Weekly Game and Fish Violations

Here is your weekly conservation officer report, courtesy of the MN DNR.

District 1 – Baudette area

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) worked a detail on Lake of the Woods with CO Gorecki seeing moderate to good success on walleyes. A detail was worked with multiple COs in the Beltrami Island State Forest over the holiday weekend. Area anglers were checked and a firearm was seized from an individual prohibited from possessing firearms. Enforcement action for the week included angle without license, boating registration and equipment violations, operate Class II ATV on state highway, operate ATV with juvenile without helmet, and operate OHM on public roadway.

CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck) worked angling and boating activity on Upper Red Lake and special regulation lakes throughout the week. CO Regas attended the Big Bog Adventure Days staffing the LaserShot booth while promoting firearms safety, hunter education and marksmanship. Time was also spent investigating a wolf depredation complaint, a report of an injured swan was handled and assistance was given to the Big Bog State Recreation Area staff with some unauthorized camping issues which arose during the Memorial Day weekend. CO Regas assisted CO Academy staff with instruction of officer water survival training for Academy 15. Enforcement action for the week included fishing license violations and over limit of Red Lake walleye.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored boating, fishing, and ATV activity throughout the week. Anglers continue to report good fishing on Lake of the Woods and Upper Red Lake. CO Gorecki participated in an ATV work detail and taught a boating safety class to K-1 graders from three local schools at the Big Bog Recreational area. While returning from the recreational area, CO Gorecki observed a vehicle travelling at dangerously fast speeds. CO Gorecki activated his radar and driver was traveling at 109 mph. The vehicle was later stopped as it entered the Baudette city limits.

Baudette -vacant.

Blackduck #2 – vacant.

Karlstad – vacant.

Warroad #1 – vacant.

Warroad #2 – vacant.

District 2 – Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports assisting the Polk County SO with a boat and water training class. Time was also spent working angling, boating, AIS, and ATV enforcement. Many contacts were made during the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. A possible wetland impact site was also checked. Violations encountered included fish over-limit, take bass out-of-season, no angling license, and no watercraft registration.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) issued multiple beaver permits, had a call about a problem badger, planned a FAS class, assisted other agencies and responded to campfires that became out of control burning woods and tires. ATV, boating, angling and invasive transportation activities were concentrated on. A case of wanton waste/litter (multiple suckers left on shore) was investigated and completed.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked anglers, boaters and ATVers.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) worked a busy Memorial Day Weekend. The great weather brought several people out onto the lakes. Time was also spent checking boaters and anglers throughout the week. A complaint of an individual taking leeches from the traps of a commercial trapper was investigated. ATV and OHM activity was monitored.

CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) spent the week checking angling and ATV activity. Complaints were received of ATV’s operating in wetlands and nuisance bears. Time was also spent on AIS activity. Enforcement action for the week included ATV and AIS violations.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports taking a call of a mushroom hunter getting charged by a bear. The mushroom hunter stated they went into a wooded area and his dog spooked a bear that ran out across the field. As he was calling back his dog, two smaller bears went up into the trees and he saw a larger bear coming for him. The mushroom hunter said his dog showed up just in time to get between him and the angry bear. The dog was mauled and required nearly 90 stiches. The mushroom hunter was shaken but uninjured. TIP of bass out of season and over-limits of panfish were investigated. Enforcement action was taken on failing to display and unregistered watercraft, ATV violations, and no angling license in possession.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) checked boaters, anglers and worked ATV enforcement. Trout anglers were having some luck but cool water resulted in a slow to moderate bite otherwise. Nuisance beaver permit processes were also reviewed.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) reports a busy holiday weekend with many boaters out. Fishing was good for panfish and walleye activity is starting to pick up. Time was also spent responding to complaints of ATV trespass in a State Park, illegal shoreline work, illegal dumping of cement blocks into an area lake and several fishing TIPs.

WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week focusing efforts on AIS and WCA activity around Otter Tail, Becker, Mahnomen and Clay counties. Time was spent giving AIS law enforcement training to Becker County deputies. Fishing activity was checked. Time was spent following up on TIP calls and complaints in the Detroit Lakes area.

Moorhead – vacant.

Detroit Lakes – vacant.

