Highlights:

Fosston: Deer seemed to survive the winter well. It was confirmed by a responding firefighter killing three in one intersection.

Moorhead: The officer received calls from the public regarding a coyote with mange and a possible dead eagle that ended up being a house cat.

District 1 – Baudette area

 

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) assisted instructing at waterfowl school for new officers. Anglers were checked on Lake of the Woods. Pike anglers were reminded to check before buying bait to make sure it’s VHS certified bait. Pike fishing success seemed spotty. Walleyes are being caught early and late in shallow water near Springsteel. Violations encountered include angle with too many lines and operating an unregistered ATV.

 

CO Eric Benjamin (Warroad) worked angling and ATV enforcement throughout Warroad and the surrounding area. Also completed was the DNR Enforcement Division’s Waterfowl School, conducted at White Water State Park.

 

CO Hannah Cowden (Warroad) attended waterfowl training in Southeastern Minnesota, at Whitewater State Park. Time was also spent on ATV, OHM, and angling enforcement in the Warroad area. Enforcement action was taken for no angling license in possession, angling without a license, use of unprocessed smelt/cisco for bait, operating unregistered ATV, failure to display ATV registration, failure to renew OHM registration, and allowing illegal operation of OHM by juvenile without safety certificate.

 

CO Nicholas Prachar (Baudette) attended training for waterfowl enforcement at Whitewater State Park. CO Prachar responded to assist other agencies that were involved with a pursuit that ended in Lake of the Woods County.

 

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) taught the law and ethics portion of the Firearms Safety Classes in Warren and Lancaster, investigated the unlawful dredging of public water, and conducted a radio interview concerning the recent unlawful taking of two bull elk in the Grygla area. Commercial inspections were conducted and an injured hawk was checked on.

 

CO Traci Hanson (Thief River Falls) worked on commercial inspections, investigated a grass fire, and checked ATV activity. Work continued on the elk investigation.

 

Baudette #2 -vacant.

 

Blackduck #2 – vacant.

 

Karlstad – vacant.

 

District 2 – Bemidji area

 

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) assisted other agencies on multiple calls and advised an individual that items on his brush pile would make it an expensive burn without a permit. He also monitored angling, early goose hunting and trapping activities. Questions about leeching and minnow trapping were answered. Deer seemed to survive the winter well. It was confirmed by a responding firefighter killing three in one intersection.

 

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked local rivers for spring fish run and beaver trapping activity. He also worked Upper Red Lake over the weekend.

 

CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) monitored area ice angling and ATV activity. Time was spent working on a background investigation on an applicant for the next conservation officer academy. CO Holt also attended training at Camp Ripley.

 

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports starting a background investigation for a potential new CO, monitoring the area for spring fish run activity and following up on dogs chasing deer complaints.

 

CO Al Peterson (Osage) attended RMS training, responded to complaints of trespass and a possible wetland violation.

 

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) spent the week checking fishermen and following up on cases of litter left from fish houses. Ice conditions are still fair, but in some locations accessing from shore will be getting difficult with the warmer temps expected.

 

CO Angie Warren (Detroit Lakes) worked ATV activity and monitored closed forest roads. Follow up was conducted on a possible wanton waste complaint and a report of an injured deer. CO Warren met with a Tamarack Refuge warden in regards to ATV usage on Tamarack Lake. Area rivers were monitored for fish run activity. CO Warren spent time familiarizing herself with a new department wide computer program and implementation of that program. Follow up was conducted on ice houses left at public accesses.

 

CO Bill Landmark (Moorhead) spent the week at Whitewater State Park with the rest of Academy 15 for waterfowl school. The training emphasized waterfowl identification and patrol tactics. The officer received calls from the public regarding a coyote with mange and a possible dead eagle that ended up being a house cat. A report of an injured deer was also received.

