District 1 – Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) spent the week checking deer hunters and fielding complaints. Deer harvest appears to be below average. Assistance was given searching for a lost hunter in the Lost River State Forest north of Salol. Violations for the week included transportation of loaded firearms, possession of marijuana, shooting from the road, and allowing the illegal hunting by a juvenile.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) continued to monitor deer hunting activity seeing moderate harvest success. Complaints of deer baiting, trespass, and shooting from the road were investigated. Assistance was provided to a sheriff’s office in a search for a lost hunter. Enforcement action for the week included take deer without license, untagged deer, fail to register deer, unlawful party hunting, driving after cancellation IPS, and multiple transport loaded firearm.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) worked the firearms deer season checking hunters and hunting camps. Most hunters reported challenging conditions and fewer deer taken than previous years. CO Warren worked with area CO’s on a detail using a deer decoy which was documented by an area reporter. Complaints of trespass were investigated with charges pending. A complaint of lending or borrowing deer tags was investigated. A possible ongoing wetlands violation reported by area hydrologist was investigated. Information was provided to hunters on firearms rules and regulations, muzzleloader regulations and registration expectations.

CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck) monitored deer hunting and trapping activity throughout the week. Time was spent monitoring shining activity, investigating trespassing complaints, illegal dumping of deer carcasses, and hunter harassment. Assistance was given to the sheriff’s office on a trespassing complaint involving an ongoing civil property line dispute. Enforcement actions for the week included trespassing, unlawful deposit of garbage (deer carcasses), hunter harassment, hunting license not in possession and trapping violations.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored deer hunting activity throughout the week. Hunters report low hunting success in the area. Numerous complaints were handled ranging from hunters shooting does without permits to hunting while intoxicated. One hunter checked was found to be intoxicated at 11 in the morning. The hunter faces charges and his firearm was seized.

Baudette -vacant.

Blackduck #1 – vacant.

Karlstad – vacant.

Warroad #1 – vacant.

Warroad #2 – vacant.

District 2 – Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports working a busy week checking deer hunters and dealing with hunting related complaints. Many deer and hunters were checked. Trespass calls were also received. Violations included fail to register deer, fail to validate deer tags, transporting loaded firearms, and shooting from the roadway at deer.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) assisted other agencies, handled car kills, and continued enforcement during the deer firearm season. Trespass and shooting from the road were issues. A bear and deer that could not be possessed by shooters were salvaged.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) responded to hunting complaints, checked hunters and investigated litter violations.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) checked firearms deer hunters throughout the week. Trespass, shooting from the road and gun shots heard in the Bemidji Game Refuge were taken and investigated. A shining detail was worked with CO Holt and CO Regas. Follow up investigation was conducted on a tagging issue where a bonus tag was used in a lottery area. Hunters enjoyed the warmer weather this past weekend, but reported seeing fewer deer from last year.

CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) continued to work a busy firearms deer season checking hunters throughout the area and in Itasca State Park. Trapping activity was also monitored. Complaints were received of individuals shooting from the road at big game animals, deer shining, and hunters trespassing. Enforcement activity for the week included transporting a loaded firearm, failing to wear blaze orange, trespassing violations, and shooting from the road.

CO Chris Vinton (Detroit Lakes) reports deer season continued much like it began, very slow. Many parties went without a deer. Complaints of trespass, shooting from the road, equipment left on WMAs and litter were all investigated. Several calls of deer parts getting dumped in the road ditch have already been received. A frustrated deer hunter shot two swans with a deer rifle off the road between Rock and Rice Lakes. Any information that leads to the arrest is eligible for a cash reward. Callers may contact the CO directly or through TIP at 1-800-652-9093. All information will remain confidential.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports a busy firearms deer season. Deer have been hard to come by according to many hunters in the area. CO Seefeldt responded to complaints of hunter harassment, hunting in an SNA and trespass. Enforcement action was taken for untagged deer, transport loaded firearms, fail to validate license, and unlawful party hunting. He reminds parents of youth interested in snowmobile safety to be aware of upcoming classes.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) reports a slow start to the deer season but continued to get busier as the week progressed. Complaints of baiting, trespass, shots at night and a headless buck were investigated. One incident involved shining and shooting from a motor vehicle, fleeing in a motor vehicle, fleeing on foot, transporting loaded firearms, and shooting from the road. CO Peterson was assisted by other Conservation Officers, local Police, County Deputies and a State Trooper. The incident resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of three deer, firearms, and a motor vehicle.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) worked the firearms deer season this past week. Deer hunters report a slow week. CO Forsberg investigated a theft of traps and wetland complaints. Enforcement action was taken for shoot from road, trespass, and transport loaded firearm.

WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week focusing efforts on the firearms deer season. The majority of the time was spent in Norman and Clay counties. The rest of the time was spent covering stations for neighbors and open stations. A call of a bear shot during a deer hunt was investigated. Assistance was given to several vehicle accidents over the week. Time was spent investigating WCA violations and forwarding information to the LGU.

Perham – vacant.

