Minnesota Department of Natural Resources , Grand Forks Herald
Published: 09/30/2008
CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT
09-29-08
District 1 – Baudette area
CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) investigated timber wolf depredation complaints this week and seasonal boat maintenance and storage were completed. Grouse hunters are seeing more birds. The St. Jude’s Hospital trail ride at Bemis Hill brought in over 150 people riding horses and raised over $9,000 for sick children.
CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) worked on an over limit investigation and conducted follow up on a deer out of season investigation. ATV activity was monitored and grouse hunters were found to be having fair luck.
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) answered calls regarding nuisance beavers, a car struck bear, and the upcoming deer season. Woinarowicz patrolled area WMAs finding illegal ATV use, stands left in the WMA overnight, and numerous shooters target practicing. He also checked anglers in the Thief River Falls area. Enforcement action for the week included angle without license, operate motorized vehicle in WMA, and leave stands over-night in WMA.
CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) worked Red Lake Recovery and checked area lakes for angling activity. The walleye bite remains very good in the Blackduck area. A shining complaint was investigated and an area shooting preserve was checked. CO Backer gave a presentation to a local church group on new laws and the upcoming deer season. Small game hunting was monitored with hunters hoping for fewer leaves and cooler temperatures. Enforcement activity for the week included boat & water safety violations, ATV violations, and license violations.
CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) checked grouse hunters and bear hunters. Bear hunters are reporting better success now than in the beginning of the season. Fishing continues to be fair on Lake of the Woods, and fishing is also picking up on the Rainy River. CO Gorecki investigated a report of a deer being shot south of Baudette.
Karlstad – vacant.
Blackduck #2 – vacant.
Warroad #2 – vacant.
District 2 – Bemidji area
CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) received a number of calls on youth and disabled hunter hunts. Hunting related informational calls have increased dramatically. The officer spoke to a Firearm Safety Class regarding laws, safety, and ethics. Shining complaints have increased, and walleye angler success has increased.
CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) responded to complaints of a moose near town, a deer shot out-of-season, an unknown animal digging holes in the yard, and ATV’s operating illegally. Successful hunters are reminder to dispose of animal carcasses properly. Some pets are starting to drag animal parts thru neighborhoods.
CO Tim Gray (Bagley) spoke to the Clearbrook Firearm Safety Class about laws, safety, and ethics. Bear baits, bear hunters, small game hunters, and ATVers were checked.
CO Mike Hruza (Bemidji) responded to a TIP Call of a person shooting ducks. The suspect was located, issued a citation, and the firearm seized. Aquatic plant removal, fishing, and deer hunting complaints were investigated. The officer assisted with setting up a venison donation program. There was a DNR surplus equipment auction at the Bemidji Fairgrounds on Saturday, much of the equipment was moved to the fairgrounds on Friday. Friday evening someone stole motors, gas tanks, batteries, and damaged a vehicle. The officer was able to gain information on a suspect and obtain a search warrant. The warrant execution resulted in most of the stolen property being recovered and the suspect arrested.
CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) checked anglers, bear hunters, archery deer hunters, and goose hunters. Complaints of altering a lake shoreline and wolf depredation were investigated. The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest was patrolled for ATV, OHM, and ORV activity.
CO Chris Vinton (Perham) responded to several ATV trespass, ATV’s operating in a Wild-life Management Area, and deer baiting complaints. Hunting stands were removed from WMAs. Walleye anglers are enjoying good success. The officer worked with the Attorney General’s Office regarding a 2002 timber trespass case.
CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports an increase in archery deer hunting pressure. Many hunters report seeing deer. Complaints of bait placed near deer stands and trespass were investigated. The officer spoke to the Moorhead Firearm Safety Class regarding laws, safety, and ethics.
CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) investigated deer baiting complaints. ATV and angling activity was monitored. Equipment maintenance and repairs were completed.
CO Al Peterson (Osage) checked small game and archery deer hunters. Archery deer hunt-ers were issued citations for hunting over bait. A fish over limit complaint and a camper/squatter in a state forest complaint were investigated.
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