District 1 – Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked goose hunters throughout the week and prepared for the opening weekend of the regular duck season. Duck hunters were checked on Lake of the Woods, Thief Lake, and Roseau River WMAs. Hunting success was spotty. CO Huener assisted Lt. Znajda with a bull elk that was killed and left in a field in eastern Marshall County. Anyone with information on the elk is urged to call Turn in Poachers (TIP) at 1-800-652-9093.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) checked small game hunters with most reporting finding few birds. Areas patrolled for bear and archery hunting and ATV activity. Anglers were checked on area rivers with some anglers doing well. Waterfowl hunting opener was worked with hunters finding a few birds. AIS checks were conducted and questions answered. CO Warren taught the law and ethics portion of a Firearms Safety class in Thief River Falls. A grey wolf depredation was investigated.

CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) work the early goose season and grouse hunting. Area lakes were monitored for activity with anglers doing well on walleye. The waterfowl opener was worked in the in the Baudette and Warroad area. Hunters enjoyed nice weather and fair hunting. Bags consisted mostly of wood ducks, teal, and a few mallards. Enforcement action for the week included waterfowl violations.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored fishing and hunting activity throughout the week. Anglers reported good fishing success, and fish appear to be moving into the fall fishing locations. Bear hunters continue to report mixed success and waterfowl hunters are also reporting mixed success. Hunters and anglers are reminded to remove all weeds and water from equipment prior to leaving the access.

Baudette -vacant.

Karlstad – vacant.

Warroad #1 – vacant.

Warroad #2 – vacant.

District 2 – Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports working an active duck opener. Many contacts were made this past weekend. Time was also spent checking small game hunters, archery deer hunters, anglers, and watercraft operators. Violations included unplugged gun, possess toxic (lead) shot, hunt with invalid license, and unsigned federal duck stamp.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) received calls on a dead swan, trespass, an unsubstantiated wolf depredation and questions about shore line and aquatic vegetation removal. He participated on a radio talk show and monitored ATVs, boating and hunting activities. It seemed more geese than ducks were taken. Mistake of the week was shooting a nice doe, tagging it, registering it and then realizing the tag in your pocket was the “bonus” tag.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked waterfowl hunters, followed up on bear baits and patrolled for ATVs.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) worked a busy opening weekend to the waterfowl season. Waterfowl hunters were enjoying a successful weekend with several limits observed. Ring necks and blue winged teal made up a majority of the birds taken with a few wood ducks. CO Vollbrecht patrolled area forest trails for small game hunters. Grouse hunters are hearing more birds and seeing very few due to the foliage remaining on the trees. ATV activity was monitored in the area.

CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) spent the week monitoring bear, archery deer, small game, and waterfowl hunting. A few anglers were also checked. The opening of the waterfowl season was busy throughout the area, many hunters were successful. CO Holt also dealt with several nuisance bear complaints and prepared for an upcoming firearms safety class. Enforcement activity for the week included waterfowl license violations, boat and water safety violations and angling with extra lines.

CO Chris Vinton (Detroit Lakes) reports one of the busiest duck openers in recent memory. There were lots of duck and lots of hunters taking advantage of the early opener. All groups of hunters checked had birds many of which were teal and mallards. Archery hunters were also contacted; a few had been successful. Violations included unplugged shotgun, failure to validate deer tag, over-limit of ducks and unsigned stamps.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports seeing more waterfowl hunters taking part in the opener than the past several years. Duck numbers were also higher with hunters taking wood ducks, teal, and mallards. CO Seefeldt followed up on reports of juveniles shooting from a motor vehicle, duck hunters failing to retrieve downed birds and wanton waste of geese. He also took several calls regarding firearms safety classes.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) worked the waterfowl opener. Hunter feedback was mixed. Violations of no stamps were handled. CO Peterson worked a fishing TIP and attended training at Camp Ripley.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) reports that a fair number of hunters were out for the opener of the waterfowl season. Success was spotty with some hunters doing well and others not so good. Wood ducks, teal, mallards and ring necks were the ducks seen in the bag the most. Time was also spent checking fishermen, dealing with State Park issues and talked at Firearms Safety Class in Pelican Rapids about laws and ethics. One waterfowl hunter was found with a magazine extender on his shotgun with no plug in the gun. When asked how many shells he had in the gun the hunter responded 12.

WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week attending training at Camp Ripley. Time was spent working the opening weekend of duck season. AIS activity and law compliance as monitored in Otter Tail, Becker and Clay counties. WACA complaints were investigated.

Perham – vacant.