 

WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week focusing efforts on WCA and PW work and violations. Time was spent attending lake service provider AIS training in Fergus Falls and Bemidji. Several sheriffs’ offices were contacted and AIS law enforcement trainings were set up. Lake service providers were contacted regarding their AIS training status.

District 3 – Fergus Falls area

 

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) reports ice angler numbers have diminished significantly due to sketchy ice conditions. It would be a good time to get the boat ready and maybe enjoy viewing some spring waterfowl migration. Time was spent at Camp Ripley for training and checks were completed at minnow retail locations. Turkey hunters should see spring patterns develop as winter flocks have been dispersing.

 

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked on a background investigation, attended two days of training at Camp Ripley and completed a commercial minnow audit throughout the week. Plautz spoke to a Firearms Safety class regarding rules and regulations of safe hunting.

 

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) attended RMS training at Camp Ripley and received calls about upcoming firearms safety classes. ATVs and fishermen were checked with fishing success slowing down. ATV owners are reminded to check registration before operating their ATV’s.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) reported the remaining ice fishing activity that was out there, along with ATV and fire activity. The second of three Alex firearms safety classes in March was completed, totaling over 50 students certified this month. With another class starting next week, a huge thank you is deserved by our volunteer instructors for teaching and Alex Tech & Community College for hosting all our local classes.

 

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued to work fishing enforcement and TIP calls involving fish overlimits, with enforcement action taken again for sunfish and crappie overlimits. Follow up work was completed on commercial aquaculture and minnow inspections, and time was spent patrolling for ATV and fire activity. It should be noted that both Douglas and Todd counties are currently under spring burning restrictions. Division use of force training was completed during the week.

 

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on ice anglers, shore anglers and ATV complaints. A complaint about an unpermitted road kill deer that was picked up was investigated. Extenuating circumstances warranted a warning issued to the individual to get the permit before picking up road kills. Anderson, along with RTO Frank Rezac hosted a safety instructor appreciation banquet in Morris for all of the volunteer instructors assisting with youth safety training classes in the area. The officer assisted with computer training and handled calls regarding FAS classes, an injured owl and incidentally taken otter.

 

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports enforcement efforts for the week included checking fishermen, spring beaver trappers, and ATV operators. Additional time was spent working on commercial record audits, and retail minnow inspections. Baumbarger began work on a background for a potential new hire. Complaints were received about coyotes killing calves, and dogs running loose. Dog owners are reminded as spring approaches, please keep dogs at home to prevent fawns and ground nesting birds from being killed.

 

Wheaton – vacant.

 

District 4 – Wadena area

 

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) assisted the local sheriff’s department with a few calls, checked anglers on area lakes and investigated a call regarding suspicious bones. A trapping investigation was completed with several charges pending. Parthun attended division training at Camp Ripley and processed some evidence.

 

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked anglers and ATV’ers. Officer Hunter attended training at Camp Ripley and received a call of an individual shooting at an animal from the road way

 

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) reports that ice conditions are deteriorating rapidly and ice angler numbers have decreased. Incidental catches were reported during the spring beaver season, and some bear complaints have been reported. Homeowners are advised if they have bear activity around, to remove all food sources from the bear, including bird feeders, dog food and garbage cans.

 

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) checked panfish and perch anglers. Sunfish anglers were doing well but it won’t be long before the ice conditions deteriorate. CO Mathy also assisted with a fire call.

 

CO Beau Shroyer (Remer) attended waterfowl training. Seasonal equipment issues were addressed. Enforcement action was taken for ice shelter left after deadline.

 

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling activity. Angling success continues to be slow in the Longville area. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate. Dry conditions have created high fire danger. CO Broughten investigated a trespass complaint. CO Broughten also assisted with a wild fire near Badoura and stored winter equipment.

 

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) worked fish run activity. He checked on a yearling bear that supposedly fell from a tree. After a few hours rest the bear seemed to be ok and re-climbed the tree, mother bear was by its side. Halverson assisted Officer Rezac on a FAS Instructor clinic held at the Staples Sportsmen Club. Halverson is investigating VHS certificate on selling smelt for bait at a local business.