District 3 – Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) focused enforcement efforts towards deer hunting activity. Complaints of trespass and shooting from roadway were investigated. Goose numbers are at their highest levels of the season and should provide great late season opportunity.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked a very busy week of deer season. Several trespass calls were investigated throughout the week. A considerable amount of time was spent investigating a complaint of an individual who took a deer without a license and a case of an individual who took two deer overlimit. Other violations encountered were: transport loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, untagged big game animal, lend/borrow deer license and illegal party hunting.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) focused enforcement efforts checking deer hunters, waterfowl hunters and fishermen. Complaints of trespass, shooting deer from roadways and several other TIP calls were investigated. A call on an injured pelican was also looked into. Calls were handled in the vacant Wheaton station and assistance was given to CO Osborne regarding a deer hunting complaint.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked deer hunters throughout the week and weekend. Complaints handled include shining and shooting, trespass, baited deer stands, and shooting after hours. Osborne took enforcement action for illegal party hunting, lend/borrow licenses, untagged deer, fail to validate, registration violations, transport loaded firearms, parent allow illegal hunting by a juvenile, hunt over baited area, shoot after hours and fish over limit.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) spent most of the week working firearms deer season activity. Hunter numbers were fewer during the week, with harvest numbers lower than some would’ve liked. Officer’s Lawler and Osborne worked a case where a father and son were found hunting together on a 20 acre tract of land. A problem arose when it was discovered that two large feeders holding cracked corn were sitting in between them. Firearms were seized and citations were issued. Overall, it was a safe and successful deer season in the Alex area.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued to work the firearms deer season, with several cases closed out and several more still under investigation. The deer harvest appears to be down slightly from previous years. Additional time was spent working trapping activity and checking waterfowl and pheasant hunters.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on shining complaints, pheasant hunters, waterfowl hunters and deer hunters. The officer continued to check out and investigate reports of deer shining in the Graceville and Wheaton areas. A complaint was received about an individual shooting a deer from a roadway in Traverse County. Follow-up investigation resulted in a citation being issued for the offense. Calls were fielded regarding deer hunting regulations, waterfowl hunting questions, deer hunting complaints and deer carcass dumping complaints.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) spent the week checking deer hunters and monitoring trapping activity. Time was also spent following up complaints of untagged deer, baiting, and people shooting deer from the road. CO’s Baumbarger, Anderson, Plautz, and VanderWeyst held a work crew in the Sedan area targeting illegal road hunting for deer. Enforcement action was taken for transporting loaded firearms, uncased firearms in restricted areas, shooting deer from the road, illegal party hunting, untagged deer, fail to validate site tag, possession of small amount marijuana, and no blaze orange.

Wheaton – vacant.

District 4 – Wadena area

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) continued work related to the firearms deer season. Enforcement activities included untagged big game animals, failure to validate site tags, transporting loaded firearms in a motor vehicle, no license in possession, operating ATVs in prohibited areas, and hunting on a closed game refuge.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked hunters and ATV operators during the week. Officer Hunter took reports of car killed deer, people hunting over bait, trespass, and rifle deer hunters in the refuge. One group of rifle hunters in the refuge ended up having illegal drugs on them which ended with a search warrant, 3 people arrested, and 6 firearms and a vehicle seized. Charges included possession of a controlled substance, hunting under the influence, obstructing, hunting in the refuge, and loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Reminder, the Paul Bunyan State Game Refuge is closed to firearms deer hunting.

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) checked deer hunters during the week. One hunter needed assistance with a lost site tag when the rope apparently came untied. The hunter was given some sturdy cable ties, and said everyone in the family was going to get some for Christmas. Officer Oldakowski investigated a hunter harassment complaint, a damage to property case, and a trespassing violation. He also assisted local law enforcement with a motor vehicle crash. Enforcement action was taken for transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle and hunting over bait.

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) reported primary enforcement efforts this past week focused on big game hunting activity. He received four complaints of shooting from a road/motor vehicle at deer. One of the road hunters was caught by the landowner shooting a deer on a hayfield, from the road. The subject had already gutted the deer in the field and had drug it to his car. When CO Sommers arrived he discovered a loaded handgun in the car as well. The hunter felt he was not trespassing as the land was not posted. The officer explained to the hunter that agricultural land does not have to be posted; the deer was seized and enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily monitored deer hunting activity in the area. Trappers and waterfowl hunters were also out assisted by favorable weather conditions. He also received complaints about target shooting on public land, hunter harassment, and stolen game cameras. Enforcement action was taken for big game violations.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) continued to work deer hunting activity during the week. He completed reports from opening weekend, answered questions regarding deer season, worked a complaint of night shooting, worked a complaint of ATV use on WMA, and completed numerous license checks. Enforcement action was taken for transporting a loaded firearm, failing to display ATV registration, trespass, shooting big game from the roadway and failing to validate big game tag.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on deer hunting activity. Deer hunting pressure and harvest continues to be limited in the Longville area. Calls of trespass and ATVs operating in closed hours are still prevalent. CO Broughten investigated complaints of shooting from the roadway and deer baiting. CO Broughten assisted other officers with locating a lost hunter and also assisted the Cass County Sheriff’s Office with call of a hunter pinned under a lawn tractor. Enforcement action included failure to validate deer site tag and operating an ATV during closed hours.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) worked deer season complaints in the Staples area. He fielded numerous calls during the season including an 11:30 PM call the night before the opener from a caller wanting the officer to complete the field day portion of the online firearms safety course so they could purchase their license and hunt the next day. Another two hunters asked if they could place an “Antlerless” tag on an “Antlered” buck. CO Halverson assisted two hunters with retrieving their deer, including a 20 year hunter with his first buck and an older gentleman from Pillager. He initiated investigations into a bear shot and left in the woods and a swan shot with rifle near Pillager on the Crow Wing River. Officer Halverson also had a car parked under a power line shot, fortunately no one was hurt. Enforcement action was taken for no ATV registration, illegal firearm transportation, illegal party hunting, trespass, and failure to register deer.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Shane Siltala performed a site investigation with other DNR staff for a public water and aquatic plant violation. Enforcement action was taken for working in public waters without a permit. Officer Siltala continued to work the deer firearms season. Hunting pressure was fairly light during the week, but picked up again over the weekend. A lot of hunters reported not seeing as many deer this year. He also assisted local officers with patrolling areas that had generated reports of possible road hunters.

