Conservation Officer Report Compiled By Richard Sprouse, Minnesota DNR Weekly Conservation Officer Report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Report Fish & Game Violations Call T.I.P. at 1-800-652-9093 or Cell #TIP	Find out what Riley is reading about! Subscribe today!

CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT
1-23-12                                                                     

District 1 - Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods and the Roseau River.  Anglers are reminded they need to have identification on their portable fishing shelters. CO Huener worked with other conservation officers on a Lake of the Woods work detail.  Numerous over limits of walleye were found along with other violations. 

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations. 

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) organized a work detail on Lake of the Woods with conservation officers from around the state. Fishing success was good for most anglers. Safe travel continues to improve on the lake as colder weather continued. Enforcement action was taken on numerous over limits, illegal length fish, extra lines unattended lines, and other angling violations.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) investigated a gray wolf depredation and assisted a local sheriff’s office with a felony warrant service. The Oslo Rod and Gun Club’s annual banquet was attended and information was provided on new regulations and ethics.  CO Woinarowicz worked with other conservation officers on a fishing enforcement detail on Lake of the Woods. Enforcement action was taken for angle with extra lines, possess dressed fillets on special regulation water, possess illegal length fish, license violations, and multiple over limit of walleye violations. 

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods with anglers having average to good success. Anglers are reminded that ice shelters including portables need to have identification on them. Anglers were checked on the Red Lake and Thief Lake Rivers. Snowmobile activity picked up with some new snow. CO Warren monitored and checked ATV’s that were being used in relation to angling activity. A motorist who had partially slid into a ditch was assisted.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) monitored fishing activity throughout the week. Anglers are reporting fair angling success despite the cold temperatures through most of the week. CO Gorecki participated in a Lake of the Woods work detail where numerous fishing violations were found. Enforcement action taken throughout the week include numerous over limit of walleye, extra lines, unattended lines, angle without license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Blackduck #2 - vacant.

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) reports some snow fell in the area but not enough to increase snowmobile activity. Cold temperatures have made the lake ice better but caution continues to be urged. Bensen and CO Malinowski participated in a radio program speaking about a variety of outdoor topics. He also spoke at a sportsmen’s club meeting in Red Lake Falls.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) checked anglers, snowmobilers, and trappers. Complaints of dogs caught in snares were investigated. Malinowski and CO Bensen participated in a radio program speaking about a variety of outdoor topics. Other law enforcement agencies were assisted, and reports were submitted to the county attorney’s office.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) checked anglers. Complaints of over limits of panfish were investigation. Evidence from cases was processed, and questions about leech trapping answered. Snowmobilers watched the snowfall, hoping there would be enough to play in and improve trail conditions.

CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) checked anglers, ATVs, and trappers. Two grey wolves were accidentally caught in traps. The trapper turned them over to the officer. The wolves were taken by DNR Wildlife staff for testing. Complaints of over limits of fish and operating ATVs in a closed area were investigated.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports improving ice conditions on area lakes with no reports of shelters going through the ice. Many lakes have cracks and ice heaves causing travel and safety issues. 

CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) checked anglers and fish houses. Some fish houses were contacted due to litter and garbage on the ice issues. Ice conditions are improving but caution continues to be urged. A spear fisherman was issued a citation for fishing without a license.  Upon checking, there was an active warrant for his arrest. The angler had $1,300 in unpaid fines from DNR violation convictions going back three years.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) checked anglers, ATVs, and fish houses. Complaints of injured owls and angler trespass were investigated. Anglers are trying to access a lake through posted private property without the landowner’s permission.

Water Resource Officer Traci Hanson scheduled AIS Enforcement Training for other law enforcement agencies. Hanson spoke to a Brownie Troop about winter/ice safety. Wetland alteration status updates were done.

District 3 - Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) followed up on shelter and registration violations. Anglers saw some cold temperatures improving ice conditions, but Richards cautions some areas are still marginal for vehicle travel. Phone calls were received and questions answered on various topics including wolf delisting.  

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked fishing enforcement through the week. Predator hunters were checked and equipment maintenance was performed. Aeration permits areas were inspected as well.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) focused enforcement efforts checking fishermen and shelters.  Ice conditions are still unusual for this time of the year with some open water still present.   Nelson met with local firearms safety instructors to plan upcoming classes.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen, small game hunters, and trappers. A call was received from a local trapper who incidentally snared a bobcat while trapping coyotes in Douglas County. Fishing activity increased on area lakes this week due to improving ice conditions.