 

CO Colleen Adam (ATV REC) attended new software training and organized physical and electronic files. Field work consisted of forest closure patrols and follow up on violations discovered. The dry and windy weather had fire department, forestry and enforcement personnel chasing wildfires. Officer Adam responded to a turkey shot out of season and a nuisance animal complaint.

 

District 5 – Eveleth area

 

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports busy weekend on the Rainy River with hundreds of anglers checked, however fishing success was relatively slow. Several fire issues were handled along with numerous animal complaints. Enforcement action was taken for over limits of fish, failure to display boat registration, no Type IV PFD, no current angling license, and failure to control permit fire.

 

CO Jim Van Asch (International Falls) reports attending waterfowl enforcement training at Whitewater State Park. Ice fishing enforcement on Rainy Lake rounded out the rest of the work week.

 

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area lakes, checking public access sites, monitoring forest roads and working on equipment over the week. Very little outdoor activity observed.

 

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports little angling activity in the area. Only a few fishermen were observed chasing panfish and the action was quite slow. Area rivers and streams are starting to open up and the nuisance beaver calls have begun.

 

CO Marc Hopkins (Tower) spent most of the week at waterfowl training in Whitewater State Park. The officer worked the TIP trailer at the Virginia Sport Show. Water skipping at Trout River was fairly busy on Saturday and some enforcement action was taken. There were a number of anglers taking advantage of the tail end of the trout season on Trout Lake. Anglers were having some success and some nice fish were taken.

 

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked ATVs, followed up on fish house license and litter cases and judged the biology section at Assumption Catholic School’s Science Fair. Enforcement action was taken on no fish house license and littering.

 

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent time at the Virginia Home Show and answered a wide variety of questions at the Turn in Poachers Wall of Shame. High numbers of kids and even some adults tested their skills at the laser shot booth. A concerned landowner contacted CO Frericks regarding a collared timber wolf that came into her yard and appeared to have little fear of humans. The landowner has lost dogs and livestock in the past to wolves.

 

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) received a complaint/concern of a pack of wolves hanging around his residence seemingly unafraid and owner concerned for his dogs. Fredin check fishing activity and found some crappie being caught along with a few lake trout. Work was started on conducting a background investigation on a potential CO hiring. Time was spent at the Virginia Home Show working the TIP booth and LaserShot.

 

Ray – vacant.

 

District 6 – Two Harbors area

 

CO Sean Williams (Ely) attended the Virginia Home, Sports, and Travel Show where he staffed the TIP trailer and LaserShot booth. The afternoon was spent answering questions and listening to concerns from people from all over the iron range. He also worked with youth covering basic firearms safety at the LaserShot booth, which was a huge success with the young hunters.

 

CO Marty Stage (Ely) checked fishermen in the BWCAW and early ATV activity.  The cold weather has kept the ice conditions somewhat stable thus holding off the end of the spring shutdown.

 

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports it is still winter in the Arrowhead. Lakes along the border are frozen right up to shore and snow still remains on the lakes and in the woods. The CO got to watch a wolf on the ice by an old moose kill. The crows knew how far they had to stay away from him not to become a meal themselves, but close enough to be an annoyance to the wolf. The wolf came back a couple of times and when he wasn’t there, a half-dozen eagles flew in and out of the area.

 

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended computer training at Camp Ripley. The officer also investigated an illegal burn complaint at an area business. After extinguishing the fire, an employee was provided with a paperwork reminder to check burn piles for garbage before lighting them. CO Manning also disposed of confiscated fur from last fall’s trapping season and handled seasonal equipment issues.

 

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) continued to work on a pre-employment background investigation for a potential new hire. Anglers were checked in the BWCA with violations to include possession of marijuana / drug paraphernalia and no license in possession.