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports second weekend of firearms deer season similar to opener with few deer harvested. Enforcement action for week continued with transporting loaded firearms, failure to register deer within 48 hours, and take antlerless deer without permit. Trapping activity was also monitored throughout week while checking deer hunters.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring hunting activities and seeing few hunters and even fewer deer. Computer related matters were tended to. Seasonal equipment work is ongoing. Phone calls continue to be returned. Spare time was spent working on administrative items.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) continued to work deer season and late season trapping activity. There were numerous complaints from hunters that are seeing more wolves than deer. Deer harvest appears to be down with some hunters seeing nothing. Trespass issues were addressed along with more baiting issues. Once again, dumping of deer carcasses in public view is causing concern.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) spent most of the week working the firearms deer season. Trespass and baiting complaints and violations were handled. Violations of no deer license, untagged deer and transport illegally taken big game animal were the end result of a case where a hunter purchased their license 1 ½ hours after the deer was shot. Two separate cases of shooting a deer from the roadway, an all too common violation, were handled with both cases cleared with charges and one deer seized. Another shoot from roadway and after hours shooting violation was also handled. The suspect was a juvenile. Other enforcement action was taken on trespass, fail to register deer, hunt deer over baited area and transport loaded firearm.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent time preparing reports for court. The first carcass dumping complaints have started to come in. Sportsmen are encouraged to dispose of their deer carcasses properly. Dumping them along the side of the road is not the proper method. CO Frericks would like to ask those hunters who dump their deer carcasses unlawfully what would it look like if all of the 185,000 deer that will be taken this season were to be dumped on the side of the road. Complaints of hunters shooting from the roadway and trespassing have started to come in as well.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) is assisting Eveleth Forestry with the theft of spruce tops from state land; tops have a good market value making it easy pickings for thieves. A couple of people were found taking spruce tops from state land, they were both charged and one was transported to jail for an outstanding warrant. Fredin assisted the Hoyt Lakes PD with a report of shot fired within city limits presumable at a deer. A search of the area found a blood trail, ATV tracks, a gut pile and an individual was seen in the area with a deer on an ATV. The suspect initially lied and stated his deer came from outside town but later admitted to shooting the deer.

Ray – vacant.

I. Falls # 2 – vacant.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports the second week of the regular firearms season went well for hunters in the Echo Trail area. Although there were fewer hunters in the field success rates seemed higher. Officer Williams investigated two poached deer in a road ditch east of Ely and a trespass complaint in the same area. Violations included trespass, illegal party hunting, and hunting over a baited area.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked deer hunters throughout the week. Success has been slow, but there have been very few hunters visible as well. Hunters are reminded to watch that muzzle. Several times while checking hunters, the hunter has completely forgotten about their firearm muzzles and have pointed them at their partners or the officer’s legs and had to be reminded that it is a very poor way to handle a firearm. Ironically, this has only been the older hunters and NOT the kids. The kids have shown excellent firearm handling skills.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked deer hunters during the week. Many people were road “hunting” with uncased guns, open actions, and rounds sticking in the heater vents ready for shooting deer from the roadway. Many people aren’t out enjoying what deer hunting is supposed to be about, getting out in the woods and enjoying the day. When checking one road hunting duo, the passenger had the muzzle of his gun nestled up against the rib cage of the driver. When asking the driver how he felt about his partner’s gun sticking in his side, the driver shrugged his shoulders and stated it was no big deal because it was unloaded. The CO asked the passenger to point the gun in a safe direction because he didn’t want to be a witness to what could happen.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked deer hunters and took another report of hunting deer over bait. Deer are moving around more than the previous week and the officer also took a report of a deer chasing a dog in the pet owner’s yard. CO Manning followed up on previous baiting and deer hunter complaints.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked a busy week of deer hunting enforcement. More baits were located and known baits were monitored. Seven more people were cited through the week for hunting over bait. In each case rifles were confiscated, as well as three bucks that were shot over bait, which adds a $500 restitution cost to the offender’s fine amount. Baits have run the gamut from various types of grain to grain blocks to sweetened salt blocks to apples to squash and carrots, or a combination of several of them. Other enforcement action for the week included unlawful party hunting, fail to wait the two day waiting period after purchasing a license, fail to register deer within 48 hours, fail to validate deer tag, permit / direct juvenile to hunt in violation of game laws, and picking boughs without a permit.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the last week checking deer hunters and trapping activity. Multiple hunting over baited areas were investigated with enforcement action being taken. The harvest is down compared to last year with many hunters complaining. The Officer worked an ongoing investigation with the U.S. Forest Service. Enforcement action was taken for hunting over bait, shooting from the roadway and transport illegally taken big game animal.

Silver Bay – vacant.

Two Harbors – vacant.

