WEEKLY GAME AND FISH VIOLATIONS

District 1 – Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) instructed an ATV rules enforcement class for local law enforcement in Roseau. A complaint of unsafe operation of PWC’s on the Warroad River is being investigated.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) responded to multiple complaints of nuisance bears damaging property and seized two bears taken as a result of conducting damage. Area anglers and ATV operators were checked and Aquatic Invasive Species checks were made. Enforcement action for the week included angle without valid license, boat registration and equipment violations, allow illegal operation of PWC, and ATV registration violations.

CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck) checked anglers, boaters and monitored AIS compliance on Upper Red Lake and special regulation lakes throughout the week. Time was spent monitoring areas of localized flooding due to heavy rainfall throughout the week and logistical support was prepared for local law enforcement. CO Regas assisted a neighboring officer on a shining case and worked an Operation Dry Water detail on Upper Red Lake with the sheriff’s office. Area trails were patrolled for ORV, ATV and OHM activity. Enforcement action for the week included fishing license and boating violations.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored fishing and boating activity throughout the week. High water levels and debris has continued to make fishing and boating difficult in the area. CO Gorecki spent time teaching new officers at the academy on sport fishing enforcement. Several calls were also handled ranging from nuisance animals to state park parking issues.

Baudette #1 -vacant.

Blackduck #2 – vacant.

Karlstad – vacant.

Thief River Falls #2 – vacant.

Warroad #1 – vacant.

Warroad #2 – vacant.

District 2 – Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports following up on wetland and public water complaints. Time was also spent checking commercial minnow traps. Boaters and anglers were also checked. Public water boat access sites were monitored for invasive species law compliance. Various angling and watercraft violations were found.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) assisted other agencies and planned FAS classes. He also followed up on leeching, trespass, boating and angling concerns/complaints. Early summer wildlife contacts have increased with calls about a dead deer, red tail hawk and a trumpeter swan. A wolf depredation case was closed. A calf moose finally left a farmer’s shed while a family of raccoons moved into an attic.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) monitored angling watercraft activity throughout the week. Anglers are reporting mixed success. Boaters were checked at area accesses for aquatic invasive species law compliance. Follow up was done on a case involving a deer that was shot illegally. ORV and OHM activity was monitored.

CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) monitored area angling and OHV activity in the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest. Time was also spent working AIS and checking remote campsites in the Paul Bunyan State Forest. Enforcement activity for the week included boat and water violations and angling with extra lines.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) attended training and assisted the local Sheriff’s Office on an attempt to locate a burglary suspect. He also followed up on a wildlife complaint and monitored angling activity.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) spent the week checking fisherman and working AIS. Fishing activity was good in between storms. Time was also spent working waters violation, aquatic plant removal violations, assists was given to an area park for issues in the park, boating complaints and follow up was done for a log which floated into an underwater gas line.

CO Angie Warren (Detroit Lakes) worked boating and angling activity. Areas were patrolled for ATV activity. Complaints regarding the illegal cutting of lake vegetation and unlawful shoreline alteration were investigated.

WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week working on open WCA cases. Site visits were made and restoration orders served. Time was spent enforcing AIS laws. An AIS check station was worked with the District 3 Conservation Officers in Alexandria. Contacts with LGUs regarding open WCA cases were made and paperwork on cases filed.

Moorhead – vacant.

