1/4/10 Report (Dist. 1-5)

[Woody]

District 1 - Baudette area
Last updated: 2010-01-04




CO Ben Huener (Roseau) monitored snowmobile and ice fishing activity around Roseau County and Lake of the Woods. Follow up was continued on a case from the deer season. Ice anglers are reminded that portable fish houses still require owner’s information posted on the outside, even though the fish house may not be required to be licensed. Enforcement action was taken on an over limit of walleyes and possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) noted that extreme cold temperatures continued to make good ice on Lake of the Woods. Most areas are free of slush. As always, check before going on any ice. CO Birchem assisted DNR Wildlife staff with registering bobcats and assisted some local residents with their vehicles that wouldn’t start. Enforcement action included over limit of walleye, extra lines, no identification on fish house, and snowmobile registration.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) patrolled area snowmobile trails and responded to an injured owl complaint. He conducted a radio interview on snowmobile regulations and youthful operation guidelines. Woinarowicz also worked a detail on Lake of the Woods with CO’s Gorecki and Birchem, finding multiple violations for angle with extra lines and snowmobile registration violations. Fishing success was dependent on location with some anglers catching numerous fish while others caught only a few.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) worked snowmobile activity in the area. After the recent snowfall many snowmobilers were out enjoying the snow with many getting stuck and digging themselves out of deep drifts. The latest cold snap slowed activity. The Red Lake River and Red River areas were worked for angling activity with anglers having mixed success. WMA’s were monitored for activity and areas were worked in Zone 101 for the special deer season.

CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) found fishing and snowmobile activity in full swing with plenty of ice and snow. The county attorney was met with on upcoming big game court cases. Enforcement action for the week included snowmobile violations.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck) spent the week monitoring angling activity on Upper Red Lake. The walleye bite has slowed some with the cold weather that has moved through the area. Several anglers braved the cold weather over the weekend and ventured out onto the ice. CO Vollbrecht also met with the county attorney and signed complaints from the deer season. Violations encountered during the week included illegal length walleye, angle with extra lines, and angle without license in possession.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored fishing and snowmobiling activity throughout the week. Anglers and snowmobilers were out in large numbers despite temperatures dropping to as low as 30 below zero. Fishing continues to be good on Lake of the Woods and Red Lake, with many anglers catching limits of walleye. A worked detail was worked on Lake of the Woods with CO Woinarowicz and CO Birchem. Enforcement action included over limit of walleye, over length walleye, extra lines, unattended lines, angle without a fishing license, and snowmobile violations.

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.



District 2 - Bemidji area
Last updated: 2010-01-04



CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) reports limited outdoor activity due to the extremely cold temperatures. Some anglers were out but success was low. Snowmobilers are enjoying the snow and groomed trails. The officer spoke to Snowmobile Safety Classes in Plummer and Red Lake Falls, about laws, safety, and riding ethics. A stranded motorist was assisted, and the officer assisted the sheriff’s department with a litter investigation. Calls about coyotes near new born calves were addressed.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked anglers, spearers, fish houses, and snowmobilers.

CO Mike Hruza (Bemidji) checked anglers and snowmobilers. The cold temperatures kept activity levels low.

CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) reports improving ice conditions on area lakes. Anglers are taking some panfish and walleyes. Snowmobile activity has increased. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition. Snowmobilers are reminded to check their registration and trail permits. Calls of dogs chasing deer and accidentally taken fisher were handled.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports angler success has slowed. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition but activity was low due to the cold temperatures.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports an increase in snowmobile activity last week. Trails are groomed and in good condition. Angling activity remains low. Access and travel on lakes is difficult for vehicles. Complaints of snowmobile trespass, dogs chasing deer, and snowmobiles chasing wild animals were investigated.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) checked anglers and snowmobilers. The officer assisted with a Snowmobile Safety Class in Breckenridge. A pickup broke thru the ice on Lake Lida and a snowmobile trail groomer broke thru the ice on a pond in Maplewood State Park. Aeration system inspections are underway.



District 3 - Fergus Falls area
Last updated: 2010-01-04



CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) responded to a complaint of an archery deer hunter hunting in the Orwell Sanctuary on the final day of the season. The hunter was located in the sanctuary, in an elevated stand. His season ended prior to the close of the season. The officer along with CO Forsberg spoke to a Snowmobile Safety Class in Breckenridge, about laws, safety, and riding ethics. Questions about snowmobile safety class availability have increased.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) focused enforcement efforts on angling and snowmobile activity. Very cold temperatures kept outdoor activity levels low. Anglers are taking some fish. The officer spoke to a Snowmobile Safety Class regarding laws, safety, and riding ethics.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) testified in court, completed administrative duties, and completed equipment maintenance. Anglers and snowmobilers were checked. Fish houses without identification and litter remain a problem.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Snowmobile activity remains high and trails were monitored. The officer testified in court regarding a 2008 deer season trespass case.