District 3 – Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) reports fishing is in full swing with reports of over limits investigated. Nice weather also brought out the ATVs with violations addressed. Other enforcement efforts were related to angling and boat safety.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked fishing and boating enforcement over the weekend with lots of activity. Fishing success is scattered and several shore fishermen were checked. Plautz is investigating an earth dam that has washed out resulting in lake levels dropping significantly. Fish overlimit calls were also investigated.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) focused time checking fishermen, boaters, minnow dealers and AIS enforcement. Additional time was spent checking nuisance beaver complaint, a feed lot running into a lake, and an individual blocking access to Sand Lake. A call regarding dead fish on the shoreline in the vacant Wheaton station was also handled.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen, boaters, ATVs and AIS enforcement. Nice weather brought out lots of activity throughout Memorial Weekend but high winds on Saturday and Sunday slowed down boating activity. Calls for nuisance beaver permits, fishing license questions and spearing rough fish were answered. Two individuals were cited for taking 25 crappies overlimit.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) spent most of the past week on the water in and around Alexandria, with high activity levels over the holiday weekend. Overall, anglers and boaters were very law abiding on the lakes, no PFD issues were observed at all. A few anglers in hard to see locations were surprised to be checked for licenses, which unfortunately not everybody had purchased. An OHM rider was observed driving carelessly down a city street on an unregistered bike; he received a citation. Lawler spoke to the entire 7th grade class at Discovery Middle School about the importance of wearing safety equipment while enjoying the outdoors at their annual Earth/Memorial day event. Additionally, Lawler congratulated a local snowmobile safety instructor for over 30 years of volunteer service to the Alex community and presented her with an award.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) worked fishing, boating, and AIS activity on and around area waterways. The Holiday weekend and nice weather brought a lot of folks outside and to the water. AIS compliance remains very good in the area. Additional time was spent working fire and ATV activity. Several fishing related complaints were investigated with some closed out and others still active. A loon was released back to a lake after it was freed of several feet of discarded fishing line with a Rapala attached to it.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on heavy boating activity, fishing and AIS enforcement. The officer assisted the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office with a fire complaint that burned part of a State Wildlife Area. Anderson also received a report about persons shooting from a vehicle from the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. Protected public waters wetland and WCA violations were handled with enforcement action taken. The contractors were contacted as well. Enforcement action is pending about the violation and the proper BWSR contractor form being filed. Minnow transportation permits were issued as well as calls from the public regarding a dead pelican and fishing questions.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports area lakes were busy with activity over the Memorial Day weekend. Baumbarger spent the majority of the weekend working AIS enforcement with Officers Anderson and Siltala on area lakes. Additional time was spent checking fishermen, boaters, and ATV operators. Complaints were received about bow fishermen, and ATV trespass. The officer encountered a group of four fishermen with 42 sunfish overlimit in the cooler in their boat.

Wheaton – vacant.

District 4 – Wadena area

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) worked a very busy Memorial Day weekend. Enforcement action included OHM’s on public roadways, youth related ATV violations, burning of prohibited materials, PWC violations and equipment violations for watercraft.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked anglers and ATV’ers. Officer Hunter spent time over the holiday weekend educating the public on invasive species and the regulations that go along with it. Officer Hunter received a few calls from local inspectors working at public accesses where fishermen were not allowing the inspectors to do their inspections.

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) checked anglers and boaters over the holiday weekend. Several complaints were investigated on bow anglers within 150 feet of residences and with loud generators. Other activities included OHM and ATV enforcement, AIS enforcement, and a late night shooting complaint.

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) focused on angling, boating, and AIS activity. A complaint of trash dumped on USFS land was received and the matter was referred to USFS. A call regarding a person fishing from a dock using a very large spotlight to shine fish was received and contact was made with the individual. CO Sommers assisted the sheriff’s department and a Leech Lake Tribal CO with a nuisance bear at a resort. While looking for the bear a stolen ATV was recovered and turned over to the sheriff’s department.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers, boaters, and recreational vehicles. Bears apparently are having a tough time finding food in the woods as several nuisance bear complaints were received. CO Mathy also fielded calls regarding boat lights and netting concerns. Enforcement action was taken for illegal length walleye, invalid marriage angling license for persons not married, boat lights, boat with passenger riding on bow, life jackets, and invasive species violations.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) capped off the week with by a busy Memorial Day weekend. Lots of folks were out enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, not all were following the rules and violations encountered included class 1 ATVs being operating on state and county roads as well as numerous folks fishing without a license. Other enforcement action taken for unregistered ATV, no PFDs, extra lines, unattended lines, operate OHM in road ditch and carrying a passenger under 18 on an ATV without a helmet.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling, boating, and ATV activity. Angling success was slow. CO Broughten observed a fair amount of boating and ATV traffic over the Memorial weekend. Owners of ATVs are reminded ATVs are not babysitters and they are responsible when a juvenile is operating the ATV. A number of wetland and waters violations were investigated. CO Broughten also responded to a grass fire and assisted the sheriff’s office with calls of a lost hiker and an ATV rollover accident. Enforcement action included no angling license in possession, allow illegal operation of an ATV by a juvenile, operate ATV on public roadway, ATV passenger under 18 without a helmet, operate watercraft with person riding on bow, failure to display ATV registration, failure to display watercraft registration, and no personal floatation device.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) worked AIS and angling activity. Bass and crappies are biting well. Enforcement was taken for ATV’s on a county road and failure to display registration.

CO Colleen Adam (NW Region OHV Recreation Officer) patrolled state forests and OHV trail systems. Registration compliance was very good. CO Adam responded to a call of ATV’s in a closed area and late night shooting complaint. Fishing and boating activity was high on the warmer than normal holiday weekend.

Water Recourse Enforcement Officer Shane Siltala assisted SWCD personnel with wetland enforcement issues. Two restoration orders were issued as a result of new drainage ditched being created, which is a violation and a threat to drainage of the entire wetland. The landowners will be required to restore to pre-existing conditions. Officer Siltala met with other area SWCD staff to discuss ongoing wetland issues. Invasive species enforcement activity was conducted over the holiday weekend with other officers. Overall good compliance was found, however, enforcement action was taken for drain plug violations.