District 3 – Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) reports a very busy waterfowl opener. Numerous hunters were out pursuing ducks with good success observed. Teal/mallards filled most of the bags but gadwalls, wood ducks, pintails, and redheads were seen as well. Early shooting, license/stamps, toxic shot, and unplugged gun violations were addressed. Row crops are starting to come off which should provide additional field hunting options.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) spoke to an agriculture class on hunting rules and ethics along with answering questions. Plautz worked a busy duck opener with several hunters out having good success. Common violations found were transport loaded gun in a motorized boat, no state duck stamp, unplugged shotgun, and trespass. Archery hunters were checked throughout the week and time was spent checking fishermen and boaters.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) checked hunters and fishermen this past week. The officer also spoke to a firearms safety class in Elbow Lake and handled waters violations. Additional time was spent working on complaints of persons shooting from motor vehicles, trespass and wanton waste.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked duck hunters, bow hunters, ATVs and fishermen. Early shooting complaints were received and investigated. Osborne took enforcement action for controlled substance violations, transport loaded firearms, shooting early, not enough life jackets in a boat and motorized vehicles in a WPA.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) worked waterfowl hunters this past weekend. Lots of hunters of all ages were out enjoying the earliest opener in decades. Enforcement action was taken for no state waterfowl stamp, no federal stamp, and no small game license. Fishing activity remains steady on area lakes. One fisherman was contacted as he loaded up his boat at the access. He admitted to having caught ‘a few’ sunfish that day, but definitely ‘not a limit’. Upon completing the contact, he was found possessing 30 sunfish over his limit; enforcement action was taken. Other violations found this week included fishing without a license and insufficient PFDs on board watercraft.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) worked the duck opener checking hunters and activity throughout the area, noting success appeared to be down from previous years. Additional time was spent checking small game and archery deer hunters, patrolling public hunting land for violations, and monitoring ATV activity. Fishing pressure continues to be steady in the station and complaints involving over-limits of panfish were investigated with enforcement action taken. Johanson assisted local law enforcement with a vehicle pursuit and subject apprehension.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) concentrated law enforcement efforts on the waterfowl opening weekend, archery deer hunters and fishing activity on area lakes. Hunters had an average of 3 birds in the bag for each day. A good number of geese were also taken. Anglers report fishing has picked up. Complaints were fairly low except for a trespass issue and some hunters that didn’t realize the shooting hours closed for waterfowl at 4pm for the first two weeks, not sunset. Calls were fielded regarding waterfowl hunting, deer season questions, water access for hunting and trespass questions.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports a good number of hunters, and especially young hunters were out over the weekend for the waterfowl opener. Teal and wood ducks made up the majority of the birds in hunters bag. Enforcement efforts for the week included checking waterfowl hunters, deer hunters, and ATV operators. Time was also spent investigating litter complaints and shoreline/WCA violations. Enforcement action was taken for transporting a loaded firearm on an ATV, unplugged shotguns, no small game license, and no HIP certification.

Wheaton – vacant.

District 4 – Wadena area

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked fishermen, hunters and ATV operators. Officer Hunter monitored activity on waterfowl opening weekend and found that hunters were pleased with the numbers of waterfowl they were seeing. Officer Hunter also spoke at a firearms safety class and investigated a trespass where an archer shot onto another person’s property.

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) monitored waterfowl hunting during the opening weekend. Compliance with regulations was generally good; however enforcement action was taken for an unplugged shotgun and license violations. One duck hunter reported that he tried to call to report hunters shooting early on the opener across the lake from them but he couldn’t get reception on his cell phone. When he was able to complete the call he discovered that the season had opened a half hour before sunrise, not at 9:00 AM as they had thought. The group was able to harvest two ducks, although they did report ample opportunity during the time frame they believed the season to be closed.

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) reported primary enforcement efforts this past week focused on sport fishing, boating, AIS, big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting activity. He assisted the Cass County Sheriff’s Department with the search for an abandoned boat on Leech Lake and assisted with an invasive species check station. Officer Sommers made contact with a pair of duck hunters whose dog, a golden retriever, ran away after they fired their first shots of the season. The dog was last seen along the Shingobee River.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers, duck hunters, and aquatic invasive species. He received TIP complaints regarding illegal shining and an overlimit of walleye. One report led to citations issued for an over limit of 13 walleye. Waterfowl success was just okay for opening weekend with blue wing teal and wood ducks seen. Officer Mathy also assisted with an AIS check station near Leech Lake. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, AIS violations, duck hunt without license in possession, and over limit of walleye.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) took calls in reference to beaver issues, duck season rules, a permit for road killed turkey and upcoming FAS class. He worked the duck opener and noted success was variable dependent upon how much pre-season scouting hunters had done. The most common bird in the bag was a wood duck. Enforcement action was taken for unplugged gun, transporting aquatic macrophytes, failing to drain water, transporting a loaded firearm, and no license in possession.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling, hunting, and ATV activity. Waterfowl opener yielded low success, however angling activity increased and anglers are having moderate success. While CO Broughten was checking small game hunting activity he came across multiple persons in a parking area acting in a strange manner. After he made contact he discovered the persons were in possession of a large amount of stolen property. Several people were arrested and are facing felony burglary charges. CO Broughten also assisted with an invasive species check station. Enforcement action included no small game license in possession, failure to remove drain plug while transporting watercraft, and taking migratory birds during closed hours.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) monitored duck hunting activity during the opener. He observed one hunter in his blind use a smart phone to run an electronic duck call. His hunting partner, in a blind 30 yards away, asked if he was using an electronic call and he answered, “Yes, how did it sound?” His partner replied, “Great, but it is illegal to use!” The hunter advised, “I will delete it as I just down loaded it off the internet.” Officer Halverson stepped out from behind a nearby tree and advised, “Good idea to delete as it could cost you your phone and a $285 fine.” CO Halverson also spoke at the Todd County Environmental Days, at a Staples firearm safety class, and at a Staples High School Ag class. Enforcement contacts were made for attempting to take swans, no small game license, unplugged gun, lead shot, and no life jacket.

CO Colleen Adam (OHV Recreation Officer – Park Rapids) attended meetings in St Paul, compiled reports, and attended the ATVAM Convention in Chisholm. There was a good turnout for the VIP ride. The new trail was in great condition and the weather cooperated to make for an enjoyable weekend.