 

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) completed commercial minnow inspections and worked ATV and angling activity on Lake Superior during the week. Some fire activity was worked with many areas snow free and lacking moisture making for dry conditions. Nuisance wolf calls were answered and a deer possession tag was issued.

 

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

 

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) checked anglers, ATV activity, OHM activity, and answered various wildlife calls. Violations included fail to drain water related equipment, over-limit of walleye, no license in possession, and fail to display watercraft registration. CO Hansen also assisted with a fire investigation.

 

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, monitored OHV activity, attended RMS training at Camp Ripley and attended K-9 training. The area ice has been pulling away from the shorelines. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of crappies, over limit of sunfish and angle without license.

 

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) spent time checking anglers this past week. Fishing was kind of slow and the ice is very unreliable as temperatures get warmer; be cautious if heading out. She attended a firearms safety class where she discussed rules and regulations with the students. She also attended division training.

 

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked late season ice anglers with the success rate good for crappies and bluegills. CO Sutherland also gave an educational talk to a local DARE group of youth at the Grand Rapids Middle School. Training sessions were also attended by CO Sutherland at Camp Ripley where new Records Management Programs were rolled out.

 

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, ATVs, and spring trappers. He also attended a two day training session during the week.

 

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week working fishing activity. Wichmann took calls about road closures in Aitkin County. Training was received at Camp Ripley during the beginning of the week.

 

CO John Velsvaag (NE Region ATV officer John) checked anglers this past week. CO Velsvaag also checked trails with past illegal motorized use. CO Velsvaag also took calls on trout and panfish laws.

 

District 8 – Duluth area

 

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) spent much of the week checking anglers along the North Shore. Anglers were having some luck, as salmon and kamloops were observed. Most of the rivers are still in need of some warmer temps and are low on water. Time was spent working ATV complaint areas. Officer Schmidt assisted Officer Duncan with a wolf depredation complaint involving a domestic dog. Injured animal complaints were handled including a raccoon and an eagle. The officer also spent time at Camp Ripley for training.

 

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent a couple days at Camp Ripley for computer training. Responded to a wildfire and took enforcement action for burning without a permit. The prompt response from four different fire departments limited the wildfire to only a couple acers. Many shore fishermen along the North Shore of Lake Superior were checked during the week. ATV enforcement was also worked in past problem areas. A meeting for the Duluth city bow hunt was attended. Bear and other wildlife calls were taken during the week. Officer Duncan also fielded several complaints of wolves with one involving a family dog being picked up and carried away as the dog owner stood and watched in disbelief from just outside her front door.

 

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) worked trapping and ATV complaints in the area over the past week. Enforcement action was taken for failing to tend traps, operate ATV without valid DL in road right of way and registration violations. Some fire activity started in the area this past week resulting in enforcement action taken for careless negligent fire, failing to prevent campfire from spreading and burning prohibited materials. An investigation was started with the USFWS on a wolf that was found dumped on the Nemadji River in Clear Creek Twp. Initial findings show that the animal may have been snared. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call TIP.

 

WREO Mike Scott investigated four wetland violations in the Duluth-St. Louis and Carlton county area. Officer Scott attended training with the new Record Management System at Camp Ripley training other officers in its operation with the training section. Officer Scott attended the Northwest Sports Show staffing and AIS booth with DNR Eco staff discussing AIS issues with folks and the trailer sticker was most sought after question discussed.

 

Lake Superior Marine Unit

 

Sgt. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked shore anglers in the Lester, French, and Knife River areas. The coho salmon and kamloop rainbows are really starting to produce. Sunday evening was one of the better bites this officer can re-call from recent years. Shore anglers; please carry your angling license on your person. If not, it results on steep, rocky walks up shore banks to get it from your vehicles and less time fishing.

