12/13/09 Report (Dist. 12-18)

[Woody]

District 12 - St. Cloud area
12/13

CO Tony Musatov (Sauk Rapids) checked ice anglers, goose hunters, and muzzleloader deer hunters. CO Musatov handled an animal complaint and a trespass complaint. An ongoing big game investigation with Montana was finished with charges pending.

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) checked the first snowmobilers and ice anglers out on some area lakes this week. Ice conditions vary greatly on different lakes in the area so use caution and check the ice yourself before venturing out on any body of water. Reller also checked trappers and a few muzzleloader hunters this week.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) checked a few muzzleloader hunters who braved the cold weather. The recent cold also brought ice to area lakes. Ice depth has varied from lake to lake with some spots only having 3 inches. Several have taken to the ice on the smaller lakes but some have also been checked after coming off of Knife Lake. Enforcement action was taken on ATV on highway and no license in possession.

CO David Schottenbauer (Princeton) worked area anglers on area lakes. Time was also spent on a trespass case where the violator left a blood trail from the crime scene to his house. If that was not enough, he dropped a used site tag on the blood trail with his information on it. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) finished up on a trapping investigation eight otter were confiscated and charges are pending. He followed up on a trespassing complaint. He did three enforcement safety talks to 100+ kids at DNR snowmobile safety classes.

CO Brian Dobbick (Cambridge) reports a slow end to the muzzleloader deer season. With the fresh snow a few more pheasant hunters have been in the field, but with minimal results. The recent string of cold weather has also brought out the ice anglers. Over the week, portable fish houses and some permanent houses were being placed on area lakes. A reminder that it is early, and the ice thickness does vary.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports ice fishing is in full swing in the area. Most lakes have anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of ice and many anglers are taking advantage. Most anglers are seeing some success but not a lot. Snowmobilers have also taken to the ditches even with the small amount of snow. All are reminded that ice is never safe and use caution while on the ice.


District 13 - West Metro area
12/13

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) attended a division training meeting. He patrolled Hennepin and Dakota counties for fishing and snowmobile enforcement. CO Neitzke checked muzzleloader deer hunters. He also worked with CO Kanieski and assisted him with a Snowmobile Safety Class.

CO Adam Block (Prior Lake) spent the week following up on deer cases from the firearms season. He checked snowmobile use, pheasant hunting activity and assisted with fur registration. Calls received included injured animals, hunting complaints and hunting related questions. Violations detected included blaze orange violations, no license in possession and no small game license.

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) checked goose, pheasant and deer hunters all week. Ice has formed on all the lakes and a few anglers are venturing out with life jackets and ice picks. A few snowmobilers were observed but trail conditions are poor. Several hunters were in violation for not wearing any blaze orange clothing which must be worn during the muzzleloader deer season. Please check with local marinas or bait shops for the latest ice conditions on area lakes.

CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington) received calls regarding a road hunting/trespass complaint, dogs chasing deer and a person who had fallen into the river and couldn't get out. He also attended a training meeting and appeared in federal court for a hunting case. Other time was spent checking ice anglers, deer hunters and maintaining equipment.

CO Aaron Kahre (Minnetonka) spent the week on snowmobile and ice fishing enforcement. The cold weather is making for good ice. CO Kahre also assisted the Shakopee PD with a man in the river. CO Kahre was checking ice fishermen when he encountered four young men heading out on the ice. They asked the CO if he had seen anyone else ice fishing this year. He told them no and they were all excited that they were the first ice fishermen that CO Kahre had encountered. CO Kahre checked another group ice fishing near an open hole in the ice. He asked them how thick the ice was. They told the CO there was not much ice. They stated that it was not good for driving, but it was ok for walking.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) patrolled for snowmobile and ice fishing activities in the metro area. He worked the last weekend of deer muzzleloader season and the regular goose season. With the recent snowstorm, many cross-country skiers were out at Fort Snelling State Park and many bought a ski pass. He took enforcement action for no snowmobile safety certificate, unregistered snowmobile, no snowmobile trail permit and no ski pass.

CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) patrolled area trails and lakes for snowmobile and fishing activity. She checked several muzzleloader hunters. She also spoke at a snowmobile safety class in Chaska and assisted the DNR Wildlife Office with fur registration in Jordan.

CO Todd Kanieski (Osseo) worked a deer baiting case. He spoke to a youth snowmobile safety class in Brooklyn Park. He conducted inspections on lake aeration systems, checking for proper safety posting requirements. He also worked snowmobile enforcement, attended a training officer meeting and checked some early season ice anglers. Ice thickness varies across area lakes; safety should be a priority as it is still very thin in many areas.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked hunters and anglers in the metro area. He worked at the Lao Family office answering questions from the public on small game hunting regulations. Officer Lee worked snowmobile enforcement, patrolled state parks and state trails. Enforcement action was taken for unregistered snowmobile, uncased gun in Anoka County, and transport loaded firearm.


District 14 - East Metro area
12/13

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) continued wrapping up deer cases from the firearms deer season. The first snow fall of the year brought many snowmobilers out on the state trail system. CO McGowan also checked several groups of late goose hunters. Hunters are reminded to pay close attention to which zones are open for late goose hunting. Enforcement action was taken for hunting small game without a license, hunting Canada Geese in a closed area, no fall goose permit, and no federal stamp.

CO Travis Muyres (Ham Lake) finished working the muzzleloader deer season in Anoka County. Fishing enforcement was worked on the few anglers venturing out on area lakes. CO Muyres also attended a district meeting at Afton State Park.

CO Alex Gutierrez (Forest Lake) closed up a trespass case from the deer firearm season. The CO investigated yet another TIP complaint of baiting on private property. CO Gutierrez checked a few snowmobiles with the recent snowfall with most people simply stating they were just tuning the sleds for the upcoming season. Ice fishing is picking up with some lakes in the area having ice thicker than 5 inches. CO Gutierrez reminds the ice anglers that there is no such thing as safe ice.

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) checked goose hunters, archery and muzzle loader hunters around the metro area fields and wildlife management areas, and worked at his Cambodian Center office. A few snowmobiles were seen around some of the metro trails. He also attended a district meeting in Afton State Park.

CO Brad Johnson (Maplewood) reports that the first snow of the year brought out a few archery and muzzleloader deer hunters. He took a trespass complaint in Lake Elmo on two of those archers. CO Johnson attended a district meeting at Afton State Park. He took a couple of calls on injured deer in Maplewood.

CO Greg Salo (East Metro) assisted with a public hearing in Blaine concerning mining in northern Minnesota. CO Salo also checked several fishermen on area lakes and found some people having limited success. Ice is still not safe for ATVs or snowmobiles. A district meeting was also attended.

CO Tony Salzer (Eagan) assisted Blaine PD and other COs with the public information meeting regarding the Polymet project. CO Salzer also attended a district meeting. Some reports of baiting are still being received.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) assisted with fur registration at Carlos Avery WMA. She attended a district meeting and handled numerous calls with questions about deer hunting in metro area 601. CO Kruse assisted CO Koehn with a case, did enforcement for being in a WMA during closed hours and assisted local PDs with cougar calls.


District 15 - Marshall area
12/13

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports enforcement time was sent checking hunters, trappers and fishermen. Numerous calls / contacts from the public were dealt with. The cold seems to be keeping many hunters out of the field and fishermen off the ice. Volunteer snowmobile safety instructors were assisted with a class in Benson that was well attended.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) checked the first ice anglers of the season, with limited angler success. A few vehicles were seen on local lakes, but remember to check ice conditions before venturing out. A complaint of illegal deer take was investigated. Muzzleloader hunting activity was monitored during the final week of the season.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) continued investigations of deer illegally taken during the firearm season. The Officer gave a law and safety presentation to a youth snowmobile class in Luverne. Enforcement action was taken for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle to take pheasants.

