fishing spot. Enforcement action was taken for numerous snowmobile issues and trespass.

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) checked ice anglers around the metro lakes. He patrolled for snowmobiling activity and checked ATVs on the frozen lakes. He also performed aeration inspections around the Dakota County lakes and responded to calls.

CO Travis Muyres (Ham Lake) worked snowmobile enforcement in Anoka County. Enforcement action was taken for license violations and various road crossing violations. CO Muyres also followed up on big game investigations from last fall.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) assisted the DNR Division of Wildlife with their fitness testing. She wrote a report for the Anoka County Attorney's Office regarding a deer case, handled calls with trapping questions, checked small game hunters and worked snowmobile enforcement. CO Kruse checked numerous anglers over the weekend, finding good compliance but not many fish being caught.

CO Amber Peterson (Maplewood) reports working out on area lakes checking several ice anglers. She responded to many snowmobile questions and injured animal calls as well as one call of a dead turkey with an arrow in it. The archer was eventually located and enforcement action was taken for taking a turkey out of season and wanton waste.

Eagan - vacant.

Metro Officer - vacant.

District 15 - Marshall area

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports the enforcement focus of the week was directed at fishing, coyote hunting and snowmobile enforcement. Ice conditions are allowing many anglers the confidence to drive their full sized trucks. The snowmobile trails have been groomed and in good condition.

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the week working ice fishing, snowmobile and coyote hunting enforcement. Almost all of the lakes in the area have fish houses on them with some vehicle traffic. Most of the fish being caught are perch, crappies, and smaller walleye. Coyote hunting and snowmobile trespass complaints continue to be received. Enforcement action was taken for trespassing, angle with extra lines, discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle, illegal snowmobile operation in a state park, snowmobile registration violations, and fish house and fishing license violations.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) monitored pheasant hunting, ice fishing and snowmobiling activity. Ice fishing activity on Big Stone Lake is the busiest this officer has encountered.  Nice catches of perch have been seen in possession. Local snowmobile clubs have been grooming trails. A reminder to ice anglers, that frozen lakes are not landfills. Numerous angling license violations were encountered. 

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) reports ice fishing is in full swing in the area, with overall good ice conditions. An archery deer investigation concluded with enforcement being taken on two hunters for unlawful party hunting and the unlawful lending of a license to another.  

WREO Larry Hanson (SW Minnesota) placed a deed restriction on a property in McLeod County on a WCA violation for noncompliance on a restoration order. Site checks were made in Watonwan and Nobles counties to follow-up on restoration work. Ice fishermen and snowmobiles were checked around the area.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working sleds and ice anglers. Fishing shelters cover many area lakes. Most lakes are still only producing small fish with the exception of northerns. Sled activity remains high. Enforcement action was taken for no snowmobile safety, extra lines, and ATV, sled, fish shelter registrations.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) reports that he patrolled for snowmobile activity and checked fishermen on Lac qui Parle and the Minnesota River. Violations included no identification on a fish house, no fish house license, and angling with too many lines. 

Madison - vacant.

Redwood Falls - vacant.

District 16 - New Ulm area

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) worked a detail with neighboring officers in response to predator hunting complaints and noted light activity and overall good compliance.  He also checked snowmobiles and ATVs and addressed registration and youth operation violations. He checked angling activity and noted a slow bite and took enforcement action on license and extra line violations.
CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) spent the week checking anglers, trappers and predator hunters. She took multiple complaints regarding predator hunters chasing coyotes with ATVs and snowmobiles. CO Mueller participated in a detail focusing on predator hunters.  Follow up investigations were completed during the week with enforcement action taken on a past shinning complaint and allow illegal operation of a minor on a snowmobile. Time was also spent on snowmobile patrol with CO Oberg. 

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) reports snowmobile, fishing and predator hunting enforcement this week. Officer Oberg spent time working a walleye bite on a Sibley County lake with fish ranging from 10-17 inches. Snowmobile enforcement was worked around Hutchinson with one sled stopped for doing 90 mph. Snowmobile violations included no snowmobile safety, fail to display registration, no registration, no state trail sticker, and speed.  A predator hunting detail was also worked.

