Trails, ice deteriorating in heat

[Lee Borgersen]

Conservation Officer Report: Trails, ice deteriorating in heat.

2/20/17

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Conservation officer Eric Sullivan (Pequot Lakes) worked area lakes and made contact with several anglers who reported having poor success. CO Sullivan also worked snowmobiling activity and assisted with the apprehension of a subject who fled on snowmobile. Snowmobile trails in the area are in good condition but deteriorating rapidly with warm weather.

Officer Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked fishermen and snowmobiles. Trails were in good condition this week. Officer Hunter also assisted a stranded motorist who was stuck in the snow.
Officer Patrick McGowan (Pine River) patrolled for snowmobile and angling activity throughout the week. Numerous snowmobilers were out enjoying good trail conditions before the warm up.

Enforcement action was taken for numerous angling and snowmobile violations.

Officer Randy Posner (Brainerd) reports that he worked on fishing enforcement this past week. The ice anglers were still out trying their luck. Violations observed were no license and unattended lines. The ice conditions are good, however slushy melted areas have become a problem for some anglers and snowmobilers. Other violations observed were no snowmobile safety certificate, driving the wrong way after sunset, and expired registration.

Officer Jim Guida (Brainerd 2) worked sport fishing and snowmobile enforcement. Lots of anglers were out enjoying the lakes area. Officer Guida also instructed approximately 30 students in snowmobile safety. Snowmobile trails have diminished.

Officer Tim Collette (Crosslake) checked many anglers where the reports were very slow with the exception of pan fish. Some nice catches of crappies and sunfish were seen. The snowmobile trails were active with the several inches of snow received in the last week. Enforcement activity included fish houses without identification and/or shelter tags displayed, angle with unattended lines, more than 200' from tip-ups, snowmobile speeding, and careless operation of a snowmobile. An individual that was water skipping on his snowmobile understood the possible consequences of his actions when it was explained that someone unfamiliar with the area may follow his tracks after dark into the water and drown.

Officer Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reports checking snowmobile, fishing, and cross country ski activity.

Complaints of illegal use and obstruction of snowmobile trails were looked into, and enforcement contacts were made for illegal ATV operation and no ski passes.

Officer Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) worked angling, spearing, cross country skiing, and snowmobile activity. A firearms deer case was closed and time was spent on the local radio station.

Officer Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked angler activity where ice houses were coming off due to slow bites and a warm forecast. Some beaver trappers were out anxiously chipping ice as the pelts are priming up. CO Verkuilen also monitored a trespassing complaint and answered

questions regarding the upcoming DU contest.

Officer Chris Tetrault (Isle) conducted follow up on cases from deer season to see the status of ongoing cases. Anglers were checked on Mille Lacs Lake; the bite has slowed with a few fish being caught. Ice conditions have changed with the recent warm up. Please use caution when venturing onto the ice. Enforcement action was taken for angling with extra lines and possession of marijuana.

Officer Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports checking fishermen on Mille Lacs Lake and smaller area lakes. Most were having some luck and with the warmer weather the panfish bite seems to be starting. The officer also patrolled area snowmobile trails and quite a few sleds were enjoying the trails and warmer weather, but by the end of the weekend the trails were deteriorating quickly. Calls regarding outdoor related law questions and nuisance animals were fielded throughout the week and weekend. Enforcement action was taken for various fishing violations.

Officer Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) readied evidence for upcoming court cases. Anglers were checked and reported a slow bite. Snowmobile activity was worked. The trails were in good condition but with the warmer weather will be deteriorating quickly.

Officer Dan Starr (Onamia) noted an extreme upswing in fishing pressure this past week with

warmer weather. Fishing was slower, but many fish were still being caught. Violations for extra line, possess protected sized walleye, unattended lines, and lacking licenses were encountered.

Marking fish houses with GPS for litter problems continued. Ice roads were heaving badly this

week. CO Starr found many fishermen that were lacking proper measuring devices to accurately measure fish, which is not an excuse to have illegal length fish.