 

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked shore anglers along Lake Superior where some salmon and kamloops rainbows are being caught. Two juveniles were found riding ATVs in the area of a local snowmobile trail. After spotting the officer’s squad, they decided to take a county road instead of the snowmobile trail. After they were stopped, they were found to have several violations between them. Parents were contacted and the juveniles and their machines transported home. Wildfires are starting to become more prevalent with the dry conditions. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and angling violations.

 

District 9 – Brainerd area

 

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked all-terrain vehicle enforcement. A report was taken of all-terrain vehicles operating in a wetland. An aerial detection flight was completed and the investigation is ongoing. Officer Guida also worked with the Division of Forestry on a closed road posting and enforcement action was taken on mud trucks operating on the closed forestry road.

 

CO Amber Peterson (McGregor) monitored angling activity in her station and followed up on a littering case.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) assisted with waterfowl training for new officers. Angling, trapping and ATV activity was also worked during the week.

 

CO Patrick McGowan (Pine River) helped teach a waterfowl course to the last academy of new Conservation Officers. The officers were taught how to ID waterfowl, and how to enforce waterfowl hunting regulations. CO McGowan also spent time training in an airboat, and started conducting a background investigation on a Conservation Officer applicant.

 

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

 

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) investigated a trapping incident, checked a few persistent ice anglers, and attended training. Ice conditions are continuing to deteriorate due to warmer temperatures and recent rains. Extreme caution should be used when venturing onto area lakes.

 

CO Chris Tetrault (Isle) attended training at Camp Ripley throughout the week. Assistance was given to a neighboring officer for litter that was left on Mille Lacs Lake. A complaint of burning prohibited items was investigated. With drier conditions, please be cautious if you are able to have a fire; remember to check DNR burring restrictions prior to having a fire. Enforcement action was taken for careless driving and failure to obtain a State Park permit.

 

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports checking some fishermen out on Mille Lacs Lake over the weekend. The Officer issued a car kill deer permit and lots of fishing, waters, litter, ATV and trapping related questions were answered throughout the week and weekend. Assistance was given to a neighboring Officer regarding burning of prohibited materials and a driver was stopped and warned about his driving behavior. Time was also spent patrolling the Solana State Forest for illegal ATV, ORV and OHM activity being roads and trails are closed for the spring road closures. The Officer also had a good Samaritan fishermen turn in a wallet that he had found out on Mille Lacs lake and the owner of the wallet was contacted and he wallet was returned. Assistance was given to the local sheriff’s office on an investigation and a presentation was done at the Rippleside Elementary School for their ASK after school program. The kids were informed of Conservation Officer duties and also had fun identifying and seeing some tanned furs the Officer had brought in.

 

CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) investigated a trapping TIP complaint which included failing to tend with an animal and wanton waste. An investigation is being conducted. Speldrich patrolled the Nemadji State Forest trails on ATV. There was evidence of significant illegal use by off-highway vehicles in some areas. The Nemadji trails remain closed due to wet conditions. Speldrich attended EMT refresher training.

 

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) continued to investigate background information on an applicant for the upcoming Conservation Officer Academy. Spring weather brought with it an increase in ATV activity and pretty much put a stop to ice fishing. Some open water angling and trapping activity was found with the opening up of area creeks and rivers.   Officer Grundmeier also presented some DNR information at the Township Officer’s Association annual meeting. Dry conditions created a threat for high fire danger and a few area residents had their spring, outdoor burning turn into small, out of control wildfires.

 

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the majority of the week training at Camp Ripley and Duluth. He answered questions about burning permits, nuisance animals, and forestry rules and regulations. CO Wynn also spent time following up on trapping complaints and an abandoned property complaint in the Chengwatana State Forest. Ice conditions are quickly deteriorating and very few are willing to ice fish now in the Pine City area.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) investigated a depredation complaint of a day old calf. USDA Wildlife Services was called to assist. Fishermen were checked on area lakes and Mille Lacs Lake. Fishing was slow with tullibee the main catch on Mille Lacs. Time was also spent investigating wildfires and attended training in Camp Ripley for the new Records Management System (RMS).

