Low pelt fee, high beaver population

[Lee Borgersen]

 CO Report: Low pelt fee, high beaver population

 Nov 4, 2016

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reports activity this week of investigating reports of deer baiting, hunting after revocation, trespassing, cutting trees and posting no trespassing signs on state land, and suspicious hunting activity. All-time low fur prices resulted in near zero trapping activity on the water trapping opener, and the low price of beaver pelts and nobody trapping has caused not only a rise in nuisance beaver problems, but a premium fee on what nuisance trappers are charging. Firearms training was also attended, and waterfowl, bow deer and turkey hunting activity was checked.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) checked archery deer, duck, and grouse hunters. Some northern ducks are starting to filter in and the deer are really starting to move. Complaints of hunter harassment and illegally tagged deer were fielded and enforcement activity included no life jackets in a duck boat, non-resident ATV riders on state trails without required trail passes, unvalidated deer tags and untagged deer.

CO Patrick McGowan (Pine River) continued training with a COC. The officers spent time patrolling area ATV trails as many people were out riding in preparation for the upcoming deer season. The officers also investigated some possible hunting complaints and issued a few wildlife possession permits. The officers patrolled for shore anglers but the bite seemed to be slowing down. Enforcement action for the week included no headlights on an ATV, burning

prohibited materials, and take fish without a license.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked fishermen, ATV's and hunters. Officer Hunter assisted the local sheriff's department on a couple search warrants. CO Hunter received complaints of bait, people blocking roads to not allow hunters to access public property, and fish out of season.

[dakids]

Beaver are everywhere near our cabin in remer.  I checked a few spots near the road that usually have traps in them.  Didn't see a single trap.  I did talk to a guy that usually traps and he wasn't going to set at all this fall.  He said he made great money from the county trapping nusince beaver.  He told me not to trap as well so he could make more money next year. 

I will trap a few this winter just for fun and good eats.

[Boar]

bring some beaver to ice apalooza, id love.to try it!

[dakids]

Sure will.  Might have to skin it 1st while I'm fishing.  I like multitasking.