CO Jon Paurus (Alexandria) followed up on a wetland and an AIS case. Fishing and trapping activities were monitored. Ice conditions have improved with more fishermen on area lakes.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued to check fishing, spearing and ATV activity on area lakes. Additional time was spent checking predator hunting activity and monitoring the remaining trapping activity; including picking up an incidental fisher catch. The Osakis snowmobile safety class was wrapped up with the students completing the riding portion of the class. Background investigations are also being completed.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Wheaton) checked fishermen, ATV, and snowmobile operators.  Time was also spent checking minnow and fur trappers. Baumbarger spoke at the Traverse County Sportsman’s Club annual meeting. 

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on predator hunting activity, ice fishermen and ATV operation. Ice conditions have improved greatly on area lakes with the recent cold weather. Anderson participated in a work crew on MLK day in Otter Tail County checking fishermen and ATV operators. Several ATV registration violations were found.  Predator hunting activity has increased due to the small amount of recent snow and milder weather.

CO Kurt Nelson (Glenwood) spent the week checking anglers on area lakes. Colder temps and wind reduced angler numbers. Some snow was received, but still not enough to bring the snowmobilers out.

District 4 - Wadena area

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) monitored trapping activity and checked anglers and spear fishermen on local lakes. Parthun spoke with the county attorney regarding active cases, completed some follow up work, and took care of some minor equipment maintenance. An inch of fresh snow on Sunday was a welcomed change. Enforcement action included numerous shelter violations, including no ID, no reflective material, and no shelter license.

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) received a call of a large muskie being angled from a lake.  He found the fish at a local taxidermist, who reported the angler thought he had a large pike.  Officer Oldakowski seized the fish and took enforcement action. He also attended a fur committee meeting and conducted equipment maintenance. 

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) focused on sport fishing activity. In addition, he handled calls regarding a nuisance otter and an injured deer. 
                                            
CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers during the week. More vehicles attempted to cross ice ridges on lakes and ended up going partially through the ice. Officer Mathy also assisted CO Sharp with complaints of motor vehicles operating in non-motorized areas. Enforcement action was taken for unattended lines, fish house identification, and license violations.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) reports that ice fishing was the predominate activity last week; however, some ATV, trapping and equipment issues took place as well. He optimistically took his snowmobile out from storage in the hopes that it may be used this year. Officer Francis also received a TIP call resulting in two parties cited for fishing on a stream trout lake in Cass County. Enforcement action was also taken for illegal ATV operation, no license in possession, and angling without a license.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) monitored ice angling and spearing activity. Angling success continued to be slow. Subzero temperatures and poor weather conditions thickened the ice but appeared to have stalled the interest of anglers. Anglers were observed driving on most lakes but are still advised to use extreme caution as ice conditions continue to vary from lake to lake. Snowmobile activity continues to wait on snowfall. CO Broughten also fielded calls concerning dogs chasing deer and complaints of wolf populations. Enforcement action included no ID on ice shelter, no angling license in possession, expired ATV registration, and no angling license.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) recovered an injured swan. He also had an accidental fisher turned in and investigated deer carcasses dumped in a gravel pit.

CO Colleen Adam (OHV Recreation Officer – Park Rapids) patrolled state forest roads/trails and monitored angling activity during the past week. She also checked fishing shelters for required markings and ATV registrations. 

District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) spent time checking ice fishing activity on Rainy Lake, little activity with colder temperatures moving through area. An accidental timber wolf catch was investigated.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports working on old reports and checking on angling and spearing activity on area lakes. A few small northerns and pan fish were observed.  One very large walleye was observed caught and released on an area lake.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) continued with background responsibilities and spoke with other law enforcement agencies about some concerns. Equipment issues were handled. ATV’s were found operating in a state park; enforcement action is pending. Some trout are sporadically showing up. Radar run permit issues were referred to the proper source.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) primarily checked anglers and angling and fish house litter violation complaints. A call of shots being fired at night was handled with four alcohol consuming people found shooting near a hunting shack. One was cited for possessing drug paraphernalia. Other enforcement action was taken on angling without an angling license in possession and fish house violations. 

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent a majority of his time checking anglers and spear fishermen. Both groups report marginal success. Numerous trapping issues were investigated and will be dealt with by a citation being issued. A mounted lynx was returned to its owner when it was determined the pelt was legally purchased. A case where an individual had been receiving free angling and deer hunting licenses when he was not entitled to them is being investigated.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked fishing and trapping activity. Colder temperatures have made driving on area lakes easier. Office work was completed and equipment maintained. 