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked hunters and worked complaints associated with the firearms deer season. Enforcement action was taken for failure to validate site tag, untagged deer, shoot from a motor vehicle at a wild animal, operate ATV on a public roadway, operate an OHV in unfrozen public waters, and burn prohibited materials.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked deer hunting activity, took nuisance animal calls, and monitored balsam bough cutting activity. He also assisted the county on a hunter that was found deceased near his deer stand. Violations included unregistered ATV, ATV in closed hours, untagged deer, transport untagged deer, fail to validate deer tag, shoot from the roadway, transport illegally taken big game animal, take a deer in a game refuge, and take an antlerless deer in the wrong area. Hunters are also buying and using bonus permits in lottery or hunter choice areas where bonus permits are not valid.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) finished K-9 training and worked deer shining complaints.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) checked deer hunters this past week and weekend. She took complaints of trespassing, shining, and shooting from the road at deer. She investigated a complaint involving deer carcasses which led to several big game violations from this year and last year. Deer hunters did not to seem to have much success again for the second weekend, but weather played a part as the wind was howling on Sunday. Enforcement action was taken for big game violations.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) continued working on investigations dealing with baiting issues over the past week with the completion of multiple cases and also receiving new complaints. CO Sutherland took enforcement action for transporting a big game animal on a motor vehicle without the proper tag, failing to tag a big game animal, failure to validate a tag, trespassing and shooting from the road right-of-way at a big game animal. Waterfowl work was also performed with Hill City CO Wichmann where enforcement action was taken for having a loaded firearm in a motorboat while the motor was running. Action was also taken for failure to have the required life saving devices on a watercraft.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked trappers, ATVs and firearms deer hunters. He responded to numerous hunting and trespass complaints during the week.

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week checking deer hunters. Enforcement action was taken for untagged deer, lending license, discharging a firearm over the road right-of-way, failure to validate license and transporting a loaded firearm. A reminder to deer hunters before they move the deer from the kill site, they need to validate their license. Wichmann also took calls about hunters trespassing and he checked waterfowl hunters.

CO John Velsvaag (Region II ATV officer) followed up on complaints near Aurora and attended a meeting in Grand Rapids. CO Velsvaag also checked deer hunters in northern St. Louis and Koochiching counties. Deer hunting success was low.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) worked deer hunters, ATVers, trappers, netters, and waterfowlers in the station. Baiting complaints were followed up on. Two to three inches of ice greeted some late season duck hunters at accesses. Persistent hunters did well on American goldeneyes and buffle heads; but most scaup have left. Deer hunter pressure diminished greatly, with a few nice bucks taken. Wetland Conservation Act and protected waters cases were tracked.

District 8 – Duluth area

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) worked baiting complaints and took enforcement action with the aid of CO Olson and CO Hanzal. Shooting from the roadway complaints continue and investigations are ongoing. A case involving loaded firearms in a motor vehicle, no hunting license, illegal use of tags, and illegal party hunting was investigated. Enforcement action was taken for failure to validate tag, no hunting license, ATV during closed hours, illegal party hunting, reckless discharge of a firearm and adult allow illegal hunting.

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) had a very busy week dealing with a variety of issues. Trespass, shoot big game from the roadway, hunting over bait, failing to validate deer tag, untagged deer, illegal party hunting, operating ATV during closed hours, shooting too close to an occupied dwelling, illegal use of lights, operate class 1 ATV on roadway, are just some of the violations encountered during the week. The officer has seen some very nice buck taken this last week. The bucks seem to still be in full rut.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent the majority of the week working the firearm deer season. Some examples of violations investigated include hunter harassment, hunting deer over bait, shooting at deer from the roadway and shinning deer after hours. Officer Duncan also checked several trappers and small game hunter. ATV operation during closed hours and operating on the road were some violations encountered. A few successful wolf hunters were checked during the week. Many questions and complaints were responded to during the week. Officer Duncan also assisted neighboring officers with hunting deer over bait and night shining investigations

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked big game and trapping enforcement throughout the week. CO Humphrey continued to work deer shining complaint areas. Traps and trappers were checked in the area. Deer baiting, shining, road hunting, trapping, and trespass complaints were reported. Numerous contacts were made with hunters. Violations included hunting deer with the aid/use of bait, trespass, failing to validate license, unlawful ATV operation, no license in possession, untagged traps, transport loaded firearm ATV. Hunters in the area continued to report a slow deer season with fewer deer harvested and observed.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) reports that the deer harvest appears to be down in the area as deer hunters were checked in the area. Violations included hunting over bait, hunting without license in possession and ATV violations. Assistance was given to another officer on hunting under the influence and operating ATV under the influence arrest which included two separate individuals. K9 assistance was given to other officers on an arrest in the Paul Bunyan State Forest near Nevis. After receiving a shooting from the road complaint, vehicle information and an address was given where the suspect had fled to. After several unsuccessful attempts to get someone to come to the door at the residence, K9 Schody was brought out to see if he could tell where the suspect had gone. A track from the vehicle led through the yard, into the woods, down a trail, and up to a ground blind where a hunter was obviously pretending to be sleeping. After a lengthy interview, the suspect was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. The shooting from the road complaint is still under investigation.

WREO Mike Scott (NE) worked with DNR hydrologists on information and plan to address a public waters violation in the Duluth area. The weekend was spent working at the MSP Dispatch Center in Roseville answering calls for service and providing information about big game hunting and other DNR related calls.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

CO Keith Olson (Marine Unit) reports the deer take seems to be slower than in previous deer seasons. The mild temps have allowed hunters to spend more time in the woods and deer stands. A trespass complaint was investigated and he continued work on baiting complaints. A decoy detail was worked north of Duluth. Night work continues for deer shiners. Kamloop anglers along the North Shore were also checked. Registration and tagging questions are still being fielded.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) worked deer season activities in neighboring inland stations. Baiting complaints continue to come in. Trespass and shooting from the road complaints were checked and follow-up was done on cases from the beginning of deer season. So far, hunters in the Arrowhead have had a very slow season in most areas. Enforcement actions were taken for deer and ATV violations.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) spent most of the week working deer hunting activities. The Lake Superior Boat was also removed from the water for the season and washed.