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports slow waterfowl opener in Black Bay of Rainy Lake and Rat Root Lake with very few ducks and geese in the bag. Several animal complaints were handled throughout week which included injured eagle and beaver problems. Firearms Safety Class and ATV Safety Classes were held and attended in Int’l Falls. Bear hunting, fishing and small game enforcement rounded out the week with enforcement action taken for no hunting license in possession, no angling license, no waterfowl stamps in possession, failure to register bear baits, and failure to validate sturgeon tag. Good compliance was observed by duck hunters with invasive species regulations.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports the waterfowl opener was very slow in the area. Only one hunter was observed and no ducks. Grouse hunting remains poor with the low numbers of birds and the leaves on the trees. Muskie fishing is quite good and will only get better as the water cools.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) reported waterfowl opener saw some mallards and wood ducks in the bag, but overall very few ducks. Grouse hunters are seeing very few birds. Fall fishing is continuing to pick up.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked the ongoing hunting seasons, waterfowl opener, ATVs, and brought a red tailed hawk to a wildlife rehabber. Waterfowl opener was pretty good with everyone harvesting birds, with the most prevalent ducks in the bag being wood ducks, blue

winged teal and mallards. The officer participated in the VIP ride with Col. Soring, Lt. Col. Smith and Recreational Vehicle Coordinator Owens at the ATVAM State Convention in Chisholm. Enforcement action was taken on wanton waste of waterfowl, no waterfowl license/stamps in possession, transport loaded firearm, recreational vehicle trespass, angling without a license and sign a false affidavit.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) followed up on an issue where a lake shore owner has been placing fill consisting of bricks and crushed concrete blocks in his lake shore. Numerous grouse hunters were checked. Most hunters report seeing birds but few reported any success. Some duck hunters were seen out over the opening weekend. Enforcement action was taken for no HIP certification and no PFD.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) worked duck opener to find few hunters and even fewer ducks. Grouse hunters are out and getting a few, mostly this year’s young ones. A person was found hunting over bait stating that he didn’t place the bait yet knew the bait was present in three large corn piles within 20 yards of his ground blind. Juvenile OHM operating on county road was addressed with parent. The parent believing incorrectly his son could operate the OHM in road ditches.

Ray – vacant.

I. Falls # 2 – vacant.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports waterfowl opener was off to a good start. Many hunters harvested at least a few ducks with wood ducks being the most prevalent. Grouse hunters are still going strong and most reports were of fair to good numbers of grouse. Violations included transportation of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle and taking small game without wearing blaze orange.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked fishermen and ATVs and found there to be a fair amount of activity. Grouse hunters weren’t having a lot of success. The leaves are turning and the water is getting cold, so remember your life jacket when out on the water.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) assisted U.S. Customs and Border Patrol with four people that were bringing 38 walleyes over the limit back from Canada. The people ended up going back to Kansas with steep fines and no fish. Citations were also sent out to bear hunters for unregistered bait stations and for littering. The CO worked the typical uneventful waterfowl opener. One hunter told the CO that Cook County isn’t exactly in the fly way, but where else can you have the choice of so many lakes all to yourself?

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended firearms qualifications and annual training at Camp Ripley and assisted with firearms qualifications for DNR Wildlife staffers. The officer investigated a reported trespass violation and a possible unlawfully taken moose in the Isabella area. CO Manning worked duck opener and grouse and snipe hunters with CO Wahlstrom and continued to check bear hunters and bait stations.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked a quiet waterfowl opener with few hunters and few ducks. Grouse hunting remained fairly quiet as well. A bear hunting investigation was concluded with two citations issued for illegal bear baits. Calls were handled regarding nuisance beavers and wolves. Other enforcement action for the week included possession of non-toxic shot while duck hunting, transport loaded firearm in motor vehicle, litter, fail to display ATV registration, and no small game license.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked grouse, bear, deer, and fishing activity during the week. One group of fishermen the officer checked at an access learned to watch weather closely on Lake Superior. While out fishing the anglers encountered a wind shift on the big lake which made for rough conditions and the small boat taking on water from the waves. Upon reaching shore the fishermen were a bit rattled by the experience and had a new found respect for Lake Superior.

Silver Bay – vacant.

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked small game, waterfowl hunters, and anglers. He handled calls on public waters violations, trespass, shooting within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling, nuisance beavers, and wolves. Enforcement action taken for shooting within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling and no angling license in possession.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) attended firearms training. He assisted with Wildlife Division firearms training. CO Hansen worked duck opener with mixed success found by hunters. He also issued nuisance beaver and road kill deer permits.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) started k-9 patrol training and worked the waterfowl opener. Wood ducks and teal were the prominent species taken. Enforcement action was taken for no license in possession.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) worked duck opener this past week and found hunters had some success with various species in their bags, including ring necks, blue wing teal, mallards, and wood ducks. She also worked her patrol area for small game and bow hunting activity. She attended a meeting at Magnatation and followed up on an investigation involving the taking of a wolf. A reminder to hunters using motor vehicles to be aware of your surroundings. Some public and private lands prohibit the use of motor vehicles so know the rules before you ride. Enforcement action was taken for waterfowl hunting violations.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked waterfowl opener over the past weekend. Hunter success was from moderate to good. Enforcement action was taken for not having a state duck stamp, no HIP certification, a gun capable of holding more than three shells, not having a small game license and not having a license in possession. CO Sutherland also took action on an individual operating on a US Highway with an ATV and for another individual who had a loaded gun in a motor vehicle.

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week working waterfowl and grouse hunters. Wichmann completed a fishing case involving non-resident anglers with an over limit of panfish. Enforcement action was taken for no small game license, unplugged shotgun, toxic shot, transporting a loaded firearm and numerous ATV violations.