Ray - vacant.

I. Falls # 2 - vacant.

District 6 - Two Harbors area

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked fishermen and snowmobiles. Fishing has been fair to good in places and the snowmobiling has been reasonable good, especially on the lakes. The club has been out marking some trails. There are ice ridges and plowed ridges to watch out for. If you launch into the air, there isn’t much below to soften your return to earth/ice. Fishermen really aren’t getting the word that they still need their IDs on their portable fish shelters, regardless of whether they license it or not. Please read the fishing synopsis for details.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports coming across a man with a camera standing outside his car on a slippery road corner. The CO asked the man if everything was alright. He stated that he was just taking pictures of all the owls on the electrical poles. The CO then told the man that the owls were plastic and not real. The CO explained that they are put there to keep woodpeckers off the poles to prevent damage. The man looked at the CO and with a southern accent said a swear word and got back into his car. The CO had a good chuckle and both drove off their separate ways.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers and fish houses. The officer also patrolled snowmobile trails and state parks and checked cross country ski passes. Reports of wolves killing dogs have come in recently and one dead wolf was salvaged for study.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week working off the patrol snowmobile checking backcountry trout lakes. Anglers were having decent luck with rainbows and splake. Shelter identification was a common violation on every lake the officer worked. Officer Wahlstrom also checked snowmobile trails with few sleds venturing on them and followed up on past investigations.

CO Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) met with an Assistant St. Louis County Attorney to discuss the facts of an upcoming trial. CO Thomasen checked area lakes and found fishing success to be on the slow side. Ice conditions have improved on most lakes with the recent cold weather, making travel much easier. Several anglers were reminded of the requirement to have their name, DL number or DNR number displayed on their portable fish houses.

Babbitt - vacant.

District 7 - Grand Rapids area

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) worked anglers, dark house spearers, and bait and off-highway vehicle enforcement on Winnie, Lake of the Woods and other area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for shelters too close to each other for shelter identification, for fish transportation, and for angling license violations. A Minnesota wetland conference was attended in Brooklyn Park. Wetland restoration orders were tracked and one order was extended.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked ice anglers with success had by some. The local walleye and bluegill bite have been good with fish in the bag. Enforcement action was taken for not having an angling license, not having ID on an angling shelter and not having valid registration on an ATV.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, monitored OHV activity and worked snowmobile enforcement. The recent snow brought many sleds out for their first rides of the season. The area fishing success was on the low side for the week. Enforcement action was taken for operate snowmobile on roadway, no ID on fish house and no angling license in possession.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, shelters, trappers and small game hunters. He also worked various complaints during the week.

Hill City - vacant.

District 8 - Duluth area

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked angling enforcement throughout the week and patrolled in the Fond Du Lac State Forest and Moose Lake State Park. CO Humphrey spoke to the Moose Lake area Kiwanis club on a variety of DNR related subjects including the fee initiative campaign. CO Humphrey met with the Carlton County Attorney on deer season cases and charges. CO Humphrey coordinated efforts to construct wood duck boxes with individual’s court ordered to complete community service. Anglers continue to report good success on pan fish and northern pike. Fish house identification continues to be the most frequently seen violation this winter. He completed various types of equipment maintenance. 

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) continued to work on background investigations for new hire Conservation Officers. Officer Duncan also is assisting an out of state Conservation Officer on an investigation of illegally taken animals. Some winter fishing enforcement was also worked during the week. Officer Duncan also met with the county attorney about upcoming scheduled cases. 

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reported ice anglers were again checked for compliance this past week. Violations encountered were no display of identification on ice house, no license in possession, angle without license, angle with extra lines, underage consumption, no current registration on recreational vehicle, operate snowmobile without safety certificate. A case of a person establishing a permanent trail on state land was investigated. The lack of snow in the area has caused some issues for people wanting to burn brush piles without permits.