District 3 – Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) continues to check boaters and anglers. Richards responded to a complaint of a person burning parts of an old trailer house. The officer also assisted law enforcement agencies in the Wahpeton/Breckenridge in the recovery of a deceased person in the Red River. Violations addressed were burning prohibited material, angling, and boating related violations.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) spent time working fish over limit complaints, injured deer complaints, and boating enforcement. PWC enforcement was also worked.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) focused enforcement activity on complaints of illegal ATV operation, shooting complaints and illegal mowing of road ditches. Several fishermen and boaters were checked throughout the week. An AIS detail was worked in Douglas County as well as ATVs checked.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen and ATVs, and investigated nuisance beaver complaints. While investigating a dumped garbage complaint at a public access, a car pulled into the access. Two people exited the vehicle and walked into the woods adjacent to the access. Osborne left to check shore fishermen at an adjacent lake and then came back to the public access. After observing the two people sitting in their vehicle in the dark, Osborne checked on their well-being. As Osborne approached the vehicle, he observed the subject attempt to hide items in the vehicle. When asked if there were any illicit drugs in the vehicle, the owner said, “I don’t think so.” He soon told Osborne that his cousin had marijuana in the vehicle. When Osborne approached the cousin, she gave him the marijuana and rolling papers. Osborne helped at the CO academy and participated in a ride-a-long activity as well.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) reports lots of summer activity around the Alexandria lakes area. Fishermen are finding mixed results on both walleyes and panfish, with plenty of muskie anglers out as well. Recreational activity was also monitored as litter continues to be a big problem along the Long Prairie River. In one instance, Lawler observed two adult tubers dispose of their empty alcohol containers into the cattails. He called and had a Douglas Co Sheriff’s deputy wait at the next bridge where the suspects eventually floated and were held until Lawler arrived to cite them for the violation. Both were surprised when Lawler explained exactly where they threw their garbage and what kind of beverage they were drinking. An AIS check station was also held in Alexandria with several other D3 officers.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued working fishing, boating, and AIS enforcement. Most of the week was spent at Camp Ripley instructing the CO recruits on sport fishing enforcement and use of force training.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on fishing and boating activity. COs Anderson and Baumbarger assisted with an ATV safety class for the Pope County SWCD. Anderson assisted in Alexandria at an AIS check station this past weekend. The officer also handled minnow transportation permits and calls from the public regarding wild turkeys and firearms safety programs.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) taught the riding portion of the ATV safety class to a group of Pope County SWCD employees to fulfill their required education for ATV operation. Additional time was spent on water quality issues, checking fishermen, and participating in an AIS work crew in the Alexandria area. Baumbarger helped teach sport fishing at the CO academy for the new recruits.

Wheaton – vacant.

District 4 – Wadena area

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) checked remote lakes, trout lakes, and commercial bait dealers. Angling, boating and AIS details were worked. CO Parthun was assisted by the local sheriff’s department when a large tree fell down across a small forest road, blocking his exit from the woods. Enforcement action was taken for aquatic plant violations and various PWC violations.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked anglers, boaters and ATV’ers. Assistance was provided to the State Patrol on a traffic crash where two children were injured. CO Hunter worked in the BWCA this past week checking anglers.

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) worked on angling and boating activities during the week. AIS compliance was monitored and ORV activity was checked.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) checked ATV’s, boats, and anglers. Questionable weather continued to keep outdoor activity down from normal levels. Calls of nuisance bear, boater harassment, and angling complaints were received. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, ATV on road, ATV in road ditch without valid driver’s license, juvenile on ATV without a helmet, and allowing illegal ATV operation by juvenile.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) continued to work fishing and boating activity. Calls of unsafe/unethical boat operation, a party trying to pay a camping fee (who had to cancel her check she had left after the identity had been “stolen”) and parties with questions regarding the Cass Co “No Wake Zone” were addressed. Enforcement action was taken for fishing without a license, no license in possession and PFD violations.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling, boating, and ATV activity. Angling success continues to be slow. CO Broughten responded to several calls for assistance of stranded boaters. Boaters are reminded to use some caution when conditions become unfavorable for boating activity. Enforcement action included: no angling license in possession, fail to remove drain plug from watercraft, and allow illegal operation of an ATV by a juvenile.

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports lake levels on Namakan and Kabetogama lakes have stabilized and receding slightly; however, Rainy Lake still continues to rise slightly. People are reminded of the 300 yard “no wake” ordinance in place on Rainy Lake. A work detail with CO Anthony Bermel and CO Sean Williams was conducted at US Customs, Port of Entry, in Int’l Falls where enforcement action was taken for several illegal fish transportation issues. Fishing enforcement continues on Rainy Lake, Lake Kabetogama, and Ash River.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports fishing remains slow in the area. The weather and biting bugs continues to keep most people from enjoying the outdoors. Area forest roads were checked for ATV activity.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked anglers, boaters and state park enforcement; one angler checked did not have a license or an ID. When asked why they didn’t have a license, the person said they were 16, however when they provided their date of birth, the math indicated the person was 18 (in either case a license is required). The truth came out and the angler was cited. To top things off, no PFDs were on board for the angler and the other two occupants as well. Enforcement action for the week was taken on no angling license, angle with extra lines, dispose of bait in state waters, insufficient PFDs and no navigation lights.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) investigated a complaint of two wolves attacking two dogs outside their home, one dog sustained injury. Nuisance beavers continue to be addressed with permits issued to remove them. A caller called stating they found a pup coyote in the woods, brought it home and gave it a bath then called the CO asking what to do with it. Please leave the young wild animals in the woods.