CO John Velsvaag (Region II ATV officer) attended the ATVAM convention in Chisholm this past week. CO Velsvaag also followed up on OHM complaints and complaints of ATV’s on the Mesabi Trail. CO Velsvaag checked small game hunters and took calls on deer season and wolf hunting.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) responded to public waters and to fish over limit complaints. Enforcement action was taken for crappie over limits and for water permit violations. CO Arhart also tracked open Wetland Conservation Act cases, aquatic invasive species, and he worked the state waterfowl opener. Duck hunter success was limited as few migrant waterfowl were observed. Angler success continues to be good in the area.

District 8 – Duluth area

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) spent the week focusing enforcement efforts on opening waterfowl hunting, archery deer hunting, grouse hunting, and ATV activity. Officer Schmidt also followed up on several calls during the week that required on site interviews and continued investigations. Illegal night shining complaint areas were worked with one individual being charged with several violations and possibly a felony. Officer Schmidt also assisted with a head on car crash that resulted in serious injuries that required air medical for transport to the hospital.

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reported it seemed more ducks than usual were in the Duluth area for the opening day hunt. Some hunters complained there weren’t enough duck hunters to keep the ducks moving. Only a few license issues were found while checking duck hunters. A report of a wolf, “Too close for comfort” at an area residence was received. Several ATV violations were encountered during the past weekend. A dumping complaint was also investigated.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) focused enforcement efforts on fall hunting activities. Opening waterfowl season had many people out trying their luck at the resident duck population. Many people were also checked hunting grouse, deer, and operating ATVs. Night shining complaint areas were also worked during the week. Officers Schmidt and Duncan found one individual hunting that resulted in several violations and a couple could include felony charges. Officer Duncan also assisted with a couple car crashes, with one resulting in a State Hwy being shut down for a couple hours while emergency responders and air medical assisted the injured. Officer Duncan also assisted local officers with TIP calls, returned several calls from the public, spoke at a firearms safety class, gave a safety presentation to Minnesota Power employees, and assisted area officers with the wall of shame that was on display at a local (MDHA) Minnesota Deer Hunters banquet.

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked waterfowl opener, OHV, and small game enforcement. CO Humphrey patrolled local Wildlife Management Areas. CO Humphrey checked waterfowl hunters over opening weekend. Hunters reported mixed results with teal, mallards, wood ducks and geese most abundant. Ricers continued to enjoy a bumper crop one of the best in years. CO Humphrey attended a trapper education class in Cromwell and the Carlton MDHA banquet working the TIP trailer and answering questions. CO Humphrey followed up on wolf depredation cases. A nuisance bear complaint was received. Violations for waterfowl, boating equipment, and OHV operation were encountered.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) spoke to a local trapper education class and also attended and spoke at the local Minn. Deer Hunter’s banquet in Carlton. A complaint of tampering with logging equipment and stealing fuel was looked into which occurred in the Nemadji State Forest. Waterfowl opener had mixed reports in the area with most hunters having some success. A complaint of dogs chasing deer is being looked into in the Barnum area. K-9 training in the metro area was attended with K9 Schody.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sgt. Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked small game hunters inland. Worked on equipment maintenance items. Moved equipment to the regional office. Fielded calls on the upcoming firearms deer season.

CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked more anglers making use of the nice weather to fit in a late season weekend on the lake. A new ATV trail corridor was checked in Lake County, and questions answered about small game licensure for youth hunters. A meeting was attended in St. Paul, and assistance given to local agencies with burning violations. Enforcement action was taken for forestry and ATV violations.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) attended NASBLA Officer Water Survival training. It was a very good training. The CO also checked bear hunters, duck hunters, and anglers. Enforcement action was taken for license violations.

District 9 – Brainerd area

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked the waterfowl opener in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Enforcement actions included fail to provide migratory bird harvest information program certification, no federal migratory waterfowl stamp, no state migratory waterfowl stamp/validation, fail to sign migratory waterfowl stamp, possess toxic shot while hunting waterfowl, no small game hunting license in possession, failure to have legal lifesaving devices onboard craft, operate watercraft without required two second sound producing device, no type IV PDF, and an unplugged shotgun. Most hunters indicated that they would have had more ducks if they could have hit them. Officer Guida also received two calls regarding injured non-game wildlife that were forwarded to the Garrison Animal Hospital.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reported activity included checking waterfowl, small game, and big game hunting activity, and investigation of license fraud. Enforcement contacts were made for motorized decoys, unplugged shotgun, and shooting non-game protected species.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) worked the waterfowl season opener on several area lakes. Opening day saw good success with many wood ducks and teal, and a few mallards in the bag. Many hunters were out and prime spots were hard to get. The second day of season saw much less activity as the ducks smartened up and fair weather made them fly much higher. Other activity included continuing to check bear and grouse hunters and archery deer hunters. Hunters are seeing a few grouse and few deer are being harvested, but bear continue to be few and far between.

CO Jim Tischler (Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area) monitored angling, hunting, boating, AIS, and recreational activity in the Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area and Pillsbury State Forest.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) concentrated on waterfowl enforcement. Contacts included early goose hunters in possession of marijuana and six waterfowl hunters who forgot to bring life jackets.

CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) Checked Waterfowl Hunters this past weekend, with good success being reported by hunters. Hunters are reminded that life jackets are required while waterfowl hunting when using watercraft. Officer Lee was at Camp Ripley this past week preparing for the upcoming conservation officer fall in-service training being held at Camp Ripley. Officer Lee also received a call of calves being killed by wolfs. The incident was investigated and it was confirmed that wolfs killed the calves. Enforcement action was taken for insufficient life jackets, expired ATV registration, and other misc. warnings.

McGregor – vacant.

Pine River – vacant.