CO Scott Staples and K-9 Schody (Carlton) started detector training in the metro area with K9 Schody. Time was also spent checking angling activity in the area. Fishing success is slow. Enforcement action was taken for angling with a bare treble hook, unattended lines, angle without license in possession, no reflectors on shelter left on the ice overnight, and fail to display shelter license/identification. A meeting was attended with the fur bearer committee. Follow ups were conducted on older cases from deer and trapping season.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (NE) worked on background investigations for the upcoming Conservation Academy. Officer Scott staffed an Aquatic Invasive Species booth at the Minneapolis Boat Show in conjunction with Ecological Services and Minnesota Sea Grant. Information was passed on to those attending about the issues and concerns of aquatic invasive species. During the boat show, the new aquatic invasive species decal that was mandated by the State Legislature last fall was handed out to boaters at the show. Many questions regarding the new decal were answered as well as where the decal was supposed to be displayed. The new decal is to be displayed somewhere on the watercraft where it will be visible to the occupants of the watercraft.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

CO Keith Olson (Unit Leader-Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers in the harbor. Met with USCG Chief on upcoming ice rescue training with the air boat platform. Taking multiple phone calls on timber wolf de-listing. North Shore anglers showing up.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers on trout lakes in Lake County. He attended a meeting, training and worked on processing evidence from the deer season. 

CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked ice anglers fishing on some of Superior’s protected harbors. Cold weather has finally allowed a few inches of solid ice to form. Commercial enforcement efforts were finalized. Enforcement action taken for no ID on fish shelter and traffic violations.

District 9 - Brainerd area

CO Cary Shoutz (Crosslake) checked fishermen throughout the Crosslake and Emily area.  Enforcement action was taken for no ID on fish houses, no fish licenses in possession and ATV registration issues. Northern pike and pan fish were prevalent.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked on a background investigation and fielded complaints regarding trapping activity and over limits. One trapper was threatened while standing on ice by an adjacent landowner. The trapper was helping out another landowner on the pond by removing the beaver that were damaging the trees on their property. A trapper harassment case is being investigated.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reported activity included taking in incidental fur, checking fishermen, and investigating trapping and dumping complaints

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) worked on a background investigation and checked ice fishermen

CO Patrick McGowan (McGregor) patrolled Aitkin County for ice fishing activity. Anglers are reporting a fair panfish bite. Enforcement action was taken for no ID on fish shelter, ATV registration, and fishing license violations.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) worked on continuing cases from deer and trapping season, and checked anglers on area lakes where walleye action has slowed, but panfish success continues to be good. The officer also assisted with a truck that fell through the ice while pulling a large fish house. The occupants were able to get out and had a cold, wet walk to shore in sub-zero temps, but the truck and fish house remain in the lake.

CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) worked on fishing enforcement this past week. The ice anglers continue to come out and are again urged to use caution on Gull lake. Friday night a pickup truck pulling a fish house attempted to drive across the lake despite the thin ice postings and the dangerous ice conditions. He worked on a trapping violation regarding untagged traps.  Litter reports on the lakes continue to be investigated. He and CO Collette assisted the Cass County Sheriff’s Department with the search for the sunken truck on Gull Lake.   

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

CO Mike Lee (Isle) checked anglers this past week on Mille Lacs Lake, who were reporting perch bite still strong with the walleye bite slowing down. Officer Lee received a report from Mille Lacs WMA manager in regards to a deer caught in a snare. The deer was released with minor injuries to its leg. No trap ID was located on this trap or another that was located.  Follow up will continue, due to the location the traps were set and no identification. Officer Lee also received a report of a live bobcat caught in a snare that had been set for coyotes.  Officer Lee along with CO McGaw, and the trapper attempted to free the bobcat from the snare, but were unsuccessful. The bobcat died as the snare was being cut.

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) worked the ice angling activity. Ice conditions have improved just in time for fishing success to drop off as it often does this time of year. ATVs were common on the ice but so was the lack of proper registration, operator training, and juvenile helmets. A few more snowmobiles were out but conditions are barely suitable, even on lakes. Verkuilen also assisted with on off-road search for a burglary suspect which quickly went back on the road when he stole his second vehicle which was later traded for a third stolen vehicle. An administrative seizure hearing was also held for a firearms seized during deer season. 

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) handled a complaint of a public access being plowed in so vehicles could not pass. He also seized a bobcat that was incidentally caught by a local trapper. Time was also spent finalizing a background investigation.

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) checked anglers on area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for unmarked fish house and failure to have an angling license in possession. Heaton worked on an ongoing bear guide investigation. She patrolled area state forest trails for ATV use.

CO Angela Londgren (Onamia) checked angling and ATV activity on lakes as well as identification on shelters. Calls on car killed deer, nuisance animals, and littering were also taken. Officer Londgren also continues to work complaint areas of ATV’s trespassing to access local lakes.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week checking anglers in the Pine City area. Colder weather has brought generally 12-14 inches of ice through the area. Many people are now driving out with vehicles, but caution should be advised. CO Wynn also followed up on complaints of digging in wetlands and answered questions about snowmobile operation, trapping, and ATV operation. 