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) reports the muzzleloader has come to an end with several arrests for trespassing on agriculture land. Pheasant hunting is going strong with blaze orange requirements continuing to be a safety issue. An investigation of shooting a hawk was finalized. Ice fishing is underway with the cold temps helping the ice conditions. Remember, aeration systems are in place and be careful of thin ice conditions.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week checking hunters and conducting investigations. Muzzleloader season concluded with several hunters fighting bitter weather. Snowmobile activity has picked up with recent snows. Enforcement action was taken for transport loaded firearms, trespass, hunt deer with motor vehicle, and license/stamp/registration violations.

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the week working big game, small game, fishing, and snowmobile enforcement. Blizzard type conditions during the middle of the week stopped a lot of the outdoor activity. With the subzero temps and some ice being made, ice fishermen were out in full force during the weekend. Ice thickness seems to range from thin to 11 inches. Ice fishermen are reminded to be patient and extremely cautious of the ice. A few trucks were observed on area lakes. Ice fishermen are reminded that fish house identification is required on ALL fish houses. Please read page 61 of the MN DNR Fishing Regulations Booklet for details.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) reports the cold and snow started bringing out the ice fishermen and snowmobile riders. A burning complaint was investigated and enforcement action was taken for burning prohibited materials.

Madison - vacant.

Redwood Falls - vacant.



District 16 - New Ulm area
12/13

CO Jim Steffen (Willmar) spent the week checking pheasant hunters, deer hunters and goose hunters. Time was also spent doing follow up interviews and reports on deer cases. Goose hunting has really slowed down with most geese leaving because of the temperature.

CO Wayne Hatlestad (Litchfield) checked angling and spearing activity. Additional time was spent checking archery and muzzleloader deer hunting activity. Hatlestad also checked pheasant and goose hunting activity, as well as trapping activity.

CO Angela Graham (Hutchinson) checked deer hunters, small game hunters, and trappers. She also assisted other officers with ongoing cases and followed up on reports of deer baiting and trespassing. With the cold weather ice fishermen have been hitting the local lakes.

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) worked ice anglers in addition to ATV and snowmobile enforcement. He also followed up on a report of an injured swan and spoke at a chapter meeting of the local Pheasants Forever group. He continued follow up on deer cases.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) worked the start of the late goose season and the end of the muzzleloader season. CO Oberg also reports a noticeable increase in ice angling within the last week. He investigated a case where a live juvenile loon was brought into a local bar for identification purposes; this wasn’t a good decision. The loon eventually found itself in the hands of a rehabilitator and is currently doing well. Officer Oberg would like to remind residents if they happen to find injured or stranded animals to leave them where they are and contact a Conservation Officer or your local sheriff’s office. Your local sheriff’s office will have phone numbers of conservation officers and animal rehabilitators in the area. Officer Oberg also spoke to a snowmobile safety class at Glencoe High school.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) worked the completion of the muzzleloading deer season. The end of the 2009 muzzleloading season brought the same as the end of the regular firearms deer season: complaints of shooting from roadways, trespassing and shooting after hours. Small game and late goose hunters continue to be strong. Ice on area lakes prompt a few anglers to venture out on thin ice.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) completed his weekly radio program discussing topics including muzzleloader deer, pheasant, late goose and small game seasons and ice fishing and snowmobiling. CO Gruhlke also talked about ice safety and snowmobile safety on the program. Gruhlke continued to work deer, fishing and small game seasons. Ice fishermen are venturing out onto area lakes with houses and ATV's.

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) reports working the end of the muzzleloader deer season, with many more violations and complaints recorded than during the firearms deer season. Snow covered fields resulted in the inevitable calls of rifle out the car window vs. pheasant' complaints, some with no regard for the gender of the bird. He also worked predator hunters illegally using radios/cell phones, and ice anglers taking advantage of early ice.