International Falls # 2 – vacant.

Ray – vacant.

Tower – vacant.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports the Ely area has had a break from wet weather, but most lakes and rivers still remain very high. Many anglers checked reported good luck on small to medium walleyes and northerns. Officer Williams worked at the Canadian border with local officers and found a high compliance rate from most travelers. Violations included: Possession of fish illegally taken in Canada, and fail to have a legal lifesaving device on board a watercraft.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked a couple different fishing TIPS and found the people who were supposed to be taking more than their limits of fish were having trouble catching fish. One local Ely party was catching a few walleyes and had one bag of walleye fillets with the patch of skin on for transportation as per the law, but they also had bags of what they called the trimmings that they said were for their cats. The problem was, the bags of trimmings were larger than the fillet bags. The party was dumbfounded that they couldn’t clean their walleyes in the field without leaving the fillets whole so they could be counted. The law was explained to the veteran fisher people who couldn’t believe the law could be so restrictive for them, and it was determined that if they truly wanted to feed the fillet trimmings to their cats, that they better take them home to do the filleting.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports another weekend, another washout. Some of the avid anglers are telling the CO that they haven’t had much time to fish because they’ve been mowing their grass between downfalls. One fellow said his grass is growing so fast he can almost hear it growing. The mosquitos are continuing to enjoy such weather. The anglers checked in the last week report very slow action. A nuisance bear call was handled and enforcement action was taken for boating violations.

CO Mary Manning handled an ATV trespass complaint near Grand Marais. She worked a backcountry detail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with other officers. Officer Manning also completed annual training, helped out with training for new officers at Camp Ripley and took calls about over-eager beavers and lake access issues.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports a busy week of angling and boating enforcement in and out of the BWCA. Operation Dry Water was worked with other officers as well as a detail at the International Falls border crossing. At that detail officers seized nearly 40 fish, most from small over limits. Several folks who purchased conservation licenses allowing a half limit were in possession of full limits. Information about an illegal campsite on Lake Vermilion was shared with a USFS LEO who took enforcement action. Enforcement action for the week included over limits of fish, transporting fish without a skin patch, illegal length walleye, angle without a license, no navigational lights after sunset, no PFD, no license in possession.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking anglers on area lakes, boaters and monitored ATV activity. The Officer returned phone calls and responded to nuisance animal complaints.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked boating and invasive species enforcement efforts over the weekend. Fishing success seemed good on most area lakes but anglers had to fish in between the thundershowers much of the week. Enforcement action was taken for various license violations but overall law compliance was very good.

Silver Bay – vacant.

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked anglers and boaters, enforced AIS regulations, patrolled for illegal ATV activity, and handled wolf and bear complaints. Enforcement action was taken for angling with extra lines.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) checked anglers, worked boating enforcement, ATV activity, and patrolled campgrounds and recreation areas. Violations included youth without helmet, allow illegal operation of ATV, ATV on roadway, fail to display current watercraft registration, fail to tend minnow/leech traps, and fail to display placards on a minnow truck. Permits were issued for nuisance beaver. He attended fire training, and also investigated two wildfires.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, attended K-9 trials in Baxter, and responded to K-9 requests from the county. CO Fairbanks and his K-9 partner Si assisted the county with a burglary in progress call, where the suspect ran from the residence. CO Fairbanks and K-9 Si tracked the suspect from the residence through the woods. The suspect was taken in to custody by an Officer on the perimeter. In another incident, Fairbanks and K-9 Si assisted with locating a fleeing felon. The suspect had climbed into the attic of a residence where he was hiding out. The suspect was given a warning to come out and give himself up or the K-9 would be sent in to the attic to find him. The suspect elected to come out on his own. Enforcement action was taken for angling license violations and arrest for outstanding warrants.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) spent time checking anglers and boaters this past week. She also attended wildfire training in Duluth. She dealt with a dock complaint. Water levels are still high in the area, so be cautious on the lakes and rivers.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked angling activity with fishing success moderate at best with the high winds. CO Sutherland also finished up with past OHVs in a wetland and damaging a state trail cases. Training was also attended in Duluth for annual wildfire arson investigator updates.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, watercraft, ATVs, state parks and campgrounds. He also worked lakes during Operation Dry Water weekend.