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) checked fishing and boating activity, plus invasive species checks on Kabetogama. He dealt with a boating accident with no injuries. Other work involved handling a wildfire complaint.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring forest roads, checking public access sites, checking camping areas, returning phone calls and working on equipment.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports very pleasant weather over the weekend was a welcome change from most Memorial Day weekends. Quite a few boats were observed on area lakes. Area accesses were monitored for compliance with weed, water, and drain plug removal. A couple fires were checked into.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked the state park, angling and boating activity and invasive species enforcement during the week. The officer also attended training at Lake Minnetonka. The most common violation for the week was angling without a license, followed by boat registration and other boating violations. The officer stopped a distracted female driver on a four lane highway with her left leg sticking out the window, pushing buttons on her cell phone and passing the officer at about 75 mph (10 mph over the speed limit). The leg disappeared inside the car once the red lights were turned on. The officer assisted the Hibbing PD with a shoplifter that fled on foot and a separate felony fleeing in a vehicle incident, with the driver being arrested in the driveway of his home where the pursuit ended.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent a majority of his time checking anglers and boaters on area lakes. On Virginia area lakes, the walleye bite seems to have slowed down, while on Lake Vermilion you can still get your limit if you work for them. A few boaters were neglectful with registering their watercraft before using them this Memorial Day weekend. Those boaters received citations. A dumping complaint is being investigated.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) worked throughout Memorial weekend and found many people out on area lakes enjoying the nice weather. Night navigation was worked along with a complaint of intoxicated boat operators, no sign of excessive alcohol but a number of failing to display navigation lights was addressed. A TIP complaint was received which resulted in violations of angling with extra line and expired boat registration. A complaint of people camping within a State day use site was received.

I. Falls # 2 – vacant.

Ray – vacant.

Tower – vacant.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports summer weather arrived in Ely just in time for the long memorial day weekend. Lakes and rivers were crowded with motorboats and canoes with the unofficial beginning of the summer season. AIS was the focus for most of the weekend, and a high compliance rate was observed. Violations included fail to remove boat plug, possess aluminum cans inside the BWCA, and operating an ATV on a county roadway.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked fishermen and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) throughout the weekend. Fishing has slowed down considerably, but there is still some good success in places. The gnats have hatched and are terrible at times. Water levels remain high so those in boats around the current area should use extreme caution and take no risks.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked a joint enforcement effort with the Ontario COs along the Canadian Border. The CO also monitored the fish sanctuary on the Sea Gull River. The CO did a remote ATV patrol checking designated trout lakes and ATV routes. Enforcement action was taken for boating and fishing violations.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) worked a busy holiday weekend which included work details with CO Wahlstrom in St. Louis County and at Cook County boat accesses enforcing aquatic invasive species, boating and angling laws. The officers also responded to a report of a possible pipe bomb near a popular steelhead angling river; the device had been handled and moved to location closer to the state highway by the caller-presumably to make it easier for officers to find. Fortunately it did not detonate and local deputies were able to remove the device without injury to responding officers or the public. CO Manning also worked trespass and litter cases and patrolled area parks and campgrounds.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports checking anglers and boaters in and out of the BWCA over a busy Memorial Day weekend. Many rails were observed in the area, and the grouse seemed to have fared well over the long winter. A leech trap case was worked with resulting violations including untagged traps, trapping without an angling license, and driving after suspension. Other enforcement action included AIS, boating safety, and ATV violations.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers, boaters and ATV riders who were all out enjoying the nice busy holiday weekend. Some nice lakers were seen in the bag out on Lake Superior with few fish caught inland. The Officer taught handgun and rifle tactics and operation at the academy to the new Officers. An AIS detail was also worked. Officers Wahlstrom and Manning assisted the county with a bomb call along the Flute Reed river.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked a border waters enforcement patrol with CO Darin Fagerman and a Canadian officer. Many contacts were made and enforcement action was taken for over limits of fish, no life jackets, and various license violations. Officers observed one very excited angler reel in a walleye weighing in over 12 pounds.

Silver Bay – vacant.

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked anglers and boaters, worked watercraft transportation laws related to invasive species, patrolled for illegal ATV activity, processed accidentally caught otters, and responded to a couple of wildfires. Enforcement action was taken for transporting watercraft with plugs in and transporting bait in lake water.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) checked anglers, worked boating enforcement, minnow trapping, AIS, and patrolled for ATV activity. Violations included expired registration, fail to display registration, operate ATV on roadway, fail to transfer ownership, youth w/o helmet, fail to drain water related equipment, transport weeds on trailer, transport live fish, fail to drain minnows, and no license in possession. He also took wildlife complaints and assisted with a big game investigation in the Grand Rapids station.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) spent time this past week checking anglers and boaters on area lakes. She found several violations including angling without an angling license. She worked invasive species enforcement and found compliance in all of her checks except one. She dealt with two separate big game violations involving illegal deer.

CO Tom Sutherland (Grand Rapids) spent the week performing a multitude of enforcement duties in the area. Angling enforcement included illegal slot length walleyes, transport walleye fillets without skin patch. Boating enforcement was taken for no watercraft registration and ATV enforcement was taken for operating on a roadway.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, watercraft, ATVs, state parks and campgrounds. He also handled several boating and fishing complaints during the week.

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week working boating and fishing activity. E Enforcement action was taken for failure to register and display registration on an ATV.