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) checked duck hunters and their boats on the opening weekend of duck season. Transporting boats with water and plugs was the most common issue. He also issued road kill tags and took bear complaints, likely a result of animals feeding more with winter approaching. With the water cooling off the outdoor recreation is moving away from the boats and on to the ATVs. Typical registration and juvenile operation violations were the result.

CO Chris Tetrault (Isle) checked hunters and anglers over the week. Waterfowl hunters had some success on opening weekend. Grouse hunting reports have not been as positive. Charges were filed with the county attorney’s office for an illegal bear that was taken. The officer investigated a wolf depredation report. Law enforcement action was taken for small game hunting without a license, hunting waterfowl without a state waterfowl stamp and no plug in a shotgun.

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports checking migratory waterfowl hunters over the weekend. It appeared as though the hunter numbers were down in the area but most hunters came in with few ducks in the bag. The Officer checked small game, bear and archery deer hunters throughout the week. A TIP call of someone dumping walleyes along a frontage road was investigated and lots of hunting law related questions were fielded during the week. Patrol was done in the Solana State Forest for ATV, ORV and OHM activity. Fishermen on Mille Lacs Lake were also checked and most were still reporting catching a few walleyes and perch.

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) attended the Law Enforcement Memorial Association’s (LEMA) Honor Guard Camp at Camp Ripley. LEMA provides assistance to surviving family members and home LE departments when an officer dies in the line of duty. Heaton investigated suspicious activity in the Nemadji State Forest. Rolled up carpet and an old mattress were found buried in an area not easily accessible by motor vehicle. Waterfowl hunters were checked on the opener. Not many ducks were seen and no violations were detected. Heaton checked anglers and enforcement action was taken for no license in possession. Several ATVs were stopped throughout the week. Violations included operating on the shoulder of a county road, failing to display registration and operating without required equipment. She completed a trespass investigation and handled nuisance beaver calls.

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) saw quite a decrease in bear hunting activity and an increase in grouse hunting and goose hunting. Goose hunters have had very good luck finding plenty of birds coming into area farm fields. The waterfowl opener was worked with most hunters finding wood ducks and a few mallards. It was also good to see a few youth hunters out for their first ever duck hunts. Patrol during the waterfowl opener found some hunters using shotguns capable of holding more than three shells and in possession of toxic shot.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) checked waterfowl hunters over the weekend. Success was fair to good with mallard, teal and wood duck the predominant bird seen. It was nice to see a fair amount of kids with parents and grandparents out hunting together. Time was spent helping with a firearms safety class and TIP complaints were also handled. A few archery hunters were also checked with most waiting for that nice buck to appear. Waterfowl hunters are urged to read the hunting regulations regarding zone closures dates in the upcoming weeks to come.

WREO Rob Haberman took a call about a dead fawn at the Brainerd Arboretum that was possibly shot. Evidence on the fawn showed previous car injuries that most likely attributed to the fawns early departure. WREO Haberman also worked in AIS enforcement around the Brainerd area and worked on wetland cases in his work area. WREO Haberman patrolled local state forests for hunters and other user groups.

Onamia – vacant.

District 11 – St. Cloud area

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) conducted an investigation on an untagged deer with charges being filed. Duck opener was worked. Success was sporadic with some mixed bags of divers and puddle ducks seen. A prohibited materials fire was located. The landowner was surprised to hear it is illegal to burn mattresses and shingles. Other enforcement action for the week included unplugged shotguns, no federal waterfowl stamp, insufficient life jackets, fail to comply with burning permit, failure to validate a deer license, and failure to register a deer.

CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) assisted a neighboring officer investigate an archery untagged deer complaint. Deer was seized and citation issued. CO Kuske gave a talk to the Royalton Sportsman’s’ Club with deer hunting, deer baiting and AIS laws being the popular topics. A TIP call was received regarding someone live trapping raccoons out of season. The trapper was found trapping using untagged traps with traps being seized and enforcement action taken. A continued problem is occurring at Blanchard Dam East parking lot with people moving the boulders to gain access to drive a vehicle down to the Mississippi River. The number of waterfowl hunters on the Mississippi River was lower than expected for opener. No one was close to having any type of over limit except one group had one unexpected animal seized by the officer. A beaver they had shot that was swimming in their decoys. The beaver was still flopping around in the water as the officer pulled up to their duck blind.

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) checked duck hunters. CO Mies assisted neighboring officers. CO Mies checked anglers and a commercial check. CO Mies gave a law talk at the Maple Lake firearms class along with a talk at the Darwin Firearms class.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) checked hunters and recreational vehicle operators. Waterfowl opener brought out less than half of the usual number of hunters. Hunters checked were satisfied with the number of waterfowl seen. Many commented they thought the opener was too early. Mallards, teal, wood ducks, and a merganser were seen in the bag. The law portion of a FAS class was taught in Swanville. CO Friese participated in the annual “Envirofest” hosted by Todd SWCDD. Assistance was given to Todd County Sheriff’s Office with several calls. Enforcement was taken for no throwable PDF, unplugged shotgun, untagged deer, and failure to validate.

CO Mike Martin (St. Cloud) checked anglers, waterfowl hunters, and watercraft operators during the past week. Officer Martin worked on several TIP complaints, taught at a FAS class, and attended training at Ripley too. Officer Martin spent time working deer shining complaints and an AIS detail at Pelican Lake where there was about a 20 percent violation rate.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked anglers, and waterfowl hunters. Problem areas for litter were monitored. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of fish, litter and waterfowl hunting violations.