District 9 – Brainerd area

CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) worked on deer hunting enforcement this past week. Complaints reported and investigated were hunting over bait, shooting after hours, over limit, trespass and carcass dumping. He checked duck and goose hunters and the success report was poor. One group of hunters had to break one-quarter mile of ice to get to their hunting spot. Anglers that went out had fair success. Walleye and northern were the most active. A complaint of trapping in the city of Brainerd was investigated and referred to BPD. Reports of vehicles on closed trails in the Pillsbury Forest were investigated. He worked invasive species enforcement on Gull Lake and duck hunters were found with aquatic vegetation attached to decoys.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) checked many hunters and deer camps. Hunters reported a very slow week with not many deer seen. The officer assisted with an emergency call of a hunter, that while using a garden tractor as an ATV in a remote location, had attempted to drive up ramps into the back of his truck with a deer still attached to the back. The tractor flipped over onto the hunter, pinning him underneath. The hunter was able to use his cell phone to call for help. Violations for the week included shooting from a roadway, untagged deer, hunt without a valid license, hunting deer over a baited area, false application for a free landowner deer license and transport loaded firearms.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) responded to a high volume of calls and complaints associated with the firearms deer season including deer baiting, suspicious hunting activity, road hunting, shooting deer at night, trespassing, and target shooting. He also responded to nuisance beaver, trapping violations, and ATV violations. Rounding out the week were burning, wanton waste of deer, litter, cutting shooting lanes on state land, property line/easement disputes, and poisoning of wildlife via illegal disposal of sick livestock.

CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) checked hunters who were reporting better success than last weekend. Officer Lee received a call from an individual reporting that they had just observed a party shoot off the road into some public land. Upon further investigation Officer Lee found the suspected party in the same hunting camp as the reporting party was staying. Officer Lee was waiting to check a hunter to return to his vehicle after shooting hours. As Officer Lee was waiting the brother to the individual that was in still in the woods arrived worried that his brother had not come in. After searching the area with the individual’s brother, and not finding him, more assistance was called in for help in searching. After searching for a short period of time the party was found, and determined that the individual was very intoxicated. Charges are pending for Hunting While Intoxicated.

CO James Tischler (Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area) monitored deer hunting, activity in the Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area, Pillsbury State Forest and Brainerd area WMAs. He assisted state park staff with the St. Croix State Park Special Permit Deer Hunt.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) worked firearms deer hunting activity throughout the week. Trespass and illegal party hunting complaints were addressed. Tree stands left on a Wildlife Management Area were removed. Two separate tips on shooting from the road were handled. Information from the witnesses was critical and much appreciated.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) addressed baiting complaints, attempted over limit of deer complaints, and illegal party hunting violations. Firearms were seized for evidence of violations and potential forfeiture. Officer Guida addressed numerous big game violations like complaints of shooting from the roadway, trespass, after hours shooting, and wanton waste of deer. Numerous deer carcasses have been located in the road right of way with their antlers removed and areas of useable meat. Proper carcass disposal guidelines can be found in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook. Congratulations to hunters who harvested their first deer during this season.

McGregor – vacant.

Pine River – vacant.

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports a busy week with firearms deer season. A lot of hunters were checked and most reported seeing deer during the week. The Officer assisted a neighboring Officer with several baiting cases that resulted in seizure of firearms and deer. A trespass complaint was handled where a hunter shot a deer right in front of a house with the owner in the house. The suspect never got the deer but ended up with a citation and another party hunting with him was cited for not wearing blaze orange, he instead had brown Carhartt’s on. A call of a trapper being harassed while setting traps was investigated. Time was spent monitoring shining activity and several littering complaints also were fielded. Please remember it is illegal to dump deer carcasses in the road ditch. Law related questions were fielded throughout the week and weekend. A call of a large small game hunting party not wearing orange and shooting in an unsafe manner was investigated. Several trespass complaints were fielded in the Malmo and neighboring stations. Enforcement action for the week included various big game violations.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) assisted or handled a variety of calls ranging from trespass, to baiting, to no blaze orange to ATV issues. Weather again played a part for low harvest of deer. Several car kill deer permits were issued and time was spent walking WMAs to see if stands were left overnight.

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) continued to spend a majority of time on firearm deer season calls and complaints. One hunting group was found trespassing in a farmer’s field and chasing after a wounded deer after they had just jumped out of their car and shot the deer from the roadway. More individuals were also found hunting over property that was baited with corn and other illegal deer feed. Some hunters still seem to be confused with the fact that just because it’s okay for stores to sell many different types of deer feed, it doesn’t mean it’s legal to use them to attract deer when hunting. CO Grundmeier monitored hunting activity during the St. Croix State Park special hunt and responded to trespassing calls.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week checking hunters and issuing numerous car killed deer tags. He checked baiting complaint areas, searched for felons hunting with firearms, and followed up on questions and concerns about trespassing and general deer hunting questions through the week. He assisted the Pine County Sheriff’s Department with a traffic accident, spent time checking WMA’s and State Forest areas for activity. Enforcement contacts included hunting deer over bait, operating ATV’s during restricted hours, and no licenses in possession.