CO John Velsvaag (NE ATV Officer) checked anglers this past week as well as ATVers. Multiple violations of illegal ATV operation on the Mesabi Bike Trail were observed. CO Velsvaag also worked with the USFS on complaints within the national forest.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) worked aquatic invasive species, angling, and boating enforcement efforts. Angler success varied from day to day, with some anglers catching numerous walleye and crappie. Many complaints were received about “too many male slot fish…” and the resulting catch and release. Unfortunately one angler released a protected northern pike with the jaw spreader still in the pike’s beak. General compliance was good, with enforcement action taken for angle with extra lines and for insufficient PFDs. CO Arhart also received illegal beaver shooting and permanent duck blind complaints and he responded to a wildfire incident. Wetland and protected waters incidents were tracked for proper restoration efforts. Suckers are still running in some streams. The first American goldeneye ducklings were observed.

District 8 – Duluth area

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) worked area lakes and rivers most of the week. Boaters and anglers finally got some great weather to enjoy, although the weather didn’t improve fishing in the area. Public accesses were worked for aquatic invasive species. Bear and other wildlife complaints were handled

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent time working the North Shore tributaries for the spring fish run. Smelting enforcement was also worked resulting in several violations for illegal methods of taking smelt. Wildlife feeders most commonly used by birds in the winter are also a poplar food source for bears and raccoons. Several bear complaints were taken during the week and all were a result of wildlife feeders. Fishing, boating, and invasive species enforcement took up the majority of enforcement activity during the extended Memorial Day weekend. Some of the violations encountered included no angling licenses, extra lines, insufficient PDFs and no navigation lights after sunset.

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked angling/boating, invasive species, off-highway vehicle, and fire enforcement throughout the week. CO Humphrey continued to receive nuisance bear and beaver calls. A livestock depredation complaint was also investigated. Aquatic invasive compliance checks overall were good, however, several enforcement contacts were made with some boaters. A criminal complaint was signed on a deer season case involving trespass and shooting from a roadway. CO Humphrey responded to several fire calls which resulted in enforcement action. Angling, boating, OHV, burning, and AIS violations were encountered during the week.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) spoke to a bow hunter education class in Carlton and worked boating, invasive species, and ATV activity over the holiday weekend. Enforcement action was taken for transporting weeds on trailers, failure to remove boat plugs, no ATV safety cert, operating with no helmet, equipment and registration violations. Complaints of nuisance beaver and bears were received in the area. Most of the bear complaints were because of bird feeders. People are reminded to remove your bird feeders, pet food, and garbage from the outside of your house if you do not want bears around. Assistance was given to the State Patrol with a person who fled into the woods on foot from a Trooper. A track with K9 Schody revealed evidence dropped by the suspect but he was not located.

WREO Officer Mike Scott (NE) checked area lakes talking with anglers and boaters reference AIS issues. Discussed minnow issue with numerous folks reference what they need to do to keep their minnows for use another day. Anglers are reminded that they need to bring water from a source other than lakes rivers or streams and exchange their minnow water before leaving any waters of the state if they plan on keeping their minnows for another day. Lots of activity was seen on area lakes, many out for the first time of the season. Fishing is starting to pick up and walleyes were seen in the live wells of many boats. Enforcement action was taken for no fishing license in possession, no patch of skin on fish during transportation, gunnel riding on boats, allow illegal operation of ATV by juvenile, fail to display current registration. Several wildlife complaints were handled in the Duluth and Carlton area. Work on a deed restriction is ongoing for a WCA violation in the Cook county area.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sgt. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) attended a change of command ceremony at the USCG station. The pleasant weather had many hitting area lakes and North Shore streams. Trout fishing on the North Shore streams was spotty this last week. Smelting is still underway. Lake Superior on the Duluth end still remains ice covered hampering smelting on park point. A reminder to check your boats and make sure you have the adequate number and size lifejackets. The water temps remain brutally cold.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked anglers on Lake Superior and inland lakes. A large area of pack ice is keeping the Duluth area of Superior quite cold and tough to fish. Inland anglers are finding a little better luck as nice weather warms the lakes. Assistance was given with drown proofing class at the ongoing Conservation Officer Academy. Enforcement action taken for angling violations.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) assisted in instructing a drown proofing class to the DNR conservation officer academy. He also continued to check smelters and for illegal netting of rivers.

District 9 – Brainerd area

CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) checked anglers this past week who were reporting slow activity on the Whitefish Chain. Officer Lee assisted with firearms training this past week to CO Academy 15. Handgun and rifle training and familiarization was given to the cadets. Officer Lee assisted other District 9 Officers with an ATV detail in the Foothills State Forest. Enforcement actions taken during the detail included registration issues, no helmets on youth, and other various safety issues were addressed. Officer Lee also attended an ATV Safety class in Emily; the class was well attended by area youth. Officer Lee also patrolled the Whitefish Chain, with enforcement action being taken for various boating safety violations.

CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) reports that he worked on fishing enforcement this past week.

The bite is slow, the most cooperative fish have been the pan fish. Violations he found were no license, not enough life jackets and expired boat registration. He worked on complaints of shoreline violations. A complaint of a road contractor taking more than 10,000 gal without a permit was also investigated. He worked with neighboring CO Tim Collette on AIS violations. Some of the violations observed were plugs in the boat while transporting them on the road and transporting zebra mussels. Complaints of vehicles on closed trails in the Pillsbury Forest were investigated.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked with approximately 480 middle school 5th graders on all-terrain vehicle safety. Numerous youth were given out the DNR Youth ATV Safety Training CD that is required to be completed by any youth intending on operating an ATV in Minnesota. Officer Guida and CO McGowan worked an evening on the Whitefish Chain where multiple BUI arrests were made. One such arrest was initiated after an occupant was observed urinating off the stern of the watercraft. Officer Guida also worked with other area Officers on an ATV enforcement detail in the Foothills State Forest near Spider Lake where various registration, title, and equipment violations were addressed.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) checked fishermen, ATVs and AIS compliance during the week. He assisted at a district AIS road check and investigated a complaint regarding the alteration of a lakebed.