 

District 11 – St. Cloud area

 

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) spent time during the week assisting with training for the new Division RMS system. Time was also spent armoring shotguns. Wetland complaints were investigated and assistance was provided to CO Johanson with a panfish over limit complaint.

 

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked angling and trapping activity. An investigation into a public waters violation was investigated. Completion of some training issues and vehicle maintenance was done as well.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) taught the law portion for Eagle Valley firearms safety. A trespass complaint was investigated and found to be a property line dispute. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate, yet some are still taking chances. Crow opener had a good turnout.  It continues to get more popular for groups to have crow hunting contests.

 

CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) is investigating a possible wetland violation where a contractor took out a beaver dam on part of the neighbor’s property, a litter complaint in a Scientific and Natural Area, and a trapping complaint where is trapper was found to be legally trapping in the road right of way. The adjacent landowner was notified that they need to replace the trap that they pulled from the culvert right away.

 

WREO Keith Bertram spent the week assisting officers with several new wetland and public waters violations. WREO Bertram issued wetland cease and desist order in Todd County. Several fishermen were also checked.

 

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) investigated a potential wetland violation, provided a law presentation to a FAS class, responded to several inquiries about spring burning, and continued training on the RMS system.

 

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) last week checked anglers. CO Mies also worked on checking trappers in Wright County. CO Mies worked on a waters complaint, along with some wetland work.

 

St. Cloud – vacant.

 

District 12 – Princeton area

 

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) assisted with training the new Conservation Officers at a Duck School Class in southeastern Minnesota. He did a law talk for a Turkey Clinic at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. He checked snowmobilers. He followed up on a number of ATV complaint.

 

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) spent most of the week instructing at the Conservation Officer Waterfowl School held in Whitewater State Park. Reller also followed up on several wildlife calls relating to otter, pheasant and protected birds. Contact was also made with Firearms Safety instructors.

 

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) spent most of the week assisting with division training that was held at Camp Ripley. CO Langevin also patrolled complaint areas for ATV activity. CO Langevin also spent time patrolling the area for burning violations.

 

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) checked some anglers during the week. Ice remains on area lakes but most reported it would be the last time they would go out. Burning complaints were fielded and DNR Forestry was assisted on a large fire in the northern portion of Kanabec County. A trapping complaint was also fielded. Enforcement action was taken on no burning permit.

 

CO Angela Londgren (Cambridge) attended training at Camp Ripley, worked at the DNR booth at the NW Sports Show, and spoke at several Firearms Safety classes. Officer Londgren also received calls on illegal fires, nuisance beavers, firearms discharge, and unchecked traps.

 

District 13 – West Metro area

 

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) spent most of the week teaching waterfowl school to new Conservation Officers. Coyote and crow hunters were checked having mixed success. State trails and parks were patrolled for snowmobile and ATV activity. Spring fish run was monitored finding very low water in most streams.

 

CO Brent Grewe (Osseo) spent the week monitoring ice conditions and checking anglers. CO Grewe attended the NW Sports Show and training at Camp Ripley.

 

CO Chelsie Leuthardt (Prior Lake) spent the majority of the week attending training on waterfowl enforcement where she learned patrol tactics, species identification techniques and common law violations. She also responded to calls and emails about nuisance animals and coyote issues. Leuthardt responded to a call about an accidentally trapped otter and checked a small number of shoreline pan fishermen now that the ice has melted from most of the area lakes.

 

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked fishing activity in the Mound station and responded to animal complaints. He patrolled WMAs, state parks, and state trails in the metro area. He also worked with the DNR Southeast Asian Outreach Program on preparing upcoming firearms safety classes and general hunting fishing issues.

 

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) attended computer training at Camp Ripley. He returned phone calls for an injured turkey and a dead great-horn owl. He worked boating and angling activity on Minnesota and Mississippi rivers.