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) worked the gun deer season including reports of road hunting, trespass complaints, hunter harassment investigations, and illegal stands on public property. Calm days during the week brought out several anglers. Duck hunters were out but started to have problems with the freeze up. Verkuilen also answered hunting questions, issued car kill tags, and confiscated fur caught out of season.

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) investigated reports of shooting from the roadway, several trespass issues, multiple harassment cases, baiting complaints and issued several car kill deer permits. Investigations from the first week of deer season were closed and citations issued, as well as the reports completed. Officer Heaton responded to hunters questions on the phone and in person, she patrolled the Nemadji State Forest, the WMA’s located in the Willow River station and work active shining complaints. She took enforcement actions for failing to validate deer license, warnings for illegal ATV operation, no license in possession and trespassing. She also investigated a complaint of possible over-limit of deer, worked with Pine County Probation regarding an active felony warrant pickup and illegal shooting issues.

WREO Rob Haberman worked the St. Croix State Park hunt over the weekend. Many hunters had success, but rainy weather dampened some spirits. WREO Haberman also attended a TEP meeting in Aitkin County to discuss potential wetland conservation act violations.

Onamia – vacant.

District 11 – St. Cloud area

Conservation Officer Mike Martin (Saint Cloud) checked hunters and anglers during the past week. Officer Martin gave an interview to an outdoors newspaper and spent time on trapping violations as well. While patrolling on Friday evening Officer Martin witnessed two young men urinating alongside a county highway, it turns out they were transporting a loaded firearm as well. During the subsequent interview an overlimit of deer was uncovered as well as transporting illegally taken big game, illegal party hunting and multiple license violations.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) checked hunters, investigated a variety of deer hunting related TIP calls, and assisted other officers on cases. Complaints handled and/or under investigation included hunter harassment; untagged deer; unlawfully taken deer; shooting after legal shooting hours; baiting; and unlawful burning. The majority of hunters checked were in compliance.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked deer hunters, duck hunters, trappers, and investigated TIP calls. Hunter success in the Albany appeared to be average. Thesing assisted CO Silgjord with a TIP report of trespass/shoot from a road. The suspects were found later, and enforcement action was taken. The suspects lost the buck deer as well as their guns. Enforcement action for the week included transport loaded gun, burn without permit, fail to validate deer tag, fail to register deer, shoot from roadway, and transport illegally taken big game animal.

CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) received a call to assist a hunter with retrieving a deer they had shot that had run onto private property. The deer ended up being a nice 9-point buck except when CO Kuske checked the hunter’s registration records it was found they had already registered a buck during archery season. CO Kuske asked the hunter if they had gotten a buck during archery season and the hunter said “Oh, I forgot about that one.” The deer was seized and citation issued for deer over limit. CO Kuske checked one all male hunting camp that started a rule a few years ago that anyone that shoots a fawn has to wear “the dress”. A few of the hunters admitted to having to wear it but that the rule has really reduced the number of fawns that the group now shoots.

WREO Keith Bertram spent the week checking hunters. Enforcement action was taken for transporting loaded guns, failure to validate tags, unregistered deer, and ATV violations. WREO Bertram also conducted follow up on wetland cases.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) assisted neighboring officers with deer hunting activities. The officer assisted the county with a call. Trapping and fishing activities were also monitored.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) worked deer hunting related calls and complaints. Responded to TIP calls of deer shining, untagged deer, illegal trapping, road hunting, trespassing plus numerous calls and inquiries about the deer season. CO Kuske provided a ride along experience for a law enforcement intern from Central Lakes College.

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) spent the majority of the week working deer hunting activity. A TIP complaint was handled where a deer was taken from the road way. With assistance from CO Thesing, the suspects were located and a large 8-point buck was seized along with a shotgun. The suspects are looking at multiple charges and big game revocations for the offense. Another baiting violation was found, resulting in the seizure of a firearm and a one year revocation of big game hunting privileges upon conviction. Hunters are reminded to read the baiting section in the Hunting Regulations Booklet and read the labels on products they are placing in the field. Other enforcement action for the week included illegal possession of a road kill deer and failure to register big game.

District 12 – Princeton area

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) checked deer hunters, trappers and waterfowl hunters. Deer hunting success seemed to be down in the area. As for the waterfowl hunters, earlier in the week the hunters were doing very well until the cold temps iced up many of the small lakes in the area and sent the birds out of the area. This year trappers are finding more competition for muskrats and raccoons with the higher fur prices. With that came more reports of trap tampering in the area. Enforcement action was taken for hunting deer over bait, deer hunting without a license, transport illegally taken deer, failure to tag and register deer.

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked deer and waterfowl hunters. He took enforcement action on number of violations. He finished up on a four year big game investigation with charges filed. He assisted deer hunters with the recovery of a deer. He continues following up on a number of baiting TIP calls.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a busy close to the zone 2 deer season. Numerous trespassing and landowner issues were handled. Lots of hunters took to the woods during the week and second weekend, but few deer were taken. Trapping and bear hunting issues were also handled in the area.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) checked deer hunters during the week. Deer harvest in the area seems low but others remarked that numbers were up. Several trespass calls and hunting complaints were investigated and enforcement action was taken. Enforcement action was taken on failure to validate deer tag, untagged deer, untagged traps and illegal body gripping trap set.

CO Angela Londgren (Princeton) worked deer and pheasant hunters and seen limited success. Officer Londgren took calls of wanton waste, shooting from roadway, traps not being checked, dogs chasing deer, car kill deer, and hunting over bait.

Cambridge – vacant.