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports seeing quite a few fishermen out on Mille Lacs Lake.  The bite varied but a few nice perch and walleye were seen. The ice conditions on Mille Lacs are improving but caution should be used being there are now ice heaves and places with thinner ice. Lots of law related questions were answered throughout the week. Registrations on ATVs and snowmobiles were checked as the Officer checked fishermen. Enforcement action for the week included various fishing violations. 

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) did some follow up work on a wetland complaint and visited a couple farms where wolves were hanging around the livestock. No livestock were lost but wolf signs were found inside pastures and near cattle. Ice conditions improved throughout the area on many lakes but ice still needs to be tested before every fishing trip as some areas are still unsafe for motor vehicles. An ATV broke through the ice earlier in the week. Sub-zero temperatures kept ice angling activity slower than normal.

District 11 - St. Cloud area

CO Robert Haberman (Little Falls) checked anglers on local lakes and rivers. Colder temps in the area are building better ice. Individuals are warned to take caution on unfamiliar bodies of water. ATV trespassing complaints were received. CO Haberman also performed equipment maintenance.

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) checked anglers last week. CO Mies also worked on investigations along with a wetland complaint.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) checked angler activity on area lakes and inspected fish houses for licenses and litter. CO Kuske met with the academy coordinator and set up a work group to update and create new curriculum. CO Kuske attended a MCOA board meeting.

Conservation Officer Mike Martin (St Cloud) checked anglers and snowmobile operators on area lakes and rivers during the past week. Officer Martin spoke at a snowmobile safety class in St. Stephen as well.

CO Keith Bertram (Sauk Centre) spent the week checking anglers. Citations were issued for no ATV registration, extra lines, and possession for drugs. CO Bertram also retrieved an accidentally caught fisher from a trapper.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked anglers, trappers and hunting activity. The officer found coyote hunters out with the new snow. Enforcement action was taken for fishing shelters not having proper ID and licensing, common fishing violations, burning prohibited materials and trapping violations.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) checked anglers, ATV activity, and coyote hunters. Ice continues to improve with most areas having 13 inches or more. Angling success in the area has been on the slow side. Enforcement action for the week included possession of drug paraphernalia, no angling license in possession, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, and expired ATV registration.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) worked on background investigations. Weather conditions have been favorable for lakes to make ice. More people were driving vehicles on area lakes.  Fish seemed a little more cooperative for those willing to put in the time.

District 12 - Princeton area

CO Tony Musatov (Sauk Rapids) spoke at a youth snowmobile safety class. CO Musatov checked trappers and ice anglers. A trespass complaint was investigated and an animal complaint handled.

CO David Schottenbauer (Princeton) worked area anglers. More time was spent on a background investigation for the new CO academy. CO Schottenbauer also spoke at an area snowmobile safety class.

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fishermen on area lakes. He did a Snowmobile Safety enforcement talk at the Becker Middle School to 40 kids. He checked a number of ATV’s for registration and legal operations. He assisted with a couple investigations with charges pending.

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) checked anglers and trappers in Wright County. Reller also gave a ride-along to a student attending Steven’s Point College. Enforcement action was taken for angling with extra lines and ATV violations.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports an ice house and ATV going through the ice earlier in the week. The ice had thinned underneath the ice house due to the previous warm weather and the weight of the house, ATV and fishermen was too much. Another ice house burned to the ice due to faulty heating or electrical equipment. The colder temps have brought more anglers out on area lakes but the fishing success is still low.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) reported ice conditions had improved somewhat. Most anglers are still making the wise choice of using an ATV to drive out to their favorite fishing hole.  Fishing success still remains hit and miss. Time was spent on several lakes in the area but angler numbers remain low. Enforcement action was taken on ATV registration and fish house identification. 

District 13 - West Metro area

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) gave a presentation to Mayer Lutheran High School students on hunting and fishing regulations. After the presentation they shot clay pigeons and went ice fishing. CO Walter had a meeting with a landowner and the SWCD office on illegal drainage of wetlands near New Germany; restoration is being worked on. CO Walter met with organizers of the Vintage Snowmobile Event on ice thickness and safety of Lake Waconia where the event will be held Jan. 27-29. Snowmobile trails were patrolled but with the minimal amount of snow only a few snowmobiles were observed. Several calls were returned on nuisance coyotes in Chanhassen and Chaska but the problems were in city limits where no discharge of firearms is allowed.

CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) completed a background investigation on a conservation officer candidate. She followed up on two wetland violations in Mound and Shorewood. She checked fishermen on area lakes finding violations of extra lines on a designated trout lake, unattended lines, no shelter id and no fish house reflectors. She also spent time checking ATV and snowmobile activity.

CO Aaron Kahre (Minnetonka) checked fishermen on Lake Minnetonka this past week. The CO also patrolled for ATVs and snowmobiles in his area. He found ice conditions to improve with the cold weather. The fishing, however, did not improve.

CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington) received calls regarding nuisance animal complaints. He also followed up on deer hunting cases and equipment maintenance. The majority of the week was spent on angling enforcement.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) administered the test and range day for a student who took the adult online firearms safety course. He also gave a presentation to another group of adult online course students. He investigated a complaint of possible illegal dumping on a lake. CO Neitzke checked fishermen and patrolled Fort Snelling State Park. He also attended a training meeting and responded to a call of an injured deer.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked ice fishing and patrolled WMAs in the metro area. He visited Lao Family Center answering questions regarding fishing and hunting regulations. He also patrolled state parks, state trails, and did some equipment maintenance.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) checked anglers in metro areas lakes. He patrolled Fort Snelling State Park for ice fishing, hiking activities and assisted park naturalists with fishing regulations. Common violations detected included no shelter identification and no fishing license in possession. CO Le responded to several questions about fishing regulations.

District 14 - East Metro area

CO Jason Jensen (Metro WREO) reports giving a talk to the Minnesota Wetland Professionals Association. Officer Jensen also checked area lakes for anglers and aerator systems. CO Jensen worked the Minneapolis Boat Show informing numerous boaters of AIS laws in Minnesota.

CO Travis Muyres (Ham Lake) continued to train CO Staples and K9 Schody in wildlife detection. Several anglers were encountered throughout the county. CO Muyres also cited an individual for leaving stands on a WMA.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) assisted Anoka County Water Patrol on Sunday with a truck that went through the ice on Peltier Lake. The occupant and his dog were able to get out safely. She had a student interview her regarding the duties and responsibilities of a conservation officer for a school project. CO Kruse attended a snowmobile safety class in Arden Hills that was put on by the Ramsey County Water Patrol. She worked fishing and ATV enforcement on area lakes and handled nuisance coyote calls. Violations encountered included failure to register ATV, no fishing license, no identification on fish shelter, failure to register bobcat and no fishing license not in possession.

Eagan - vacant.

Hastings - vacant.

Maplewood - vacant.

Metro Officer - vacant.

District 15 - Marshall area

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports the enforcement focus of the week was ATV, predator hunting and fishing enforcement. Ice thickness increased this past week, and more trucks have ventured out onto the ice. A couple of after season otters were turned in by beaver trappers.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) reports that fishing activity is once again picking up as ice conditions continue to improve in the area. With the fresh snow cover, coyote hunters have also had some success. The officer conducted an investigation regarding an illegally taken deer. 

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) checked ice angling, small game and limited snowmobiling activity throughout the week. Time was also spent picking up trash at public landings. Please take the time to properly dispose of your unwanted trash. A snowmobile safety class was taught in Clinton. 

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) reports that fishing activity has been very good with several lake producing nice perch and walleyes. Snowmobile activity has started with several enforcement contacts.  

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week conducting investigations and checking ice anglers. Snowmobilers hit the ditches with the first snow. Good and bad ice conditions exist on area lakes. 

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) reports that the owner of the fish house that sank off of Boyd’s Landing has been identified. The owner is working on the recovery of the house. The snowmobilers are trying to make the most out of the inch or two of snow that fell.

WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) attended a Wetland Conference in Brooklyn Park. Officer Hanson followed up on PW and WCA cases in the southern region. Background investigations for new Conservation Officer positions were completed for the next phase in the hiring process.

Madison - vacant.

Redwood Falls - vacant.

District 16 - New Ulm area

CO Jim Steffen (Willmar) spent the week checking fishermen, ATV and OHM riders, as well as coyote hunters. Coyote hunters have been having very limited success with the lack of snow to spot the animals on. Ice conditions are improving with the cold temperatures but weak areas exist and extreme caution is advised. Lots of questions relating to ice safety and conditions have been coming in from potential ice fishermen. Ice fishing house numbers are down.