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) reports checking pheasant hunters and worked shooting from vehicle complaints the final days of the pheasant season. Time was also spent working other small game hunters and archery deer hunters. Abraham checked a number of snowmobilers and ice fishermen.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) spent time on small game and sport fishing enforcement. Enforcement action for the week included fishing without a license in possession, angling with extra lines, and various snowmobile violations. Inspections were done on area aeration systems. CO Beckmann assisted other district officers with an enforcement detail focused on predator hunters and snowmobiles in Renville and Kandiyohi counties. Ice conditions continue to vary and warmer weather is in the forecast. Some equipment used by area commercial fishermen fell through the ice on Talcot Lake over the weekend. It was reported that there was 14 inches of ice on some parts of the lake and as little as four inches in other areas. Fishermen should use caution when driving vehicles in unknown areas and be sure to have necessary equipment along should an accident happen.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) completed his weekly radio program discussing topics including snowmobile law, open/closed seasons and other area activity. Gruhlke reports there is angling success on a couple of area lakes. CO Gruhlke patrolled the county targeting snowmobile, angling, ATV and fish house ID/licensing issues. Gruhlke noted that some aeration systems are up and running in the county.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) inspected aeration systems which recently started up, with six out of eight systems currently running. Anglers were checked in conjunction with ice shelters. Numerous violations were recorded and education was given to shelter owners on identification, licenses and reflectors. One individual was checked seconds before wetting a line which showed that minutes prior he purchased a license but instead of purchasing an angling license the vendor issued him a shelter license. This issue is becoming more prevalent and sportsmen are reminded to check their licenses at the time of purchase.  Snowmobile and ATV activity was monitored. A parent was cited for letting their juvenile illegally ride a snowmobile.  

Litchfield - vacant.

District 17 - Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) checked anglers, snowmobile riders, State Park users, and cross-country skiers. Multiple violations were detected in these areas.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) spent the week patrolling for fishing, ATV and snowmobile activity. Officer Ihnen responded to TIP and other calls for service. A law and ethics presentation was also given to a snowmobile safety class in the city of Hope.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) started training with COC Belgard this past week. The officers worked area lakes and rivers for angling activity. A trespassing complaint was followed up on. Cases from the fall deer season were addressed. A snowmobile safety class was also attended.

WREO Julie Siems (SE) reports checking anglers and following up on WCA violations.

Albert Lea - vacant.

Faribault - vacant.

Owatonna - vacant.

Spring Valley - vacant.

District 18 - Rochester area

CO Phil George (Rochester) spent the week checking anglers, ATV operators, and a few snowmobiles. Complaints of litter were taken. Enforcement action included no angling license, angle with extra lines, and unattended fishing lines.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports investigating a trespass case from the end of the archery season. Time was also spent checking coyote hunters. Success has been fair to good and compliance was high. CO Boyum also registered otter and checked a few trappers as well. Snowmobilers are spending most of their time riding in the ditch as that's where the snow is deepest.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports good ice fishing in the area has brought out many fishermen. Hemker investigated trash dumping, fishing, and trapping complaints. He spent time on several deer cases and assisted the USFWS with an investigation. He attended the snowmobile safety field day and reminds snowmobilers to check if trails are open before they ride.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports coyote hunters had another good week with many coyotes harvested. Trappers were getting the end of the season otter registered. Ice conditions are excellent with most species of fish being caught. Snowmobile trails are bare in the open areas. Riding will remain poor until we get further snow.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly anglers during the week. Heyn also did follow up work on deer issues and assisted the USFWS. Fishing success was mixed, but limits of bluegills were seen taken, along with various violations. 

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending the week and weekend checking fishing, snowmobile and ATV activity. Time was also spent wrapping up charges for a case from the deer season. The snowmobile trails in the area are in need of some snow. Some fishing, ATV and snowmobile violations were detected.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports fishing was good on Lake Zumbro and the Mississippi River backwaters. Coyote hunters were having some success. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of violations.

Rochester  - vacant.

Zumbrota  - vacant.

Training Section

Planning is ongoing for this year's training activities, including ordering equipment and supplies and reserving training areas at Camp Ripley.

Aviation Section

CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports positioning aircraft for maintenance and winter ski ops. Jensen performed wildlife telemetry flights and training for same type of flights. Jensen also performed a fish shelter survey on the St. Croix River.

CO Pilot Tom Buker (New Ulm) Flew wolf pack telemetry flights. Flights were flown in support of southern officer for predator hunter and snowmobile enforcement. Department personnel were transported. Aircraft maintenance issues were completed. Ski training was conducted with aircraft.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) started the helicopter moose survey out of Ely. Heineman also had the skis put on the Cessna 185 based at Bemidji.

NR Standby Pilot Brad Maas flew on the northeast moose survey. Snow conditions were good, and some nice bulls were observed. Wolves and lynx were seen as well.

Stand by pilot Bob Geving conducted telemetry flight training with CO Pilot Jensen. Geving also participated in the fly by for a funeral.