CO Jim Tischler (Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area) monitored angling, boating safety and trail use and ATV/OHM trespassing in the Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area. He also assisted with an Aquatic Invasive Species road check near Cross Lake.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) assisted with an Aquatic Invasive Species check station, checked anglers and boaters, and took part in a ATV work crew in the Foothills State Forest over the busy Memorial Weekend. Enforcement activity included expired registrations, ATV operators and passengers under 18 without helmets, allowing illegal juvenile ATV operation, ATV and off-road vehicles in closed areas, ORVs and ATVs operating in wetlands, transport invasive species (Zebra Mussels), transport watercraft without the plug removed and illegal entry into a gated/fenced state forest area.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reports working a road check for invasive and water transportation compliance in the Cross Lake area, working an OHV enforcement detail in the Pillsbury State Forest, and giving presentations on natural resource conservation and furbearing animals to science students at Riverside Elementary. He also reports patrolling high holiday weekend recreational activity including fishing, boating, state forest use, and OHV activity. Numerous contacts were made for a variety of OHV violations including no safety training, operating on highways, registration, illegal youth operation, no helmets, and operating off-trail and in posted closed areas in the state forests.

CO Pat McGowan (Pine River) reports a busy holiday weekend on area lakes. Numerous boaters were out enjoying the warm weather. Enforcement action was taken for boating while intoxicated, insufficient number of PFDs, slow no wake violations, no boat registration, illegal boat exhaust, riding on the gunwale of the boat, and fail to remove drain plug from watercraft when being transported.

CO Amber Peterson (McGregor) reports working an AIS check station in the Crosslake area, working ATV enforcement as well as Off-Highway Motorcycle enforcement as several were observed in violation, and patrolling area lakes which were busy over the holiday weekend.

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) had some more wolf depredation activity that involved a Red Angus calf that was likely killed and eaten by gray wolves. Fishing, boating and ATVing activity was also very busy over the Memorial Day holiday. Several violations were dealt with that included boating without required equipment and fishing without licenses. One angler, that finally realized he was being watched by COs, tried to hide his fishing pole from the officers. On another occasion, three anglers were escorted off the lake after they were found fishing without licenses and without lifejackets from a small, leaking boat that was taking on water.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week checking anglers around the Pine City area and assisted area fisheries staff with monitoring the Hinckley dam. He spent the weekend working local state forests for ATV activity, spent time on the water working boating and angling enforcement, and assisted in a work detail on Mille Lacs. Enforcement contacts included no angling licenses, expired registration, transporting watercraft with plugs in, and youth helmet violations.

WREO Rob Haberman worked AIS road side checks in both the Brainerd and Mille Lacs areas. Many individuals where happy to see the Conservation Officers out helping to stop the spread of invasive species. WREO Haberman also worked AIS enforcement throughout the area at local accesses. WREO Haberman also worked boating enforcement on the White Fish Chain in Cross Lake.

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports checking fishermen out on Mille Lacs Lake throughout the week and weekend. The walleye bite was still a bit sluggish in most areas but folks were catching some nice small mouth bass and northern pike. ATV activity over the weekend was fairly heavy with the holiday weekend. The Officer responded to a call of a brush fire in the Solana State Forest and many law related questions were fielded throughout the week and weekend. Smaller lakes in the Malmo station were patrolled for fishing and boating activity over the weekend. The Officer participated in an invasive species checkpoint over the weekend and boaters are reminded to clean off vegetation, drain live wells, and remove their drain plug and leave it out while transporting their watercraft down the road. A ride along opportunity was given to a law enforcement student over the weekend. Enforcement action for the week included various fishing, boating, invasive species, and ATV violations.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) patrolled area lakes and Mille Lacs Lake. Smallmouth bass seem to be picking up and a few more walleye being caught. Beautiful weather conditions made more opportunities to catch a suntan for the holiday weekenders. Lots of lake owners were catching up on putting docks out and getting the cabin squared away. Many recreational vehicles were seen out and about. Area Conservation Officers participated in an invasive species road check near Malmo. Many contacts were made with a host of violations detected. ATV, fishing, boating and invasive species violations were handled.

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) worked angling activity including the bass opener and holiday traffic. Some bass and crappie limits were seen but walleye fishing remains slow. The warm weather brought out boating activity including personal water craft (PWC), water skis, and swimmers. Lack of adequate personal floatation devices was common. Verkuilen also enforced aquatic vegetation laws, participated in an invasive species road check, and monitored ATV traffic.

CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) worked an AIS checkpoint with fellow District 10 officers over the busy Memorial weekend. Violations encountered included transporting aquatic macrophytes, transporting zebra mussels and failing to remove boat plugs. Speldrich received multiple ATV/OHM complaints. Citations were issued for operating ATV/OHMs in prohibited areas. She responded to a call of 22 geese carcasses dumped on private property. An investigation was conducted but there are no suspects at this time. DNR Forestry staff responded to a grass fire over the weekend. Speldrich is investigating the case in an effort to locate a suspect/suspects. Fawns are being seen, which is a welcome sight after the difficult winter. Please do not be tempted to handle them if they are found. The doe will come back for them. Speldrich also assisted a State Trooper with a pursuit. The driver of the vehicle led the trooper on a short chase then fled from the vehicle on foot.