 

Bloomington – vacant.

 

Mound – vacant.

 

District 14 – East Metro area

 

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) attended RMS training at Camp Ripley. CO Arntzen spoke to a firearms safety class in Scandia and spent time scheduling additional classes. He responded to an injured deer call, answered questions about dealing with nuisance animals and monitored WMAs for off-road vehicle activity.

CO Brad Johnson (Maplewood) reports that he worked the DNR booth at the Northwest Sportshow. He attended RMS training at Camp Ripley. CO Johnson checked anglers on the St. Croix River. He prepared his patrol boats for the upcoming open water season.

 

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) worked angling enforcement on the Vermillion and Mississippi rivers and performed a couple of minnow retailer inspections in Dakota County. Crow hunters and trappers were checked around WMAs and fields. CO Pril also attended Record Management System training at Camp Ripley and attended the volunteer safety instructor’s appreciation Banquet in Apple Valley and presented an award to one of the instructors.

 

WREO Adam Block (Metro) spent the week patrolling for angling activity and working on open wetland related case files. WREO Block spent time working the AIS booth at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the NW Sportshow. WREO Block also assisted with lake service provider training that was held in Minneapolis.

 

CO Tony Salzer (Ham Lake) patrolled Anoka County for angling activity and wild turkey activity. CO Salzer also patrolled Carlos Avery WMA. Officer Salzer also dealt with equipment issues.

 

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) talked to a firearm safety class at United Methodist Church in Fridley. She worked with two Century College students that she is mentoring, worked on a background investigation for a CO applicant and handled various nuisance animal calls. CO Kruse finished up on a wolf case, did online training and worked ATV enforcement in Anoka County.

 

CO Joe Kulhanek (Hastings) spent the week monitoring anglers in Dakota County. He attended Waterfowl School in Whitewater State Park and attended a trainer’s appreciation banquet for firearms, snowmobile and ATV safety instructors of Dakota County. Enforcement action for the week included no trapping license and angling on a designated trout stream during closed season.

 

Eagan – vacant.

 

Metro Officer – vacant.

 

District 15 – Marshall area

 

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week training with firearms, conducting investigations, and patrolling light goose hunters. Fewer geese are being seen in the area. Firearms Safety was taught in Fulda.

 

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) conducted his weekly radio show on KLOH radio. The officer attended a booth at the first annual Tyler Sportsman show. A water safety talk was given to the Lake Benton Cub Scouts. The officer also assisted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office with a domestic disturbance. Numerous snow geese are still in the area.

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) worked fishing, ATV, light goose hunting, and spring beaver trapping activity. Time was also spent conducting commercial minnow retailer inspections. The law and ethics portion of firearms safety classes were taught in Cottonwood and Lamberton. A talk was also given to a law enforcement career class in Redwood Falls.

 

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) reports checking a number of ATVs and OHMs at the Appleton ATV Park. Numerous violations were encountered including no registration, no safety certificate, and no out of state trail pass. Please take the time to review the recreational vehicle laws before your trip.

 

Benson – vacant.

 

Madison – vacant.

 

Redwood Falls – vacant.

 

Worthington – vacant.

 

District 16 – New Ulm area

 

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) followed up on a trapping complaint. He continues to follow up on big game investigations. Denz also worked on commercial activities.

 

CO Nicholas Klehr (Litchfield) spent most of the week at duck school. Time was spent learning about all kinds of ducks and how to work waterfowl hunters. After duck school, time was spent following up with calls from the week and checking beaver traps. Fur that was collected do to accidental catches was sold. Anglers fishing from shore were also checked. Bow fishermen were also warned that they cannot bow fish from shore yet only from a boat.

 

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) took a report of a poached deer at the Morton city public access. The two back legs had been removed and a small amount of meat from the back quarters. The deer was dumped in the Minnesota River. She also took a report of an illegal trap set. Mueller assisted McLeod County on a 911 hang-up in the city of Stewart. She also spent time at Camp Ripley armoring shotguns.

