Conservation Weekly Report

[Lee Borgersen]

10/27/2012
 
  Conservation Officer Weekly Report

 District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) spent time checking archery deer hunters and grouse hunters in the field. Lots of questions in regards to upcoming wolf season and possible trail closure on Molpus property were answered, along with handling trespass, ATV, and nuisance animal complainants. Fishing activity on the Rainy River has been slow with the weather not being very cooperative.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) worked some late season fishing, with the walleye action firing up. Muskie fishermen continue to search for that elusive new state record. An individual was found hunting waterfowl on a State Game Refuge, which will be a costly mistake. A bear season investigation continues, along with assisting with a moose investigation. A few ducks are still hanging around, with hunting pressure dwindling. A reminder that deer hunters should be sighting in their rifles now, because it becomes illegal five days before deer season to do so unless you are at a permitted target range.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) finished up work on open cases and helped RTO Patten and other volunteer instructors with an adult Firearms Safety Class field day. The court notified the officer of the conclusion of an illegally taken wolf case from last deer season where the defendant finally pled guilty.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent a large amount of time meeting with landowners and taking complaints regarding hunters who are trespassing on private property. Some hunters are going so far as to cut locks off of gates and replace them with their own. One bow hunter who disregarded a "No Trespassing" sign shot a deer about 75 yards from a residence was issued a citation for trespassing. The hunters bow and deer were seized. The archery hunter will also face a $500 restitution charge for the deer upon conviction. Other complaints being investigated include hunting deer over bait, numerous litter violations and complaints concerning duck hunters.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) has received questions mostly, concerning bait from wolf lottery hunt winners. Received a complaint from a homeowner of weird "bait" found on their property. Investigation found a dead decomposing deer with Large Mouth bass and Northern dumped on the carcass. A group of bough pickers were checked and found to not have the required permits for picking on public lands and a check revealed one with an outstanding local warrant. He was then transported to jail by CO Fredin.

District 6 - Two Harbors area

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked grouse hunters and a few designated trout lakes during the week. A couple of loaded guns were found on road hunters. The CO also checked to make sure that bear hunters are removing their stands and signs.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked ATV riders and grouse and archery deer hunters. The officer assisted the Cook County Sheriff's Department in locating a missing elderly woman; she was found safe but a little tired from a long day's walking. Officer Manning also attended active shooter training in Silver Bay and completed office paperwork.

CO Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reports that he checked grouse hunters and ATVs. Several hunters mentioned seeing many birds. He did some maintenance work on his ATV. CO Johnson took a call from a taxidermist about a car kill Coyote.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) focused enforcement efforts on small game hunters and ATV activity. Equipment maintenance was performed on seasonal gear. The Officer attended the second part of active shooter training in Silver Bay. Enforcement action was taken for illegal burning and driving after revocation.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked grouse hunters and dealt with trespass complaints. Some ATV violations were dealt with and officer fielded many calls from the public about wolf hunting, moose hunting, deer hunting and trapping issues. Boaters are reminded to have their PFDs on board.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt/Ely) reports a busy MEA weekend. One grouse hunter was encountered in possession of several packages of synthetic marijuana. CO Bermel assisted a trapper in successfully releasing a timber wolf accidentally caught in a foothold trap. Other enforcement action for the week included shine deer after hours, transport a loaded shotgun on an ATV, angle with an extra line, fail to remove drain plug, and ATV trespass. Way too many folks are leaving their hunting and fishing licenses back at camp.

District 8 - Duluth area

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) worked ATV complaint areas and trespassing complaints. Shining complaints are picking up in the area. Grouse hunting in the area has been slow. Officer Schmidt assisted with an adult firearm safety class at United Northern Sportsman's Club.

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reports lots of archery and grouse hunters were checked during the week. Many reports of cars/deer collision were again reported throughout the week. Lots of questions regarding the upcoming wolf season are being received. A very small orphaned bear cub that most likely would not have made it through the winter was captured and brought to a bear sanctuary where it will spend the winter.