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) focused on checking anglers and ATV operators throughout the week and noted that fishing success has slowed down. Ice conditions have improved, however, there are still areas that have open water or areas that have recently froze over. He took enforcement action on burning prohibited materials.

CO Wayne Hatlestad (Litchfield) checked angling and spearing activity. Additional time was spent checking trapping and small game hunting activity. Hatlestad also checked ATV and snowmobile activity on area lakes. Hatlestad also continued work on a pre-employment background check, and spoke at a snowmobile safety class in Cedar Mills.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked snowmobile, angling and coyote hunting activity. He also followed up on some earlier cases/issues.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) observed the first snowmobile activity of the season with the presence of a few inches of snow fall. Assistance was given to local law enforcement agencies related to vehicle accident. Angling activity is increasing with thicker ice on lakes.  Predator hunting activity has also started. Aeration systems were checked. 

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) talked to a youth snowmobile safety class in New Ulm and attended training in Mankato this past week. Fishing and spearing activity on area lakes and rivers were monitored with some permanent shelters beginning to show up. Reports of muskies being speared on the Minnesota River were received; please call TIP (800-652-9093) with any information. Officer Abraham also checked a few snowmobiles and ATVs, and the new snow brought out the predator hunters, resulting in more pickup traffic on the rural roads than the opening day of deer or pheasant season.

Windom - vacant.

Hutchinson - vacant.

District 17 - Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) spent much of the week on angling enforcement. Despite the cold weather, ice conditions are still highly variable. More areas opened up on area lakes this week, and at least one vehicle is through the ice and completely submerged. CO Howe also attended training, and worked a snowmobile radar run.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) spent the week checking anglers, snowmobile, and ATV operators as well as responding to TIP calls. Officer Ihnen assisted in dealing with an individual dropping a pickup through the ice on an area lake. CO Ihnen also attended computer training.

CO Julie Siems (Faribault) reports completing the background investigation assignment. A snowmobile detail was worked in the county. Several meetings were attended. Violations include trespass, no shelter ID, unattended line and no ATV registration. 

CO Bob Geving (Mankato) worked ATV and angling activities. Geving also attended division training. Enforcement actions included unregistered ATV’s, unmarked fish shelters, and license not in possession. 

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) checked ice angling activity this past week. Better ice conditions seemed to bring more anglers out to the lakes. Aeration inspections were completed in the station. Small game hunting activity and ATV use was also monitored. The officer also attended training in Mankato.

CO Tom Hutchins (Albert Lea) reports spending the beginning of last week on a work detail along the North Shore. Time was also spent checking snowmobilers and ATV operators.  Predator hunters and anglers were also checked. Ice conditions have improved on area lakes and more permanent fish houses have been placed on the ice. 

Owatonna - vacant.

Spring Valley - vacant.

District 18 - Rochester area

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports recent snow fall brought out snowmobilers. There’s only 8 inches on the ground, which isn’t enough for the groomers so trails remain in poor condition. Northern, bluegill and perch are keeping the ice anglers busy. A couple of folks pushed their boats to the open water below the dam sites and have had good luck with sauger. The snow helped coyote hunters have a good week. An eagle was picked up and sent to the Minnesota Raptor Center.

CO Dan McBroom (Rochester) spent the week on fishing, big game, small game, and snowmobile enforcement. The Rochester area did receive a little bit of snow and a few that could not wait any longer were out with their sleds. Trail conditions are still very poor and more snow needed before they will improve. With the colder temperatures the ice has gotten better but caution is still advised. Training was attended in Mankato and a meeting attended in Rogers. Arrangements were made for the Wall of Shame to be transported to the Rochester Sport Show, which runs Friday through Sunday at the Civic Center in Rochester. Planning was started for the upcoming turkey youth hunt in Olmsted County at Chesterwoods Park.  Applications for the hunt are due by February 13th and can be found on-line at www.mndnr.gov/discover.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) and CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) spent several days working in the Lake of the Woods area. They worked with several officers from that area checking fish houses from snowmobiles. The violations found included taking fish over limits, taking fish in the protected slot, fishing with extra lines, possessing fillets on the lake, along with ATV, snowmobile, and drug violations. In one case the officers discovered carcasses from illegally taken walleye that were hidden in holes the fishermen had drilled in the ice and had covered with snow.