CO Mike Shelden (Alexandria) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Slush on top of the ice remains a problem for lake travel. Snowmobile activity on the Central Lakes Trail was high. Snowmobilers are reminded of the trail permit requirement.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) focused enforcement efforts on angling and snowmobile activity. The cold temperatures have improved the ice conditions in the area by freezing some of the slush. More vehicles are beginning to venture on to the lakes. A few late season archery deer and pheasant hunters were out as the seasons came to a close. Predator hunting activity is increasing.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Wheaton) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Angling activity was below average, while snowmobiling activity was above average.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) reports a decrease in angling activity, probably due to extreme cold temperatures and difficult travel conditions on lakes. A court trial was scheduled but the defendant did not appear. The judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Snowmobilers are enjoying the winter conditions, and most trails are groomed. Snowmobilers are reminded to carry their safety certificates with them

CO Kurt Nelson (Glenwood) focused enforcement efforts on snowmobile and angling activity. Snowmobile trail activity has increased. Angler success is spotty. Travel on lakes is difficult. Two vehicles broke thru the ice on Lake Reno. One vehicle went completely down, while the other just dropped the frontend into the water. The officer stopped several vehicles that were headed to the same spot.



District 4 - Wadena area
Last updated: 2010-01-04



CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) processed evidence, checked anglers, and worked a snowmobile enforcement detail with Hubbard County Officers. He checked some remote lakes for angling activity and continued working on violations from the firearms deer season. Enforcement action included expired snowmobile registrations, no trail stickers, no safety certificates, no license in possession, and numerous ice shelter violations.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked fishermen and snowmobilers. The snow on the ice has made for some slushy conditions. Snowmobile trails are in fair condition.

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) checked ice anglers and snowmobilers. The cold weather froze most of the slush/water on the ice making things easier for most anglers. The snowmobile trails are all groomed but are in need of a top dressing of snow.

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) focused on ice fishing and snowmobile activity.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) reports that winter sports and activities are in full use as several snowmobilers and ice fishermen were seen. Most areas of ice on lakes are about 15” thick as of 01-03-10. Officer Mathy took calls of an accidental fisher and investigated areas of work in public waters. Enforcement action was taken for angling with an extra line, unattended line, unattended tip-up more than 200’ from angler, no angling license in possession, fish house violations, snowmobile registration violations, and ATV registration violations.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) reports that ice fishing and snowmobiling are both in full swing. Local trail conditions are good, with some bare ground showing on curves due to volume of traffic. Ice conditions continue to improve, with vehicle traffic observed on most lakes. Deep snow and some slush are hampering travel. Enforcement action taken for unlicensed shelter, over limit of fish, extra lines, and unmarked shelter.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) monitored ice angling, spearing, and snowmobiling activity. Anglers had mixed success with perch, walleyes, and crappies. Ice thickness increased with colder temperatures and vehicles have been driving on some lakes. Ice conditions vary from lake to lake; anglers are advised to check ice conditions before venturing out. Snowmobile trails in the area are in fair condition but are in need of new snow. Enforcement action included; no angling license in possession and no ID on ice shelter.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) monitored snowmobile activity and registered fur for local trappers during the past week.

CO Colleen Adam (OHV Recreation Officer Park Rapids) reports the extreme cold weather had an impact on the numbers of people out trying to winter recreate over the holiday break. Though there were some out fishing from the comfort of heated shelters it’s difficult to keep warm while snowmobiling in these frigid temperatures.



District 5 - Eveleth area
Last updated: 2010-01-04



CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) spent time checking ice fishing activity on Rainy Lake and snowmobile activity on local trails. Enforcement action was taken for no current angling license and no current snowmobile registration.

CO Lloyd Steen (Ray/Kabetogama) patrolled area lakes checking fishermen and area trails checking snowmobilers. Extreme low temps ( -30 to -40) kept activity lower than normal. Violations consisted of operating snowmobiles without current trail sticker, fail to display current snowmobile registration, operating snowmobile on county roads, illegal youthful operation, and owner allowing illegal operation of an unregistered snowmobile. One severely mange infested timber wolf was also observed during the week.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports the extreme cold temperatures this past week kept most people indoors. The grouse season ended very quietly with no hunters observed on the final day of the season. Only couple snowmobiles were out and more snow is needed for the trails.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) patrolled area lakes and checked anglers. Citations were issued for angling with extra lines and other violations. When CO Frericks asked the angler why he tried using an extra line the angler replied because he thought he would get away with it. Area snowmobile trails and snowmobilers were checked. Enforcement action was taken on a snowmobiler who hadn’t registered his sled since 1998. Again, when asked why the reply was the same, he thought he could get away with it. Other violations encountered included a husband and wife who both were operating a snowmobile with their juvenile passengers without wearing a helmet.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) taught the Law Enforcement portion to a group of youths obtaining their Snowmobile Safety certificates through the Hoyt Lakes Ranger Club. Picked up a radio collared wolf that was hit and killed on the road. The area did not get an abundance of snow so the trails haven’t been groomed yet this year.

I. Falls # 2 - vacant.