Weekly MN DNR report

[Lee Borgersen]

                  Conservation Officer weekly report for 10-28-2013

  by MN DNR

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) worked waterfowl, big game, and trapping activities, noting compliance was good. One trapper called to report that he had caught a bobcat before season in a leg-hold trap. Between the trapper and the officer, with a little ingenuity and creativity, the rather large, angry bobcat was released unharmed.

District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports checking fishing and boating activity on the Rainy River with enforcement action taken for no angling license in possession, minor in possession of alcohol, illegal length fish, and insufficient number of PFDs. Several nuisance animal complaints were handled and small game enforcement rounded out the rest of the week.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area forest roads, coordinating with DNR Forestry on area issues and spending time monitoring public access sites. Spare time was devoted to computer work, returning phone calls and working on equipment. Waterfowl and grouse hunting remain very poor.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports calls about the various hunting season dates were returned. Nuisance and injured animal calls were handled. A complaint stemming from an area campground was handled. A local trapper was assisted with a couple situations. Watercraft was winterized and prepared for storage.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) monitored waterfowl migrations and hunting pressure. It would appear that modern technology is creating more pressure on some waterfowl areas. A case of trapping muskrats before season was found, along with that, a trap that was left out for a year was found. Deer are on the move so motorists are reminded to use caution.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked ongoing hunting seasons and night time hunting activity. An investigation of a deer being taken illegally was handled. The officer worked the complaint area and cited an individual for misdemeanor shining without a firearm. About three hours later, two individuals were apprehended for gross misdemeanor shining after using car headlights, a light, along with a shotgun being fired out the car window. The shotgun, light and car were seized and charges are pending. A trapper harassment call in a river access incident was handled and resolved with a warning. A motorcycle rider was observed transporting a slung over the shoulder, uncased shotgun in the city limits of Hibbing. Moments after the officer spotted him, he was seen popping a wheelie. He was cited for the uncased shotgun and cautioned to ride a little smarter. A bear baiting case was closed out from Sept. with violations of early bear bait station, littering, and bait bear with solid waste not bio-degradable.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) took care of a wolf with mange accidently caught in a trap in the Virginia station. A coyote with mange was also taken care of outside of Biwabik. He received a complaint of deer stands being destroyed by cutting the ties and also removing the lower part of ladder stands. The owner believes it is another hunter attempting to control who hunts within the area. Many beaver/mink trappers out and most state sign looks good for this falls trapping season.

District 6 - Two Harbors area

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked duck and grouse hunters throughout the week and found duck hunters to be quite disappointed.  People are getting ready for deer season and anyone finding bait for deer is encouraged to contact the officers so that it can be dealt with. Baiting for deer hunting is not tolerated and will be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Molasses is considered food or bait, so if a salt block contains grains or molasses, it is illegal to hunt with it.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reminds people that trapping season for many species is open and to pay close attention to their dogs while on a walk. Trapping is a legal activity. Tampering with traps is not. Grouse have become fairly scarce after the busy MEA weekend. The birds that are around are very spooking. People are still out and about taking part in fall activities including scouting for deer and placing deer stands.  Bucks are starting to move during the day.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) investigated a deer poached in the Lutsen area; anyone with information on the deer that was shot late last week with a firearm is urged to call the TIP line at 1-800-652-9093. CO Manning checked traps, rechecked bear bait locations and looked for deer baiting. The officer also followed up on a trespass complaint from last fall and took care of office-work and equipment. 

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked small game hunters, ATVs and anglers. The Officer returned calls relating to the upcoming deer season, wolves, car kill deer, dead raptors, becoming a game warden and possible illegal traps. Wahlstrom winterized summer equipment and started to get the winter equipment ready for the next season as it is approaching fast

District 7 - Grand Rapids area

CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked small game hunters and investigated calls on a nuisance bear, livestock depredation by wolves, baiting deer, ATV's in public waters, and OHV damage to a wetland.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) responded to nuisance beaver complaints. He checked small game and duck hunters, and encountered deer hunters checking stands. Violations include illegal transport of grouse, and trap tampering. 

CO John Velsvaag (NE ATV Officer) followed up on illegal ATV activity on the Mesabi Trail this past week. CO Velsvaag also appeared for a court hearing and took a call on illegal deer baiting.