Windom - vacant.


District 17 - Albert Lea area
12/13

CO Julie Siems (Faribault) reports working snowmobile, angling and hunting enforcement. Anglers are walking on the ice, however ice thickness varies greatly. Trespass complaints were investigated. Violations include unregistered snowmobile, fail to stop at road crossing, use bonus tag in lottery area, unregistered deer, shoot from a motor vehicle, shoot off the road at a big game animal, and transport illegally taken big game animal.

CO Tom Hutchins (Albert Lea) reports working an active last two days of the muzzleloader season. The deer were on the move and many hunters were out trying to get a deer during the last two days of season. Complaints of late shooting and trespass were received. Snowmobilers came out after the snowfall. Ice anglers are venturing out on area lakes.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) continues to investigate calls coming in of illegally taken deer. Several snowmobilers were checked over the past week with registration violations being the most common occurrence. Ice conditions continue to improve as several anglers were encountered on area lakes; however, few fish were seen.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) monitored deer hunting, pheasant and waterfowl hunting, ice fishing, and snowmobiling activity. Investigations were also completed from the firearms deer season resulting in numerous violations as well as animal, equipment, and license seizures. Officers Ihnen and Wiebusch also testified in court relating to a warrant/DWI arrest that occurred this past summer.

CO Phil George (Mantorville) reports the end of the muzzleloader season brought some shooting from vehicle and shooting from road complaints. Last week’s winter storm brought out some snowmobile activity in the area. Enforcement action was taken for failure to register big game animal and expired registration on a snowmobile. He taught the laws and ethics portion of a snowmobile safety class.

CO Bob Geving (Mankato) worked fishing, snowmobile and ATV activity. Ice anglers were reporting moderate success on local lakes. Enforcement actions included unsigned license and license not in possession.

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) checked ice angling, snowmobiling, small game hunting, and muzzleloader deer hunters. Some snowmobile and pheasant hunters were checked as well, and muzzleloader activity was light. He also responded to a deer hunting TIP call and spoke on laws and ethics at a Snowmobile Safety class in Waterville.

Spring Valley - vacant.



District 18 - Rochester area
12/13

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked deer and goose hunters during the week. Not as many goose hunters were out with the cold temps, but the ones who were did fairly well. Some deer hunting complaints were investigated and enforcement action was taken.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports fishermen are attempting to fish in a few of the backwater areas. The recent cold temperatures made 1-3 inches of ice. Snowmobile trails will be open the week after the close of the muzzleloader deer season. The 17 inches of snow has made the last few days of muzzleloading season a challenge to get around. The deer have bunched up as well as the turkeys.

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending most of the week checking fishing activity. The backwaters are seeing some early ice fishing pressure and there are still a few brave souls fishing the open water. Some time was also spent working on deer cases and checking snowmobile activity.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) saw many deer hunters out in deep snow until the end of the season. There was some snowmobile activity but most of the trails were still closed. Hemker observed a heavy migration of waterfowl after the close of the season. Many limits of sunfish were checked on the river backwaters.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports checking deer hunters on the last weekend of muzzleloader season. Success was limited. Larger groups making deer drives had some success. One deer baiting case is being investigated. Snowmobilers are out with the snow as are coyote hunters. CO Boyum spoke at a snowmobile safety class as well.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Zumbrota) reports finishing up some investigations from both the firearm and muzzleloader deer season, as well as working the end of the regular goose season. Close to a foot of snow brought out the hunters and snowmobiles in force over the weekend. Enforcement action involved closed season, shining and unlawful possession of deer, as well as several snowmobile and waterfowl issues.

CO Scott Moran (Wabasha) reports the changeover to winter is here. Anglers are in search of good ice but snow cover is making for poor ice making conditions. Snowmobilers are ready to go but trails still need some more snow for groomers to get out and make good riding conditions.

Rochester #1 - vacant.