District 13 – West Metro area

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) checked deer and waterfowl hunters having mixed success. Telephone calls on hunting questions were returned daily. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of waterfowl, unsigned federal duck stamp and no federal duck stamps.

CO Tony Salzer (Osseo) dealt with a hunter harassment issue in Brooklyn Park during a deer reduction hunt in the city. Salzer also responded to a report of an trumpeter swan that had been shot in the northern part of the county. Anyone with any information on the incident is encouraged to call the TIP hotline. Salzer patrolled Carlos Avery for deer hunting activity and found a hunter transporting a loaded firearm. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Brent Grewe (Minnetonka) spent the week responding to calls and checking deer hunters. CO Grewe had calls regarding trappers trespassing, wetland violations and a deer shot from the roadway. CO Grewe conducted interviews for possible violations that took place in other areas of the state and followed up with TIP complaints. Violations included hunting in the wrong zone, angling with extra lines and license issues.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) patrolled Dakota and Scott counties for waterfowl hunters. He checked deer hunters and investigated a call about an antler point restriction deer. CO Neitzke responded to a call of a possible dead eagle. He also worked the deer firearms season with CO Quandt.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked deer and small game hunters in the metro area. He talked to a group of family members gathering in St. Paul on CO duties, hunting, and fishing regulations. He returned many calls on big game and small game hunting regulations to people in the community.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) checked hunters in Carver and Scott counties for deer, waterfowl and small game activity. He returned phone calls seeking information about where to go hunting, TIP calls and questions about deer hunting regulations.

Bloomington – vacant.

Prior Lake – vacant.

District 14 – East Metro area

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week checking deer hunters, small game, and waterfowl hunters. CO Arntzen handled trespassing complaints, TIP calls, trapping complaints and fielded many calls about hunting. He continued investigating ongoing deer cases and calls of deer carcasses being dumped in the WMAs and along the roadside.

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) checked deer hunters throughout the week in Scott County. He spent one day checking several deer hunters in Pine County with CO Kruse. CO Pril also spoke at a snowmobile class in Savage and responded to TIP complaints and other calls throughout the week.

CO Brad Johnson (Ham Lake) reports that for the second time in his career, he came upon “dummies” in deer stands. Two individuals had stuffed scarecrows in blaze orange clothing on property line squabbles. He checked deer hunters throughout the week. Violations included insufficient blaze orange, deer stand overnight in a WMA, and illegal parking in a WMA. CO Johnson spoke to a snowmobile safety class in Coon Rapids.

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) continued to check waterfowl and deer hunters throughout the week in Dakota and Crow Wing counties. Numerous TIP calls were responded to, and hunters are encouraged to keep calling when they see violations. CO McGowan also attended a court trial from a BWI arrest.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) checked numerous deer hunters and handled various TIP calls. She worked with CO Pril in the Nemadji State Forest for a day, worked on deer cases and gave an interview to the Star Tribune. CO Kruse worked on a trespassing case, issued a couple car kill deer permits and wrote reports. Violations encountered included operate unregistered ATV, failure to tag deer, failure to validate site tag, operate ATV during restricted hours and operate ATV without a certificate.

WREO Adam Block (Metro) reports a busy week with the deer season responding to several calls resulting in numerous violations and seized game. Several cease and desist orders were issued along with a restoration order regarding shoreline work. Time was also spent assisting Region 2 with hunting activity near the Hinckley area resulting in several violations.

Eagan – vacant.

Metro Officer – vacant.

District 15 – Marshall area

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the week working the firearm deer season. Trapping, waterfowl and pheasant hunting enforcement was also worked. Unethical deer hunters chasing deer with motor vehicles was a common complaint during the last weekend of the season. Along with Tracy Fire and Ambulance the Officer responded to a hunting incident at Garvin Park. A bow hunter fell from his portable deer stand and sustained a possible back injury.

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) advises that trapping violations continue, as well as shooting from the roadway, untagged deer and chasing deer through the city of Arco.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) monitored firearms deer, pheasant, and waterfowl hunting activity throughout the week. A big game enforcement detail was worked with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Trespassing and transporting loaded firearms continues to be an issue in the area.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working pheasant hunters, trappers, and deer hunters. Success seemed average. Enforcement action was taken for a variety of big game violations including shooting from a motor vehicle and transporting loaded shotguns.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) reports that chasing deer, shooting from the roadway, and trespass were persistent problems throughout the firearms deer season. The officer is also investigating several complaints of unlawful use of antlerless tags. In some areas, the deer had access to large fields of unharvested corn which made it quite challenging for many hunters.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) continues to receive reports on people illegally hunting raccoons at night. Multiple trespassing and transporting of loaded firearms incidents were investigated.

WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) investigated three possible WCA violations with site visits in Redwood County. Another site visit was completed in Renville County. Empty stations were worked for hunters and fishermen during the firearms deer season.

Benson – vacant.

Madison – vacant.

Redwood Falls – vacant.

District 16 – New Ulm area

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) continued to spend a majority of his time working the firearms deer season and conducting follow up. He continued to follow up on baiting and trespass complaints. Denz also checked trappers and waterfowl hunters.

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) worked a TIP call with a neighboring officer dealing with the lending/borrowing of deer licenses and illegal party hunting. She continued investigating trespassing complaints from the previous week. Mueller assisted McLeod County with warrant arrests of two individuals in a wooded rural area.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) reports the majority of the officer’s time was spent dealing with individuals that were hunting deer over bait. However, even those baiting deer found it hard to get a deer within range. Oberg reports the deer harvest seemed to drop off dramatically from opening weekend. Follow up will be done on a few active cases.

