DNR conservation officers' report in northwestern Minnesota

[Lee Borgersen]

 February 14 2011
DNR conservation officers' report: Fishing success slows despite warmer weather
CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) assisted with an investigation of the importation of bait from VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia)-infested waters. Calls about dead, sick and stressed deer are increasing.
By: Minnesota DNR,


Here is the weekly report from Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in northwestern Minnesota for Feb. 14:


District 1 - Baudette area


CO Ben Huener (Roseau) monitored ice angling and snowmobile activity in the station. Inspections were conducted on two commercial bait dealers.


CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) spent time contacting local bait retailers in reference to invasive species issues, and angling activity on Lake of the Woods was monitored. A radar patrol was conducted, addressing complaints of snowmobile speeds. CO Birchem gave a presentation to a local Lions Club on new regulations. Presentations were also given at the Baudette School and Warroad School on furbearers.


CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) spoke to an area high school careers class on Conservation Officer roles and career opportunities. CO Woinarowicz also patrolled the Old Mill State Park and spoke with anglers during the Thief River Falls Lions Fishing Derby. A detail was worked with CO Benson in the Crookston area patrolling area snowmobile trails. Enforcement action for the week included snowmobile trail permit and registration violations, no state park permit, operate snowmobile in state park, excessive speed and allow illegal operation of snowmobile by juvenile.


CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) monitored snowmobile and angling activity. A report of a dead owl was addressed. CO Backer responded to a deer in a fence call and the report of a dead dear by a feed pile. Enforcement activity for the week included angling and snowmobile violations.


CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck) monitored angling activity throughout the week. The bite has slowed some, but it did not stop people from coming out to enjoy the near 40 degree weather during the weekend. Snowmobile trails were very busy during the weekend and in excellent condition. Moose sightings have been reported from the trails in the Waskish area. Violations encountered during the week included angling violations and possessing a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.


CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) reports good snowmobile and fishing conditions throughout the week with the warmer temperatures. Snowmobiling activity has increased, and numerous tip-up fishermen were checked enjoying the above average temperatures. CO Gorecki investigated fishing and invasive species complaints throughout the week as well. Enforcement action taken during the week included over limit of walleye, illegal length walleye, angle with extra lines and angle without a license.


Karlstad - vacant.


Warroad #2 - vacant.


District 2 - Bemidji area


CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) reports low success by anglers. Snowmobile activity remains high. The officer participated in a snowmobile enforcement work crew. The violation rate was quite high. The officer also assisted with an investigation of the importation of bait from VHS infested waters. Calls about dead, sick and stressed deer are increasing.


CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked anglers and snowmobilers. He recovered a gray wolf that was hit and killed by a car.


CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Angler success is low. The recent warm weather has contributed to water and slush on the ice. Snowmobile and cross-country skiing activity remains high. Trails continue to be in good condition.


CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports many anglers and snowmobilers out during the warmer weather. Some of the snowmobile trails are showing some wear due to the activity and 40 degree temperatures. TIP investigations are ongoing. The officer spent a couple of days in court for a jury trial. Fish houses are beginning to come off the lakes. Aeration sites were inspected.


CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports warm weather has taken its toll on snowmobile trails. Snowmobile activity remains high and trail groomers are doing what they can to do maintain the trails. Many fish house owners took advantage of the warm weather to remove their houses from the lakes. Angler success is low, with the sunfish bite being the best. The officer and RTO Paurus put on a Firearms Safety Instructor Clinic.


CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) spent a good portion of the week preparing and testifying in a jury trial. Anglers and snowmobilers were checked. A deer baiting case was settled prior to trial.


CO Al Peterson (Osage) reports an increase in angling activity during the warm temperatures, but the fish were not very cooperative. Snowmobile trails were patrolled and enforcement action taken. Law compliance involving current snowmobile registration and trail permits has been very good. Snowmobile activity remains high, and the trails are starting to show wear.


CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) checked anglers, snowmobilers, and predator hunters. Many outdoor enthusiasts were out enjoying the warm winter weather. The officer assisted with a Firearms Safety Instructor Clinic. A call of a dead swan was investigated.


Water Resource Officer Traci Hanson participated in an investigation of the importation of bait from VHS-infested waters. A meeting of the Water Resource Enforcement Officers was attended. Snowmobilers and anglers were checked.


Bemidji #1 - vacant.


Natural Resources Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) finished the aerial deer survey in Permit Area 208 and started PA 268 near Thief Lake Wildlife management area.