CO Phil George (Rochester) checked anglers, ATV operators, and snowmobilers. He attended computer training in Mankato. He assisted with a coyote hunting trespass complaint in Rice County. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of pan fish on special regulation waters, trespass on agriculture land, no license, unattended lines, and expired registrations on ATVs and Snowmobiles.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) responded to a report of a poached deer south of Spring Valley. Anyone with any information regarding the incident should call the TIP hotline. Time was also spent checking the few snowmobilers that were out; compliance was high. Coyote hunters were out with a few coyotes being taken. Trespassing shed hunter complaints are also coming in.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Zumbrota) reports working a busy week of ice fishing enforcement, mainly on the backwater of the Mississippi River. Many fish were checked including bass, northern, walleye, as well as pan fish. The new snow also brought out a few more coyote hunters who were having some success.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) came across a vehicle that had crashed and was on its side in front of the CO’s house. Everyone was okay and one of the occupants ran to the CO’s house to call for help. CO Heyn’s wife answered the door and asked if they wanted her to call the police for them. The individual didn’t think that was a good idea because he said he didn’t have a license and was borrowing the vehicle. When the individual left the house and went back to the crashed vehicle CO Heyn was already on scene. The individual that ran to the nearby house initially told CO Heyn he wasn’t driving the vehicle. When CO Heyn told him that the lady he talked to was his wife, and that she had called him to inform him that the driver of the vehicle didn’t have a license; he was a little shocked and then admitted the truth. 

CO Scott Moran (Wabasha) reports that ice is getting better but fishing is not necessarily following suit. Snowmobilers are trying the trails but there is very little snow in the area, especially compared to further south. A day long training event was attended in Mankato. The laws portion of a snowmobile safety was presented at a class in Wabasha. 

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 Tom Buker (New Ulm) worked winter anglers and predator hunters. With the recent cold spell, ice conditions have improved but are still marginal in some areas. Aircraft and vehicle maintenance issues were addressed and division training was completed.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) worked on pilot training with standby Pilot Brad Maas.

CO Pilot Don Murray (Grand Rapids) flew marten and moose telemetry flights during the week and checked fishing activity on remote lakes. Aviation training and aircraft maintenance items were also completed.

CO Pilot Tom Pfingsten (Brainerd) flew fisher and wolf telemetry, and worked on aviation training requirements.

NR Standby Pilot Brad Maas continued flight training with NR pilot/CFI John Heineman.

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 16, 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, 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.
See Also:
STAFF NOTES:
Recreational Vehicle Coordinator Leland Owens attended a Defensive Tactics review and planning meeting one day last week in preparation for the upcoming spring in-service and academy. Owens continued with interviews and data collection on a background investigation that is nearing completion. Work was maintained on the Youth ATV Safety CD throughout the week. The project is currently on schedule according to contract. Time was spent last week on numerous emails, many of which were related to upcoming Snowmobile and ATV Instructor training along with Trail Ambassador training.

West Central RTO Frank Rezac reports reviewing Defensive Tactics lesson plans for Officer in-service with the DT team leader. He also provided recertification training for a Bow Hunter Education instructor and planned/took registration for upcoming safety training instructor training sessions. Planning was also done for filming an All Day Range and Field Day in St. Cloud.

Northeast Metro RTO Bruce Lawrence conducted Firearms Safety instructor training for the St. Paul MDHA chapter community. Several instructors were trained in the classroom firearms safety program. RTO Lawrence attended a FAS class at the White Bear Lake community center and firearms safety instructor meeting and 2012 planning session for youth safety. RTO Lawrence also attended meeting with St. Paul staff on enhancement for outdoor culture of safety aspect. RTO Lawrence prepares updates to student training manuals. RTO Lawrence assisted with planning and attending retirement party for recent retired RTO Ross Opsahl.

Southern RTO Jeff Fleming assisted HEFAS instructors with questions about the online training course, and setting up training for their respective volunteer groups. Assistance was given to Districts 17 and 18 with snowmobile and trespass enforcement issues. He also worked on instructor background.

Southwest Metro RTO Position is currently vacant.

Northwest RTO Position is currently vacant

RTO                           PHONE NUMBERS/E-MAIL:
Leland Owens              763-753-1887             leland.owens@state.mn.us
Shelly Patten                 218-244-8051             shelly.patten@state.mn.us
Jim Hatlevig                  218-758-2459             james.hatlevig@state.mn.us

Frank Rezac                 320-230-8549             frank.rezac@state.mn.us

Bruce Lawrence           651-674-2705             bruce.lawrence@state.mn.us
Jeff Fleming                  507-765-2724             jeff.fleming@state.mn.us

Education Specialist:  Vacant

Curriculum Coordinator:  Vacant

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