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) received and investigated calls of taking deer from a vehicle, taking deer with bait, illegal party hunting, trespassing, untagged/unregistered deer and shooting after legal hours. Although deer numbers appear to be up, the number of deer harvested appeared low. Most hunters contacted reported few deer seen and blamed windy weather conditions for lack of success compared to previous years.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) spent the week checking deer hunters during the firearms season. Many complaints of trespassing, shooting from the road, and shooting from vehicles were received and investigated with much more follow up to be done.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) patrolled Jackson County and continued to work small and big game seasons as well as waterfowl hunters. Gruhlke completed his radio program discussing firearms safety, carcass disposal and other area activity. Field hunting for geese and other waterfowl is occurring, and pheasant hunters continue their quest for a rooster.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) worked continuously on the firearms deer season checking hunters, following up on complaints and investigations that are still ongoing. Despite the negative stigma of this sport to some of the public, a good amount of hunting ethics and law abiding sportsmen were in the field.

Litchfield – vacant.

Willmar #1 – vacant.

District 17 – Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) spent much of the week working big game activity. Activity levels were low, as was the success rate for hunters filling their tags. A few anglers, waterfowl hunters, small game hunters and small game trappers were also out and about.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) worked primarily deer hunting activity in his station. Officer Ihnen also checked pheasant and waterfowl hunters as well as monitored trapping activity. Several complaints from the public were also fielded.

CO Luke Belgard (Faribault) worked deer hunting, trapping, and waterfowl hunting enforcement. Several trapping complaints continue to come in and were investigated. A number of hunters were still out during the last days of the firearms deer season with moderate success. Enforcement action was taken on hunting and trapping violations.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) checked deer hunters throughout the week. Success varied depending on the area. Trappers were checked. Trespassing proved to be the most common complaint.

CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) spent the week monitoring trapping, small game, and deer hunting (firearms & archery) activity. Deer hunting success continued to be mixed as weather conditions over the weekend included rain and wind. A significant number of trespass complaints were investigated as well as various other big game violations

WREO Julie Siems (SE) checked many goose and deer hunters in the field. K9 Brady was utilized for many deer hunting complaints as well. Trespass complaints were followed up on.

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) worked ATV & big game activity during the week. Various calls were also handled from the public.

Albert Lea – vacant.

District 18 – Rochester area

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working a very busy week of deer hunting enforcement including numerous trespass related problems. Problems most involved hunters from out of area trespassing on neighbors land. Some very nice deer where checked in Zone 3 and the antler points restriction is obviously paying off. Enforcement action included violations of the trespass law, APR violations, transport loaded guns, untagged, unregistered, fail to validate deer tags, and warrant arrest etc.

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending the past week and weekend checking deer hunting, fishing and waterfowl hunting activity. Numerous deer hunters were encountered over the weekend with many of them commenting on the lack of deer activity. Some deer hunting and waterfowl violations were detected.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports a slower than usual deer season with both number of deer seen by hunters and numbers of complaints. He followed up on complaints of trespass and shooting from roadway along with two separate deer that were shot, hidden, and left. One complaint resulted in numerous violations found from previous years. The duck hunting varied from day to day with limits on some days and few ducks in the bag on other days.

CO Boyum (Rushford) reports a busy firearms deer season. Success seemed good and most hunters were happy with their hunts. Violations encountered were illegal baiting, trespass, untagged deer, fail to validate deer tag and no license to hunt deer. ATV complaints were also taken and hunters are reminded to check laws before operating ATV’s on state lands.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly deer and waterfowl hunters during the week. Duck hunting success was off and on during the week, with good hunting being had when there was ice. Deer hunting was slower overall but several violations were encountered.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports that the backwaters opened up after freezing. Some fresh ducks have moved into the area and provided for some good hunting. He assisted with removing an airboat after the citizen had a prop and drive belt implode. Just short of a miracle that the operator was not injured. Deer hunters had a good week bagging many deer. Compliance was high. Fritz reports a bowhunter was hunting in a remote area when he heard a single voice, and then saw a small dog that was followed by a 4-year-old lost boy and a second dog. Quick thinking and grandpa instinct helped the bowhunter locate the boy’s home and family. The police and the family were shocked and thankful for the bowhunter’s quick actions. The boy had wondered about two miles from home.

CO Phil George (Rochester) worked a busy week of deer season. Complaints of trespass and litter were taken. A few APR deer were located. A reminder to hunters that road ditches are not the appropriate place to discard your deer carcasses. Officer George also checked trappers and took complaints of traps illegally set in culverts.

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 Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports a week of more big game assistance to ground officers. Jensen also checked anglers via floatplane on area lakes. Two wildlife telemetry survey flights were flown. One public water case is still being worked by Jensen from Washington County; a deed restriction was placed on the affected property.

CO Pilot Don Murray (Grand Rapids) continued to work big game enforcement efforts with area officers documenting illegal deer baiting and trespass violations. Warmer temperatures seemed to slow down the deer harvest success and low clouds and fog resulted in several flights being cancelled. Some late fall fishermen were still having good luck on area lakes when ice broke away from boat launch areas.

CO Pilot Bob Geving conducted support flights for big game hunting activities.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew NW MN bear telemetry locating their dens so the biologist can locate them on the ground for their annual health checks and collar battery change. Heineman also flew timber wolf telemetry, night and instrument training and attended to maintenance on the aircraft.

Acting Chief Pilot Tom Buker worked on flight training tasks for upcoming training assignments and aircraft maintenance / equipment issues.

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.