CO Chris Tetrault (Isle) had a busy weekend with increased traffic in the station. A lot of people were recreating on ATVs on the Soo Line and in Redtop; violations rates were low for the rate of traffic, thank you. Angling activity was monitored on area lakes and violation rates were also low, thank you again. The officer assisted another officer with an over limit of crappies taken from Knife Lake. An invasive species detail was attended as well. Enforcement action was taken for operating an ATV on a US Highway, juveniles without helmets on ATVs and an over limit of crappies.

District 11 – St. Cloud area

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) spent the week checking anglers and boaters. A ride along opportunity was provided to a local high school student. Fishing picked up throughout the week with nice bags of walleyes and panfish being seen. Multiple over limits of crappies were handled over the weekend with over 200 fish being seized for illegal activity. Boat and water safety checks were made. Violations included no throwable device, no navigation lights, no registration, fail to transfer registration, and no legal fire extinguisher. CO Silgjord also had the privilege of witnessing an act of kindness by a young angler. The young man jumped from his watercraft, swam to a nearby shore fishing spot and assisted another angler that was having trouble climbing an embankment. After pulling to the shore to check for possible injuries, CO Silgjord was informed by the shore angler that he suffered from MS and had found himself in tough spot. The angler was appreciative of the help. CO Silgjord ran into the helpful young angler at the landing where a handshake and a little praise were both well deserved.

Conservation Officer Mike Martin (St. Cloud) worked at CO Academy 15, conducted a radio interview, and handled TIP calls during the past week.

CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) responded to a call of a dog being killed by a bear at a local residence. At the residence it was found that the homeowners had garbage cans of bird seed that a sow and two cubs were getting into in the backyard. The three bears had worn a path back and forth to the cans and the homeowners had been taking pictures of the bears the week prior. The homeowner let their dog out into the back yard late that evening and the dog chased after the bears and was fatally injured. The homeowner now requested that the DNR relocate the bears and also wanted to know what to do about the eagles that were killing their cats. A report of a farmer digging in a wetland without a permit was investigated with a Cease and Desist Order issued for the violation and also the contractor doing the work was issued a citation as they had not filed their contractor responsibility form.

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) worked on a turkey case. CO Mies worked on tip calls dealing with anglers. CO Mies took a TIP call on bow fishermen dumping carp in road ditch and shooting too close to cabins.

WREO Keith Bertram spent most of the week working Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Todd, Stearns, and Wright counties. Time was also spent checking bait dealers and their equipment operating in AIS infested waters. New wetland violations were discovered and addressed.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) found lots of “no” violations: no PFD, no fishing license, no boat plug removed, no vehicle registration, no helmet, no ATV safety certificate. Two individuals, not married, illegally purchased a husband and wife combo angling license, the reason: save $9.That savings was quickly negated with a fine, the combo license voided out and both now having to buy individual angling licenses. A father that was taking several kids fishing found the sunfish to be biting in the shallows close to shore. This offered the kids a great experience. That experience was tainted when the lakeshore owner chewed them out for fishing too close to her dock and to leave her fish alone. Minnesota lakes belong to the public, when on the water it is perfectly legal to fish around people’s docks.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) reports average to a bit below average activity for the holiday weekend. Several cabin owners were up for the first time this season. Angling success increased some.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked anglers, boaters and invasive species enforcement. Angling success in the area has picked up with the warmer weather and many people took advantage of the weather. Thesing assisted DNR Fisheries with electro survey for bass on Two River Lake. A deer case was wrapped up from the fall season.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked angling, boating and turkey hunting activity. AIS was focused on during the holiday weekend with a few still not leaving drain plugs out. Individuals are reminded to leave baby wild animals wild, mothers are usually not far away.

District 12 – Princeton area

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) followed up on a bear hunting investigation. A commercial taxidermy shop was inspected with several violations noted. Fishing in the area has slowed this week with high water on most lakes. Enforcement action was taken for failing to register bear, fail to have proper taxidermy records, angling without a license, angling with extra lines, illegal combination license, and illegal length smallmouth bass.

CO Angela Londgren (Princeton) checked anglers and boaters over the holiday weekend, and also worked in Wright County with other officers enforcing invasive species laws. Officer Londgren also spoke with a group of elementary students on boating safety, had a law enforcement student ride along, took calls on nuisance animals, and completed a game farm inspection.

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fishermen and boaters. He issued summons and written warning for fishing w/o fishing license, no registration, extra lines and life jackets violations. He wants everyone to know if they find a fawn deer to leave it alone and the doe will return to get it. He wants everyone to check their boats closely for vegetation and to drain all water from bait containers, live wells and to keep boat plugs removed while transporting there boats to and from the lakes or rivers.

CO Tony Musatov (Sauk Rapids) checked anglers/boaters and worked aquatic invasive species enforcement. Violations were found for angling without a license, extra lines, and a warrant arrest. A public waters violation was investigated and several animal complaints were handled.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a busy holiday weekend in the area. One resident shot three rabbits and posted the kills on Facebook. He asked for people to join him in a memorial service on Memorial Day. The shooter was located and enforcement action was taken. CO Langevin reports a drowning on the St. Croix River over the weekend. An 11-year- old angler fell into the fast moving river water. Two adults jumped into save him but only one emerged with the child. Search and Rescue teams are still trying to locate the victim.