 

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) worked ATV and angling enforcement on area rivers. Oberg also spoke at local firearm safety and bow hunter classes. Oberg also followed up on a TIP call. Armoring of division shotguns was also done.

 

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) investigated deer cases. He continued to work with the new records management system. Nelson also worked snowmobile, ATV and angling activities.

 

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) reports an employment background investigation is ongoing. ATV activity was monitored and GIA trails were patrolled. Angling activity remains low with colder temperatures. Beaver dam issues are on the rise. Reports of illegal small game hunting were investigated.

 

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked fishing and ATV enforcement within Jackson County. He also taught the law portion of the FAS classes in Jackson and Lakefield. Gruhlke offered some ideas to a landowner who is having issues with Canada geese on his property. Gruhlke also followed up on commercial enforcement.

 

Willmar #1 – vacant.

 

Windom – vacant.

 

District 17 – Mankato area

 

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) took a report of individuals keeping walleye out of season. An ATV class was set up. Commercial inspections continue to be administered.

 

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) reports spending time on ATV enforcement. CO Howe returned calls about upcoming seasons, and spoke on laws and ethics at a Firearms Safety class.

 

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) checked anglers on area lakes & rivers. Litter complaints were investigated. A law, ethics, & safety presentation was given at a Wild Turkey Hunter Education Clinic.

 

CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) spent the week checking anglers and ATV activity. Division training was attended at Camp Ripley. Reports of incidental caught river otters were received. Requests from the public seeking information were returned.

 

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) checked anglers, ATV, snowmobile, and watercraft operators this week. Additional time was spent monitoring public water accesses for violations. CO Ihnen also patrolled for trapping and small game activity, and investigated related complaints.

 

WREO Julie Siems contacted unpermitted lake service providers. Boats were checked on the Mississippi River. Invasive Species education was also provided at an area sporting show.

 

Albert Lea – vacant.

 

Mankato #1 – vacant.

 

District 18 – Rochester area

 

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports assisting at the Enforcement Division’s waterfowl school. Time was also spent dealing with nuisance animal calls and shed hunters finding dead bucks. Time was also spent looking into dumping at a state forest land parking lot. CO Boyum investigated complaints of ATV’s on the bike trail near Rushford. CO Boyum spoke at a Turkey Clinic in Pine Island.

 

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) assisted at duck school during the week. Heyn also worked anglers on the river. Fishing success was slower on walleye and sauger, but the perch bite was pretty good.

 

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) helped with a duck school at Whitewater State Park and checked fishermen. One seasoned fishermen accidentally referred to him by the name of a game warden that had worked the Winona area in the 60s and 70s. He attended a boating safety class and had correspondence with Law Enforcement students from WSU. Hemker also saw a road kill bobcat found near Winona.

 

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending the week checking angling activity. Numerous limits of walleye and sauger were observed in live wells throughout the week along with some very large northerns. Time was also spent meeting with the city of Red Wing to help plan this fall’s city deer hunt and meeting with staff from the Environmental Learning Center to discuss hunting related programs for their students. Time was also spent instructing at a firearms safety class in Goodhue. Some fishing and boating violations were detected

 

CO Phil George (Rochester) spent the week checking anglers and ATV complaint areas. A late March snowfall brought out a few snowmobiles. He attended an information booth at a sports show. A complaint of dumped carcasses led to enforcement action for taking squirrels in closed season and illegal possession of a road killed deer

 

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working mainly fishing enforcement this week with success being found with walleye, sauger, and perch on the Mississippi River. Trout fishermen were also finding some hungry trout. Time was also spent training new officers at a waterfowl school. Finally the law and ethics portion of a firearms safety class was presented in a vacant station. Violations were addressed for fishing license, stamps and ATV violations.