WREO Keith Bertram spent the week checking boaters and hunters. An aquaculture inspection was conducted in Morrison County. WREO Bertram also assisted with an AIS workcrew on duck opener in Wright County.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked duck opening weekend, anglers, bow hunters, and wetland issues. Waterfowl in the Albany area cooperated for the hunters with most groups checked having some ducks with a few limits seen. Follow up was conducted on a poached deer case. Enforcement action for the week included no Type IV PFD, no state duck stamp, no federal duck stamp, and other license violations.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) reports the duck opener had a lower number of hunters than expected. Wood ducks and geese were the predominate birds taken by hunters. Patrolling a forest trail for small game hunters an ATV’er was found transporting a loaded firearm. A commercial inspection of a minnow dealer was conducted concerning proper record keeping. While traveling on a county highway an ATV operator passed CO Kuske on the road. The ATV, traveling in excess of 60mph, was stopped and the operator was ticketed for operating on a public highway and no ATV safety training. The person called his girlfriend to come pick him up at the scene who coincidently was stopped for the same thing by CO Kuske a year ago. CO Kuske attended the Division’s Strategic Planning Committee meeting held at Fort Snelling State Park.

District 12 – Princeton area

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked waterfowl hunters and took enforcement action on a number of violations. The waterfowl hunters had pretty good bag limits of wood ducks and teal. He issued summons for litter. CO Sladek wants hunters to make sure they are picking up all their garbage or anyone else’s before leaving their hunting blinds and accesses.

CO Angela Londgren (Princeton) worked the duck hunting opener and reports seeing a fair amount of hunters with mostly wood ducks and geese in their bag limits. Officer Londgren also patrolled the State Forest and SNWR, checked horse trail passes, worked the Stillwater Bridge project, spoke at a Firearms Safety Class, checked anglers and archery hunters, and followed up on two cases of illegally taken deer.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a busy duck opener in the area. Lots of hunters took to the water and found pretty good success. Most hunters averaged about 2 ducks per person. Violations included unsigned federal duck stamp, no federal duck stamp, no HIP certification and possessing lead shot.

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) followed up on several hunting complaints in the Wright County area relating to trespass, property damage due to shotgun BB’s, illegal baiting and late shooting of waterfowl. Reller also checked a lot of waterfowl hunters over opening weekend and found most having good success with a good number of blue wing teal and wood ducks in the area. AIS checks of waterfowl hunters were also done with approximately 20 percent violation rate on transporting watercraft with drain plug in. Enforcement action was taken license violations, AIS violations and unplugged shotgun.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) worked several trespass complaints during the week. Follow-up investigations were conducted on wetland violations and a possible public water violation. Duck opener came with good weather but many commented that teal numbers were low. Wood ducks made up the majority of the harvested birds. Enforcement action was taken on failure to comply with a restoration order.

Cambridge – vacant.

District 13 – West Metro area

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) checked small game hunters in Carver and Hennepin counties. He worked the Waterfowl Opener in Carver County and provided a ride along to a Dakota County Park Ranger. He took enforcement action for unplugged gun while ducks hunting. He also answered calls regarding duck hunting and hunter harassment.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) attended and assisted with Division training. He checked small game and archery deer hunters. CO Neitzke did fishing and boating enforcement on metro lakes and rivers. He also worked the waterfowl opener with CO Arntzen and CO Johnson in Anoka County.

CO Brent Grewe (Minnetonka) spent the week checking anglers and duck hunters. CO Grewe came in contact with a fisherman who had 22 sunfish over his daily limit and was cited. Other violations included no lifejackets and having lead shotgun shells in possession while waterfowl hunting.

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) returned calls all week on hunting regulations. City ordinance calls were returned as well, but should be given to local cities or Sheriffs’ Departments. The waterfowl opener was worked with CO Sladek with enforcement action taken for failure to retrieve waterfowl, unplugged gun, no state duck stamp, no HIP, no small game license, no lifejacket, no HIP, no State or Federal duck stamps in possession and litter in wetland.

CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) worked the duck opener in Hennepin County finding fair success among most groups with few violations. She continued to check fishing and boating activity on Lake Minnetonka. A ride along was given to a potential CO candidate.

CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington) received calls regarding taking protected non-game species and nuisance animals. He also trained at Camp Ripley. The remainder of the week was spent on archery deer, waterfowl, small game enforcement and equipment maintenance activities.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked the duck opener in the Osseo station and checked shore fishermen on the metro area lakes and rivers. He responded to a TIP report of set lines on the Mississippi River and a dead deer complaint in Maple Grove. Officer Lee also did a presentation to a youth firearms safety class in Brooklyn Park, and answered many questions on small game and dove hunting regulations.

Minnetonka – vacant.

Prior Lake – vacant.

District 14 – East Metro area

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) reports a busy duck opener in the Hastings area. Hunters reported a mixed bag of waterfowl and most hunters seemed to do fair. Enforcement action was taken for unplugged guns, possession of lead shot, shoot non-game migratory birds, and fail to remove drain plug from boat when trailering.

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week checking small game hunters, archery deer hunters, and worked the waterfowl opener. CO Arntzen investigated a deer taken by a firearm during the archery deer season, which resulted in enforcement action. He also investigated two public water violations, spoke at a firearms safety class in Oakdale, and handled many phone calls about the upcoming waterfowl opener. Enforcement action for the week included taking a deer by firearm during the closed season, possession of lead shot, and entering a WMA during closed hours.