Cambridge – vacant.

District 13 – West Metro area

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) worked the bass opener, fishing was very good. Anglers were checked all week on special regulation lakes, designated trout lakes and night bow fishing all having good success. AIS checks were done at lake access sites with AIS inspectors. Enforcement action was taken for illegal parking, no angling licenses in possession, over possession limits of trout, no trout stamp, angling with extra lines and angling after revocation.

CO Tony Salzer (Osseo) patrolled Hennepin County for angling and boating activity. CO Salzer attended an invasive species detail on Lake Minnetonka with other officers. Several violations were observed and enforcement action was taken.

CO Brent Grewe (Minnetonka) spent the week checking anglers and participated in a multi-agency training on the Minnesota River. CO Grewe also worked an AIS checkpoint on lake Minnetonka over the weekend. Violations included overlimit of crappies and failing to remove drain plug while in transport.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) did boating enforcement at Dakota and Hennepin county lakes. He patrolled for ATV enforcement. CO Neitzke checked fishermen and answered fishing law questions. He also did AIS enforcement in Scott, Dakota, and Hennepin counties.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked AIS and checked shore fishermen in the metro area lakes and rivers. He talked to a Hmong youth firearms safety class in St. Paul and assisted in a field day range. He also spoke with KARE 11 about boating safety on Lake Minnetonka.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) responded to TIP call that involved the illegal taking of migratory waterfowl. He assisted with a work detail in West Metro District for AIS activity. Enforcement action was taken for taking migratory waterfowl in closed season, failure to display valid boat registration, and failure to pull a drain plug in a watercraft.

Bloomington – vacant.

Prior Lake – vacant.

District 14 – East Metro area

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) checked shore anglers and boaters around the metro lakes and rivers. He worked aquatic invasive species (AIS) enforcement with District 13 at Lake Minnetonka. CO Pril also investigated a complaint of a possible small game violation and responded to a bear call complaint in Savage.

WREO Adam Block (Metro) spent the week working mainly AIS activity. A detail around Lake Minnetonka was worked resulting in many violations for aquatic invasive species (AIS) activity. WREO Block assisted with a media event held at Lake Minnetonka to help educate boaters on the dangers of impaired operation and AIS. WREO Block also provided a ride along over the holiday weekend to a local media outlet reporting about boating as the unofficial boating season gets underway.

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week patrolling area lakes and the St. Croix River for anglers and watercraft users. CO Arntzen also responded to several reports of people keeping largemouth bass out of season, which resulted in enforcement action. CO Arntzen attended a border waters enforcement meeting in Hudson and assisted a neighboring law enforcement agency with a search and rescue on the Mississippi River.

CO Brad Johnson (Ham Lake) reports that he worked the bass opener and Memorial Day checking anglers and boaters. Enforcement action was taken for no angling license, no life jackets, and unregistered watercraft. He responded to a complaint of an illegal fire and ATV’s in a wetland. He issued a citation for burning prohibited materials and warnings for unregistered ATVs. CO Johnson conducted a game farm inspection in Nowthen.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) handled a call of a fawn being kept in a basement and worked fishing and boating enforcement on area lakes. She attended an award ceremony at Century College for three students she is mentoring, handled many TIP calls and attended a MN/WI border water meeting with various law enforcement agencies. CO Kruse is working on a bear hunting case, worked AIS enforcement at area accesses, checked on a wetland complaint and presented a 40 year volunteer firearms instructor award. Violations encountered included taking bass out of season, extra lines, over limit of crappies, no fishing license, insufficient number of life jackets, and transport boat with drain plug in.

Eagan – vacant.

Hastings – vacant.

Maplewood – vacant.

Metro Officer – vacant.

District 15 – Marshall area

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) checked AIS, angling, boating, and OHV activity during the week and the busy Memorial Day weekend. Many people said they were glad to finally be out enjoying the nice weather. This officer continues to be amazed at the amount of litter left by shore anglers.

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) is reporting that nice weather made for a busy Memorial Day weekend. There was a lot of activity on area lakes and in local state parks. Education was given to youth and adult ATV operators in reference to the use of ATV’s for farming.

CO Doug Lage (Lake Benton) has found that AIS compliance has been very good over the last few weeks. Anglers have been successful on area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for boating and fishing violations.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working anglers and ATVs. A few crappies were seen coming out of Lake Shetek. A good numbers of boaters were out between rain showers. ATV operators are reminded to stay off Highway 30 in Slayton.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) reports a busy Memorial Day weekend. Enforcement action was taken for multiple issues including fishing related issues, AIS, ATV, state park violations, littering, and bow fishing. With the warmer weather anglers are finding more fish.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) spent the week checking anglers and performing AIS inspections on watercraft at area boat landings. Enforcement activity for the week included boating and fishing violations.

WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) a public waters violation site was checked in Big Stone County. A Wetlands Conservation Act restoration order was issued in Watonwan County. AIS checks were completed on area lakes and enforcement action was taken for AIS and fishing license violations. An AIS law enforcement class was taught at the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Department.

Benson – vacant.

Madison – vacant.

Redwood Falls – vacant.