Standby NR Pilot Luke Ettl (Grand Rapids) conducted aircraft positioning flights and flew the helicopter moose survey.

Chief Pilot Tom Pfingsten assisted in moving helicopters to Ely for the helicopter moose survey and joined other CO Pilots for a funeral detail.

Water Resource Enforcement Officers

WREO reports are now placed within district reports.

Enforcement Education

Please check the DNR WEB SITE at www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Education Courses and instructor training sessions
 
If you missed a fall class and are over 16, check on-line for Adult Home Study or On-Line course information is also located at www.mndnr.gov.

Please check the DNR WEB SITE www.mndnr.gov  for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Youth Snowmobile Safety Courses and instructor training sessions. Adult Snowmobile Safety Training CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.

Youth ATV Courses (12 to 15 years old) class postings for around the state are posted on the web site at www.mndnr.gov.  Students are reminded that they must complete the CD portion of the course before attending the classroom portion of the course. Youth/Adult ATV Safety Training Course CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR

Reminder---anyone born after December 31st, 1979 cannot purchase a license to hunt in Minnesota without first taking a DNR Safety Training Course and receiving a certificate.  In addition many states have even more stringent mandatory Hunter Education requirements.  Check before you go!!! 

Reminder---Any resident born after December 31st, 1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must possess a snowmobile Certificate.  Two options are available to complete certification, 11 and older can attend the traditional youth course.  Those 16 or older can take the at home CD course.

Reminder---Anyone born after July 1st, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands and waters in Minnesota, must successfully complete the ATV Safety Training CD course.  Persons under age 16 must complete the ATV CD Course and riding component before riding on public lands. Youth/Adult ATV Training CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.

  SCHEDULED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SESSIONS
If you are 18 or older and would like to become an instructor for Snowmobile Safety, ATV Safety, Firearms Safety, Trail Ambassador or one of the Advanced Hunter programs, contact your local Conservation Officer or Regional Safety Training officer.  Instructor clinics are scheduled throughout the state and are listed on the DNR Website.
See Also:

Northeast RTO Shelly Patten worked on review of the final ATV Safety CD. Patten designed a troubleshooting website page for the recreational vehicle CDs. Patten worked on EMT certification. Patten completed instructor backgrounds.

Northwest RTO Jon Paurus spent time on banquet planning and preparation. More clinics are being scheduled and paperwork for backgrounds was completed. Equipment maintenance was also completed.

West Central RTO Frank Rezac reports planning for Firearms Safety Online Field Day sites and instructor training. He also planned/took registrations for Snowmobile and ATV instructor training. Early in the week he checked ice fishermen and snowmobilers in the St. Cloud area.

Northeast Metro RTO Bruce Lawrence worked on related equipment repairs. RTO Lawrence was at the area radio shop for 800 MHZ frequency and antenna adjustment updates. RTO Lawrence completed end of month reports for December 2012. RTO Lawrence called and emailed participants to the upcoming snowmobile safety training for new instructors. Other items included working with storage of field day equipment at the Carlos Avery site location. 

Southwest Metro RTO Alex Gutierrez fielded several phone calls in reference to upcoming DNR safety instructor clinics. The RTO also prepared end of the month reports. RTO Gutierrez has received several requests to schedule a Firearms Safety Instructor Clinic for the online option and he has been working on finding a location.

Recreational Vehicle Coordinator Leland Owens last week continued work on the new Youth ATV Safety CD project and completed a report related to a deer season case of hunting over bait. Owens took care of a Vintage Snowmobile Permit request, returned calls and emails, and dealt with computer issues. He also spent one day at Ripley working on Trail Ambassador Program items.

Education Specialist Jim Hatlevig worked on updates to the Minnesota Bowhunter Education Program Instructors Field Day manual.

Acting Southern RTO Dan McBroom spent the week on background checks for new safety instructors, prepared for an upcoming health fair, and worked on lining up instructor training classes.

RTO                         PHONE NUMBERS/E-MAIL:
Rec. Vehicle Coordinator Leland Owens          763-753-1887      leland.owens@state.mn.us
NE RTO Shelly Patten                                218-244-8051   shelly.patten@state.mn.us
Curriculum Specialist Jim Hatlevig          218-758-2459      james.hatlevig@state.mn.us
West Central RTO Frank Rezac         320-230-8549   frank.rezac@state.mn.us
NE Metro RTO Bruce Lawrence        651-674-2705      bruce.lawrence@state.mn.us
NW RTO Jon Paurus                218-298-4000      jon.paurus@state.mn.us


Education Specialist:  Vacant

Curriculum Coordinator:  Vacant




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page created in 0.328 seconds with 29 queries.