CO Brad Johnson (Ham Lake) reports that he worked the waterfowl opener at Carlos Avery WMA. Enforcement action was taken on a large number of hunters entering the area during closed hours. CO Johnson issued citations for possession of lead shot and unplugged shotgun. He patrolled at Burman and Bethel WMAs during the week. CO Johnson spoke to a firearms safety class at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) worked the waterfowl opener weekend around some of the metro lakes and fields. Several groups of waterfowl hunters were seen with ducks and geese over the weekend. CO Pril continued checking anglers during the week. He also spoke at a firearms safety class in his patrol station and responded to several calls.

WREO Adam Block (Metro) spent time working AIS and waterfowl activity. A few birds were found in the bag as hunters enjoyed the earlier than normal waterfowl opener. WREO Block spoke at a firearms safety class held in Elko New Market and attended a meeting with Soil and Water Conservation District staff in Lino Lakes.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) had a ride along and certified ginseng for a Maplewood resident. She checked numerous waterfowl hunters over the weekend, worked WMA enforcement and checked a wetland complaint in Anoka County. CO Kruse handled TIP calls, did equipment maintenance, worked AIS enforcement and checked small game and archery hunters. She also discovered that somebody had closed and locked a gate to the Mud Lake access in Lamprey Pass WMA and also put up no trespassing signs on trees and posts by the gate. Public land is open to everyone to hunt. Violations included transporting a loaded gun in a motorized vehicle, insufficient lifejackets, enter a WMA during closed hours, license not in possession, unplugged gun and remove aquatic vegetation without a permit.

Eagan – vacant.

Metro Officer – vacant.

District 15 – Marshall area

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) reports that the waterfowl opener was busy. Numerous hunters were able to shoot their limits with teal being the most common duck harvested. Archery deer hunters continue to be patient with a few nice bucks being harvested. The law and ethics portion of a firearms safety class was taught in Wabasso. Enforcement action was taken for a variety of violations including hunters having insufficient PFD’s in their duck boats.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) reports that blue bird conditions for the waterfowl opener brought out few hunters in the area. Most of the hunters that the officer checked had a few ducks, with teal making up the majority of their bag with a few mallards and wood ducks mixed in. Enforcement action included the investigation of the illegal taking of a swan.

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) reports that duck hunting was very good in the area with a lot of teal and spoonbills being taken. Wood ducks seemed to be tough to come by. A firearms injury was reported in LQP County in the Sweetwater WMA, as one hunter was injured when a pellet struck the hunter in the finger.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) worked a busy waterfowl opener, with hunters having good success in the Ortonville station. Many blue winged teal and wood ducks were seen in possession. Hunters are reminded to look at the sunrise/sunset table in the hunting regulations book, reference legal shooting hours. Many complaints of hunters shooting early were taken. A Public Waters – Wetland Conservation Act restoration order was served in Big Stone County.

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports the enforcement focus of the week was directed at waterfowl hunting and invasive species enforcement. The majority of hunting parties advised that the season opener was better than the past couple have been. Limits of ducks were counted, with teal and wood ducks making up most of the harvested birds. A clinic was held in Benson that certified new volunteer firearms safety instructors.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working archery deer hunters and duck opener. Hunter turnout for duck opener was good. Slough conditions made hunting very difficult for most hunters. Success seemed fair, at best. Teal dominated all bags seen with only a few wood ducks added.

WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) attended training in the Twin Cities. A restoration order was issued in Chippewa County. Duck hunters were checked around the area for AIS and license issues.

Madison – vacant.

Redwood Falls – vacant.

District 16 – New Ulm area

CO Brett Oberg) Hutchinson worked a very busy opening to the 2013 waterfowl season. Officer Oberg observed very good hunter success overall. Most hunters were able to bag a few ducks and several limits were checked. Wood ducks made up the majority of hunter’s bags, followed closely by teal, mallards and some hooded mergansers. Unplugged shotguns were the theme of the day on opening morning. Enforcement action was also taken for no license, allow illegal youth hunting, and stamp violations. CO Oberg also took time to talk to a firearms safety class at Gopher Campfire.

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) worked the waterfowl opener and noted overall good success with a 3 ducks/hunter average. He also checked archery hunters, ATV operators and turtle trappers. He followed up on complaints of a hunter shooting a grebe and trespass.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) worked the waterfowl opener. Hunters had some success with ducks with teal, wood ducks, and mallards being the most common ducks in the bag. Goose numbers in the area continue to be low. Time was spent with hunters at local public water accesses assisting with cleaning of boat trailers and answering questions related to aquatic invasive species laws and hunting.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked anglers, dove, goose, duck, small game and archery deer hunters. Duck hunters had success on this early opener with blue wing teal, green wing teal, mallard, wood duck, shoveler, merganser and Canada geese in the bag. Gruhlke reports that some 6 duck limits were observed. Gruhlke reminded duck hunters in his weekly radio show about AIS and the plug law.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) taught the hunting rules and regulations portion at the Sherburn firearms safety class. Waterfowl hunters were out in full force for the first season opener. The majority of ducks taken were juvenile and many hunters had no idea how to identify them. TIP reports were investigated for waterfowl violations and complaints of bad hunting ethics. Angling activity has picked up with cooler water temperatures. Questions were answered continuously in the field and via phone regarding hunting rules and regulations. Topping the list was “What does a hunter under age 16 need for licenses?”

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) worked a TIP call of early shooting on the duck opener. Throughout the opening weekend, blue winged teal and wood ducks made up the majority of duck shot. Hunters were reminded AIS rules apply as well to duck boats and drain plugs and weeds need to be removed before leaving the lake. She spoke at two FAS classes as well.

Litchfield – vacant.

New Ulm – vacant.

Willmar #1 – vacant.