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) checked area anglers and ATV operators. Boat operators were reminded about various AIS related laws. Enforcement action was taken for allowing illegal operation of an ATV by juvenile, using game fish for bait and no fishing license.

CO John Velsvaag (NE Regional ATV Officer) followed up on a couple of TIP complaints leading to several contacts for angling without licenses and extra lines. CO Velsvaag also patrolled complaint areas for illegal ATV operation. CO Velsvaag also cited a juvenile that has had several contacts from other officers for illegal OHM operation.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) worked boating, angling, aquatic invasive species and public water impact activities. CO Arhart also attended a wildfire arson training course and searched for a felony suspect. Wetland Conservation Act restoration orders were tracked for compliance. Area lake and stream water levels are finally receding. Angling success varied.

District 8 – Duluth area

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent the majority of the week working fishing and boating enforcement on area lakes. Officer Duncan continued to work recreational vehicle enforcement in past complaint areas. Many boaters were reminded about aquatic invasive species regulations during the week. A complaint of a possible wetland violation was investigated and follow-up with the local soil and water conservation district will happen next week. Officer Duncan also assisted the local sheriff’s department and a local PD and talked at a local firearm safety class.

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked angling/boating, invasive species, and OHV enforcement throughout the week. CO Humphrey patrolled in the Fond du Lac state forest for unlawful OHV activity. CO Humphrey also continued aquatic invasive education and compliance checks. CO Humphrey issued a wetland restoration order. A report of a wolf attacking a dog was received during the week. Online training was conducted. Boating and OHV violations were encountered.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) and K9 Schody re-certified at the United States Police Canine Association patrol dog trial in Baxter. Boating and angling activity has been slow in the area, mostly because of the weather. Rain and high winds have kept the number of people on the water to a minimum. Enforcement action was taken for angling with an extra line. Off-highway vehicle activity was worked with enforcement action taken for operating class 1 ATV on a highway, operating without lights on, and registration violations. A few nuisance animal complaints were received and forwarded to the local wildlife office.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sgt. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked anglers in the Duluth area. Water and lake levels remain high and fielded bear questions. Bugs are bad in the woods, curbing most brook trout anglers on inland rivers. Calls of abandoned deer fawns also fielded.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked anglers and boaters on inland lakes and on Superior. A special detail was worked in conjunction with the Operation Dry Water project targeting chemically impaired operation of watercraft. A few hours of nice weather between storms uncovered violations of PFD compliance and underage alcohol consumption and possession. AIS work was done with high compliance rates found. Enforcement action was taken for boating, ATV, OHM and alcohol violations.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) attended training during the week and completed some required safety training. He worked on a litter case, OHV, ATV, AIS, commercial, boating and anglers were also worked. He worked BWI enforcement as part of a national effort for enhanced boating under the influence over the weekend called Operation Dry Water. The weather had an effect on recreational use. He took a few phone calls and questions during the week. Enforcement action was taken for AIS and boating violations.

District 9 – Brainerd area

CO Pat McGowan (Pine River) patrolled Crow Wing County for angling activity. CO McGowan also prepared court documents for upcoming court trials. The officer also responded to TIP calls, and nuisance bear complaints.

CO Jim Guida (Nisswa) worked boat and water enforcement during this past week. Officer Guida also worked Aquatic Invasive Species enforcement and fielded complaints from watercraft inspectors regarding potential violations. Officer Guida assisted the local Sheriff’s Office in the lawful arrest of two individuals involved in domestic assaults or similar charges.

CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) checked anglers this past week who were reporting a slow bit for walleye and pan fish. Officer Lee assisted with training at the Conservation Officer Academy this past week. Training consisted of fishing enforcement and laws, and Use of Force training scenarios. Officer Lee assisted the State Patrol and Cass County Sheriff’s Department with a motor vehicle accident. Officer Lee also received a complaint of the dumping of fish carcasses onto private property. Officer Lee also assisted with the site inspection of a possible wetland violation with WREO Haberman.

CO Amber Peterson (McGregor) reports she attended the Big Sandy Lake Association meeting addressing concerns about AIS. While patrolling area lakes she located an area where a landowner had removed a large area of wild rice and bulrush from his shoreline. CO Peterson also encountered two young females on an ATV on a roadway. The ATV was not registered, the operator was under 18 without a helmet, passenger was under 18 without a helmet, and the operator did not have a valid driver’s license or ATV safety. CO Peterson assisted with Use of Force training at Camp Ripley for Academy 15.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) worked angling, boating and invasive species enforcement during the week. Beaver and bear complaints were also handled. Contacts during the week included illegal length walleyes and boating under the influence of alcohol.

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) responded to a call of a loon entangled with fishing line. The loon was still able to dive making it too difficult to catch. The information was relayed to DNR non-game wildlife. CO Speldrich received complaints of individuals possibly burning without a permit. The information was unfounded. CO Speldrich worked with CO Londgren for Operation Dry Water over the weekend. Violations encountered included several boats without fire extinguishers, no throwable PFDs and no angling license in possession. Officers Speldrich and Londgren responded to a small fire on the shore of one lake. The responsible party failed to obtain a burning permit. She also attended wild land fire investigation training in Duluth.

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) worked boat and water enforcement including assisting a stranded boater and helping with the recovery of a drowning victim. A lot on non-residents are vacationing in the area and doing well on bass. Several nuisance animal calls were answered including a solo nuisance bear touring around town.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) assist local sheriff’s department with missing minnow trapper on a local river. The party had floated down river and didn’t want to paddle back. Weather conditions kept most people off the lake over the weekend. A few fishermen did brave the waves with fair luck. Time was also spent assisting with academy instruction at Camp Ripley.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week checking anglers and boaters in the Pine City area. He worked ATV complaint areas, spent time checking complaints of unattended and extra lines, followed up on dogs chasing deer and nuisance bear complaints. Enforcement contacts included operating ATVs on county roads, juveniles without helmets, and youth operating OHMs on roadways.

WREO Rob Haberman assisted officers with Operation Dry Water this past weekend. WREO Haberman also worked AIS enforcement throughout his assigned work area. WREO Haberman also took two animals calls in the Emily area over the weekend. A loon was stranded on land and with the help of the landowners was placed back into the lake and was able to fly away. Also, a young coyote pup found its way into a fenced in garden and laid down to hide its self. WREO Haberman was able to pick up the pup and place it into the woods where the pup scampered off out of site.

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports checking fishermen on area lakes throughout the week. The Officer helped train new Conservation Officers at Camp Ripley during the week and ATV activity was monitored in area state forests and county land. Lots of fishing, boating, and ATV law related questions were fielded and assistance was given to the local Sheriff’s Office on a search for a missing individual. A TIP on ATV’s operating in a wetland was investigated and will be monitored.

District 11 – St. Cloud area

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) participated in a work crew for Operation Dry Water. Several contacts were made, in spite of intermittent thunderstorms. Possible waters/WCA violations are under investigation. Anglers were checked. They had some success with sunfish and crappies.

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) spent time during the week checking anglers and boaters on area lakes. CO Silgjord also participated in Operation Dry Water. High winds and thunderstorms hindered recreational activity on most lakes but some boaters were seen. An ATV stop resulted in multiple violations for all operators involved. Violations for the week included fail to remove drain plug, no ATV safety certificate, operate ATV on public highway, fail to renew ATV registration, fail to display valid ATV registration, angle without a license in possession, littering and fail to have a legal life saving device aboard a watercraft.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked an operation dry water detail concentrating on intoxicated boaters, and other boating operators. High wind and no wake lakes kept activity to a minimum. Enforcement action for the week included no wake violations and life jacket infractions.

CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) investigated a burned brush pile that ended up being prohibited materials and also the landowner did not have a burning permit with enforcement action taken. Many calls were fielded concerning slow-no wake questions on lakes, and with the high water levels fishing has been tough for anglers and boating numbers are down on area lakes. CO Kuske assisted Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District with site inspections of wetland violations on agricultural property.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) reports carp shot and dumped again last week; photos of the evidence next to a walking trail.

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) checked anglers this past week. CO Mies had several bear complaint calls. CO Mies worked boat and water weekend, along with a law talk at an ATV class in South Haven. CO Mies worked on tip calls.

WREO Keith Bertram spent the week conducting follow-up on wetland cases and serving restoration orders in Sherburne and Chisago counties. Enforcement action was also taken for no angling license, no boat registration, and insufficient boating safety equipment. WREO Bertram also assisted with a commercial minnow and turtle class at Camp Ripley.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) had an incident which involved someone letting their dog run loose which in turn killed a deer fawn, charges and civil penalties pending. Adverse weather caused activity on the lakes to be down but ATV traffic was up. Several instances were encountered of people operating class 2 ATVs with juvenile passengers not wearing helmets. Another ATV incident involved a 17 year old operating directly in the lane of traffic on a county highway, exceeding the posted 55mph speed limit and no helmet. A complaint was received of a wake-board boat being operated to create large waves for the persons being towed. The waves crashed into other boats, docks and interfered with shoreline property because of high water levels. Increased enforcement patrols will be conducted on the lake. CO Kuske assisted with instruction at the CO Academy on regulations and enforcement procedures related to sport fishing.

Conservation Officer Mike Martin (St. Cloud) assisted at the CO Academy.

District 12 – Princeton area

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked invasive species on area lakes. CO Sladek has had very few violations for the amount of boats checked. The main violation is failure to remove the drain plug while transporting a boat. Officer Sladek worked ATV complaints and took enforcement action on an illegal dumping complaint.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a busy week on area lakes. The nice weather had many boaters and anglers on the water. Local accesses were worked for AIS violations. ATV complaints were received and problem areas patrolled. Violations included no license in possession, fail to display registration and fail to remove drain plug.

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) spent most of the week assisting at the CO Academy. Several high water associated complaints were also handled. Numerous lakes in Wright County have put no wake ordinances in place.

CO Angela Londgren (Princeton) investigated wetland complaints, TIP calls of angling with extra lines and over limits, and assisted with nuisance animal complaints. Officer Londgren also worked on local lakes checking anglers, boaters, PWC, and enforcing invasive species laws. State and Federal lands were also patrolled.

CO Travis Muyres (Cambridge) worked boating enforcement in Isanti County. CO Muyres worked the Operation Dry Water project. CO Muyres also took a nuisance bear complaint.

District 13 – West Metro area

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) handled bear, deer and goose calls during the week. Home owners and townships were assisted with damaging rain. A VIP detail was worked at Fort Snelling State Park.

CO Tony Salzer (Osseo) patrolled Hennepin County for angling and boating activity. CO Salzer dealt with some equipment issues. Salzer also assisted with academy training.

CO Brent Grewe (Minnetonka) spent the week checking anglers and recreational boaters. CO Grewe took part in a detail at Fort Snelling. Violations included wake violations and license issues.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) checked fishermen in Hennepin and Dakota counties. He did boat and AIS enforcement. CO Neitzke assisted with training at the Conservation Officer Academy. He also gave talks to two ATV safety classes.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked shore fishermen and boaters in the metro area lakes and rivers. He worked the VIP detail at Ft. Snelling State Park and Minnesota River. He took calls on animal complaints and followed up with some invasive species violations in Prior Lake. Violation encountered were expired kayak registration, fishing without angling license, and fishing without angling license in possession.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) attended Divisional training. He assisted with Sport Fishing Week at the Conservation Officer Academy. Numerous calls were returned for wild animals roaming in the cities and speaking requests.

Bloomington – vacant.