District 16 – New Ulm area

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) worked boating, fishing and AIS activity over the holiday weekend. Overall fishing continues to be slow. He also took wildlife calls in addition to complaints regarding bass out of season.

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) worked area lakes and the Minnesota River during the week and during the holiday weekend. She focused on boat and water safety regulations. The rising water temperature seemed to help with the fishing activity. Mueller worked AIS enforcement at area lakes and patrolled the Luce Line State Trail for ATV activity. She also taught water safety at Camp Ripley for the academy officers.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) focused on angling enforcement in the area. Fishing has stayed fairly average so far. Oberg also focused his time on doing aquatic invasive species checks at area public water accesses. A TIP call was also followed up on.

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) received calls regarding fish over limits and taking bass during the closed season. He spent the week working fishing, boating, ATV, and AIS enforcement activities. Some nice bass were observed caught on area lakes.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) spent the week checking anglers, watercraft and ATV activity. With the warmer temperatures, the walleye bite has heated up on some area lakes. Beckmann also spent time instructing at CO Academy 15 at Camp Ripley

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked anglers, ATVs, boat and water safety, and turkey hunters. Gruhlke took calls on sick raccoon and abandoned fawn deer. He also completed a radio show discussing watercraft safety and invasive species.

Litchfield – vacant.

Willmar #1 – vacant.

District 17 – Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) worked angling and water recreation activity. Activity levels were lower than expected, despite nice weather for most of the weekend. Enforcement action taken for minor angling and boating violations.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) patrolled for anglers, boaters, as well as ATV and OHM operators this week. Additional time was spent checking turkey hunters and monitoring AIS compliance at area PWAs.

CO Luke Belgard (Faribault) focused on angling, boating, and AIS activity. A nuisance beaver complaint was addressed and assistance was given on a possible wetlands violation. An illegal dumping complaint was investigated. The officer also participated in a work detail on Mille Lacs Lake on Memorial weekend.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) reports a busy holiday weekend. Area lakes were busy thanks to the nice weather. Time was spent on the Minnesota River as well. A trespassing complaint was investigated. The officer handled an ATV complaint.

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) worked angling, AIS, and boat & water activity. The officer also responded to TIP calls & calls from the public. Several violations were encountered during the week regarding angling & boating issues.

CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) spent the week monitoring trout fishing and recreational vehicle activity. A boat and water enforcement detail on Lake Mille Lacs was worked with neighboring officers. A commercial licensing inspection was performed. Requests from the public seeking information were returned.

WREO Julie Siems (SE) investigated WCA violations, issued restoration orders, working boating, fishing and AIS enforcement.

Albert Lea – vacant.

District 18 – Rochester area

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports checking turkey hunters. A citation was issued to one subject without a license. Success has slowed. Trout anglers were out over the holiday weekend. One angler was found to be over limit on trout. Enforcement action was taken. Time was also spent checking ATV’s and OHM’s. A bear sighting was also reported.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working fishing and boating enforcement on the Mississippi River over the busy holiday weekend. Numerous vessels were checked that out for the first time of the year. Fishing is beginning to pick up with the water level continuing to drop. Enforcement contacts included short walleye, no license, unregister boats, etc.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly anglers and rec vehicles during the week. Fishing is slow with the high water on the Mississippi. Trout anglers were doing better and morel hunters were doing well.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports the high water levels and fast flow kept boat activity down. Many folks took advantage of the few shore fishing areas. Trout streams saw a good number of fishermen. He assisted Wisconsin Wardens with catching a Wisconsin commercial fisherman running set lines in Minnesota waters. He gave a career talk at the Caledonia High School.

CO Phil George (Rochester) spent the week checking anglers and boaters. An AIS detail was worked at Lake Zumbro with no violations detected. Many anglers and boaters were out on the weekend and enforcement actions were taken for boating violations, over limit of crappie, and angling with extra lines. A class was taught to the current CO Academy at Camp Ripley.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports lots of mushroom hunting in the area while the high river has slowed boating and fishing. He responded to complaints of mushroom hunting trespass, ATV trespass, and turkey hunting trespass. He also followed up on a complaint of a boater failing to be inspected by an AIS inspector. There continues to be baby wildlife calls and questions.

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending the week and weekend checking anglers, boaters and working on invasive species activity. The nice weather over the weekend along with dropping river levels brought a lot of people out to use the river. Fishing success has been very good with lots of fish being seen in live wells. Some fishing, boating, forestry and invasive species violations were detected.

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 fish-related flying. Jensen stocked around 26,000 lake trout into Trout Lake in the BWCA. Jensen also flew aerial creel surveys over Leech and Lake Vermilion. He flew a flight to search for a possible illegal residence in the Superior National Forest and took pictures of a grass fire in Cass County.

CO Pilot Chris Lofstuen (Bemidji) spent time in Bemidji flying creel survey missions over Leech Lake. The holiday weekend brought some heavy boat traffic with well over 500 boats, most of them fishing counted in one hour alone. A drive through was conducted of Lake Bemidji State Park and staff advised they were experiencing high holiday weekend numbers of patrons. Patrol vehicle and aircraft maintenance issued were also addressed.

CO Pilot Bob Geving finished up the nesting waterfowl survey in the northern part of the state. Preliminary numbers are consistent with the previous few years.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew the east central sand hill crane survey.

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.

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Weekly Game and Fish Violations

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