District 17 – Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) assisted two local agencies with traffic and search/rescue calls this week. Waterfowl opener was busy, with some ducks in the bag. Small game and archery deer hunters continue their activities, as well.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) spent the week checking anglers, boaters, ATV operators and waterfowl hunters. CO Ihnen also patrolled the area for small game and archery deer hunters.

CO Luke Belgard (Faribault) worked ATV, angling, and waterfowl enforcement. Many hunters were out for the waterfowl season opening weekend and hunters had some success. Enforcement action was taken on waterfowl and ATV violations. Several calls were also handled.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) worked waterfowl opener. Areas of success for waterfowl varied. A trespassing complaint was taken. The officer also gave a law and ethics talk at a local safety class.

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) worked angling, ATV, migratory waterfowl hunting, small game, and archery deer hunting activity during the week. The officer also attended the Byron Sportsman’s Conservation meeting and gave a review of new hunting regulations. Various calls were also handled from the public.

CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) spent the week checking small game and archery deer hunters. The migratory waterfowl opener was worked over the weekend. Trespass complaints were investigated. A Conservation Day was attended at Forestville State Park, and a 50 year volunteer FAS instructor award was presented in Spring Valley. Enforcement action was taken for various small game and fishing violations.

WREO Julie Siems (SE) worked a busy waterfowl opener with many ducks flying. K9 Brady assisted in locating a goose resulting in an overlimit of geese. Training was attended for tracking with K9 Brady.

Albert Lea – vacant.

District 18 – Rochester area

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports good number of ducks taken on the opening weekend. Wood ducks were the number one bird in the bag. Most hunters averaged about 3 birds. Squirrel hunters are having poor results. The local squirrel numbers are very low. Bluegills are biting well on the river. He attended a meeting in regards to developing a new strategic plan for the division of enforcement. Dealt with a complaint where a campground was draining their swimming pool into a trout stream; no fish were killed.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports a good waterfowl opener with hunters averaging about two ducks per hunter. One access was reported to have 60 units and one hunter went out at 2:30 pm on Friday to get his spot. The fishing on the river was good with limits of panfish being checked. Hemker also received many questions on upcoming hunting seasons.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly hunters and anglers during the week. Lots of duck hunters were out over the weekend and success was okay. Wood ducks were seen the most in the bag. Bluegills continue to bite on the river with lots of limits and over-limits seen taken.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) worked the waterfowl opener on the Mississippi River near LaCrescent. Success was fair with most hunters having a couple ducks in the bag, wood ducks being the most common. Hunters were concerned with the lack of teal. Violations encountered were possession of toxic shot. Trespass calls were up as multiple complaints were received. Time was also spent checking bow hunters. Success was fair with most hunters reporting good deer movement.

CO Phil George (Rochester) worked checking small game hunting activity and archery deer hunting activity. Officer George checked boaters, waterfowl hunters, and fall anglers in the area. Officer George taught the laws and ethics portion of two firearm safety classes.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working a busy opening weekend of the 2013 waterfowl season on the Mississippi River. CO Prodzinski checked numerous folks on the river and backwaters throughout the weekend and most averaged approximately 2.5 ducks a hunter. Enforcement action involved, toxic shot, early shooting, late shooting as well as license and stamp violations.

Rochester #2 – vacant.

Training Section

Planning is ongoing for this year’s training activities, including ordering equipment and supplies and reserving training areas at Camp Ripley.

Aviation Section

CO Pilot Tom Buker (New Ulm) worked on aircraft maintenance issues. Training tasks were also worked on. Several flights for duck locations were cancelled due the poor weather conditions in the southern portion of the state

CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) flew two wildlife telemetry flights in northeast Minnesota. Jensen also performed seaplane training duties. Bad weather cancelled some flight ops and allowed for miscellaneous hangar duties to be tended to.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew the Bemidji duck survey but weather canceled other flights. Heineman also attended a Flight Instructor Refresher Course.

CO Pilot Bob Geving worked on flight training tasks.

NR Pilot Ettl flew forest regeneration photo flights.

Water Resource Enforcement Officers

WREO reports are now placed within district reports.

Enforcement Education

Please check the DNR WEB SITE at www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Education Courses and instructor training sessions

If you missed a fall class and are over 18, check on-line for Adult Home Study or On-Line course information is also located at www.mndnr.gov.

Please check the DNR WEB SITE www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Youth Snowmobile Safety Courses and instructor training sessions. Adult Snowmobile Safety Training CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.

Youth ATV Courses (12 to 15 years old) class postings for around the state are posted on the web site at www.mndnr.gov. Students are reminded that they must complete the CD portion of the course before attending the classroom portion of the course. Youth/Adult ATV Safety Training Course CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR

Reminder—anyone born after December 31st, 1979 cannot purchase a license to hunt in Minnesota without first taking a DNR Safety Training Course and receiving a certificate. In addition many states have even more stringent mandatory Hunter Education requirements. Check before you go!!!

Reminder—Any resident born after December 31st, 1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must possess a snowmobile certificate. Two options are available to complete certification. Ages 11 and older can attend the traditional youth course. Those 16 or older can take the at home CD course.

Reminder—Anyone born after July 1st, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands and waters in Minnesota, must successfully complete the ATV Safety Training CD course. Persons under age 16 must complete the ATV CD Course and riding component before riding on public lands. Youth/Adult ATV Training CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.

SCHEDULED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SESSIONS

If you are 18 or older and would like to become an instructor for Snowmobile Safety, ATV Safety, Firearms Safety, Trail Ambassador or one of the Advanced Hunter programs, contact your local Conservation Officer or Regional Safety Training officer. Instructor clinics are scheduled throughout the state and are listed on the DNR Website.