Mound – vacant.

Prior Lake – vacant.

District 14 – East Metro area

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week checking anglers, doing AIS enforcement and monitoring boating activity. CO Arntzen attended an AIS meeting with Washington County and worked Operation Dry Water on White Bear Lake. He also handled TIP calls and nuisance animal complaints. Enforcement action for the week included failure to remove drain plug, registration violations, insufficient number of PFDs, and PWC violations.

CO Brad Johnson (Ham Lake) reports that he conducted an AIS check at Lake Demontreville and Lake Jane. Enforcement action was taken for a number of violations including failure to remove drain plug, no throwable PFD, operating at higher than no wake speed due to high water levels, and keeping bass on a catch and release only lake. He released a deer fawn that had been trapped between yard fences in Ramsey. CO Johnson investigated a report of illegal sand blankets on Coon Lake. He also received a report that a hen Mallard had nested in an old Red-Tailed Hawks nest.

WREO Adam Block (Metro) spent the week working AIS and wetland related activity. Time extensions were given on some restoration orders due to the recent heavy rains. Time was also spent over the weekend working Operation Dry Water resulting in boating violations being detected.

Eagan – vacant.

Hastings – vacant.

Maplewood – vacant.

Metro Officer – vacant.

District 15 – Marshall area

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the week working fishing, boating, AIS, and state park enforcement. Operation Dry Water was the main enforcement focus over the weekend. With lakes and rivers still high, flooding continues to be a public safety concern. Time was also spent working with DNR Wildlife on the issue of the public picking up baby fawns.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) checked anglers and boaters. With high water anglers are finding a few walleye on the bridges around the Lac qui Parle Reservoir. Assistance was given to volunteer instructors from Montevideo on FAS range day at LqP DNR headquarters.

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) reports that weekend lakes were busy, keeping ahead of area storms and wind conditions was challenging. Enforcement action was taken on angling license, improper PWC operations and ATV registration concerns. Boating activity was monitored during this Dry Water Weekend.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working anglers, invasive species, and boat safety. The “No Wake” restrictions in Murray County have been lifted. A four-piece modular home was found parked on a public access due to flooded building site. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) checked angling and boating activity during the week. Boat operators are reminded that children under 10 years of age are required to wear a PFD. Boating violations were encountered.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) spent the week checking area anglers and boaters. Time was also spent at public accesses enforcing AIS laws. The bite on area lakes continues to be slow.

WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) assisted with an APM violation along with a possible cease and desist order violation in Murray County. A WCA extension was issued in Pipestone Co. Officer Hanson and K-9 Reggie also assisted with a compliance check station in Douglas Co. Enforcement action was taken for AIS violations.

Benson – vacant.

Madison – vacant.

Redwood Falls – vacant.

District 16 – New Ulm area

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) followed up on a TIP complaint and checked anglers and boaters during the week. He spoke to a Forkhorn youth camp at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. Denz also worked a boating enforcement detail focusing on BWI enforcement

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) worked boating activity on area lakes for Operation Dry Water. Wind, rain and no wake zones brought activity down for both anglers and boaters. Time was spent on AIS enforcement during the week. ATV activity and drivers were checked.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) completed a Use of Force firearms training class. The main focus of this training was on the patrol rifle. Oberg also talked with a landowner regarding potential fall trespass issues.

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) worked a boating safety/alcohol enforcement detail. He also assisted with a youth firearms safety training field and range day. The rest of the week was spent on fishing, boating and commercial enforcement activities.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) spent the week checking anglers and conducting boat and water safety education and enforcement. Beckmann assisted with use of force training and firearms qualification at Academy 15 at Camp Ripley. A detail was worked with other district officers in Kandiyohi County during Operation Dry Water. Watercraft traffic was found to be light due to high water conditions and a no wake restriction in place.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked angling, ATV, boat and water safety enforcement, and AIS law. Gruhlke also completed a radio program discussing topics including Dry Water Weekend and other area activity. Gruhlke assisted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department with a kid’s fishing event.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) spent a majority of the time on the water checking watercraft and angling activity. Recreational activity was slowed for the second consecutive week due to high winds, rain and lightning. The slow-no-wake ordinance was lifted on the Fairmont Chain of Lakes. Bow fisherman were out taking advantage of high flowing water in areas were rough fish were prevalent. ATV activity was monitored. Investigations into possible shore-land violations were completed. Aquatic vegetation is higher in the water presently and boaters are reminded to do their part and clean their equipment before transporting.

Litchfield – vacant.

Willmar #1 – vacant.

District 17 – Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) worked boating and angling activity, including Operation Dry Water work details. Many enforcement contacts were made. Most area lakes continue to be under emergency “No Wake” restrictions. Enforcement action was taken for numerous boating and angling violations. CO Howe also assisted Mankato PD officers with the “Cops ‘n Bobbers” youth fishing program.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) spent the week checking anglers, boaters, and ATV operators. Additional time was spent monitoring AIS compliance on area lakes and at public water accesses.

CO Luke Belgard (Faribault) worked angling, boating, AIS and ATV activity. The Operation Dry Water event was worked on the weekend with activity being slow due to the weather. ATV for law enforcement classes were put on in Rice County with several deputies and local officers attending.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) worked Operation Dry Water this past weekend. The weather diminished some of the activity on the lakes; however, many contacts were made with compliance being high.

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) worked angling, ATV, AIS, and boat & water activity during the week. TIP calls were reported by the public & suspects were cited. Multiple violations were encountered regarding ATV, angling, & boating violations.

CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) spent the week working angling, boat and water safety, and AIS enforcement. Time was also spent responding to various wildlife complaints, and completing commercial license inspections. Requests from the public seeking information were returned.

WREO Julie Siems (SE) worked a BWCA detail and followed up on a WCA complaint.

Albert Lea – vacant.

District 18 – Rochester area

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending the weekend checking anglers and boating activity. The water continues to be high in the area and has made it difficult for most people to access the river. Time was also spent working on a deer case and equipment issues. Some boating and fishing violations were detected.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked anglers and ATV’s during the week. River activity is very slow with the continued high water. Heyn also followed up on other calls and complaints.

CO Phil George (Rochester) worked the week checking ATVs, conducted AIS detail, and checked area watercraft operators. Enforcement action included various boating violations and transporting watercraft with the bilge plug in. Assistance was given to one boater at an access when they launched the boat without a plug. Training was given to area law enforcement officers about updates on ATV regulations.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working mainly fishing and boating enforcement along with responding to wetland and exotics complaints. The weekend rain and high water kept things very quiet for Operation Dry Water over the weekend but the vessels on the water were contacted regarding the hazardous conditions. Some local fishermen who understand the big river were able to end up with some nice fish despite the high water conditions.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports attending training for three days, and then monitoring the high river water. The fishing in the area is heavy on Lake Winona while the river is nearly inaccessible. He continues to receive wild animal calls and concerns including rattlesnakes in a yard, deer in a fence, and a baby muskrat found at 1:30am.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports monitoring water levels on area streams and rivers. Time was also spent working details on the Mississippi. High water had most landing either closed or under water. Fishing was poor. CO Boyum answered calls reference baby deer and other animals. CO Boyum attended court on a subject that was cited for hunting deer without a license.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports high water is once again slowing down normal summer boating and fishing activity. Many of the area trout streams are still fishable. He worked with one of the state’s invasive species inspectors. No violations found. He worked with Houston County Water Patrol. Enforcement taken for no life jackets, no fire extinguishers, and fail to display proper boat registration.

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 flying a creel survey flight on Lake Vermilion. Jensen also checked anglers and weed rollers in Becker County. Jensen delivered an AIS sign to a seaplane base in Becker County. Rainy/stormy weather has hampered flight activity.

CO/Pilot Chris Lofstuen (Bemidji) spent the majority of the week at Camp Ripley attending academy training. Multiple survey missions were flown as well.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew multiple Leech Lake creel surveys and a timber wolf telemetry flight. Heineman also attended to aircraft maintenance.

CO Pilot Bob Geving flew some training missions and conducted recon for flood related issues. Water levels continue to be high in the south part of the state.

NR Pilot Luke Ettl (Grand Rapids) performed training flights in the airplane and helicopter.

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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