MN Conservation Officer Weekly Reports

The purpose of the Division of Enforcement weekly report is to promote the activities performed by Division of Enforcement personnel in protecting Minnesota's natural resources through effective law enforcement and education. Information is gathered from the Division's 18 districts as well as various subsections and compiled and edited by the Division public information officer.

District 1 - Baudette area

Last updated: 2011-03-14


CO Ben Huener (Roseau) monitored angling and snowmobile activity on Lake of the Woods and around the Roseau and Kittson County areas. CO Huener worked with a Manitoba Game Warden to return illegal animal skulls to Canada. A law and ethics presentation was given to the Lancaster Snowmobile Safety class.

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) worked with other agencies on a restoration order for a ditching project. The weekend brought a snowmobile race to Warroad and a lot of spectators. Neighboring CO Birchem assisted with extra enforcement efforts surrounding the race. Numerous snowmobile, OHM, and trail violations were addressed.

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) worked complaints of illegal snowmobile operation on the Warroad River with CO Milbridge. Enforcement action was taken on speeding, snowmobile registration, registration on off-road motorcycle, illegal equipment and no trail stickers. CO Birchem checked anglers on Lake of the Woods. Snow and ice conditions remain good with some slush appearing. Enforcement action was taken on unattended lines and fish house I.D.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) checked area snowmobile activity and took calls on injured deer. Equipment maintenance was performed. Enforcement activity for the week included take northern in closed season and commercial vehicle trespass in a Wildlife Management Area.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) monitored angling activity and fish house removal from area waters. Snowmobile activity was worked with fewer individuals out on trails. CO Warren received calls of a dog chasing deer, an injured deer in a yard, and an individual feeding deer in the no feed area. Preparations for the upcoming spring thaw and possible flood activity continued.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck) monitored snowmobile trails in the area and prepared a report for the county attorney for an upcoming court case. CO Vollbrecht responded to two separate calls for injured Bald Eagles.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) reports an increase in angling activity on Lake of the Woods throughout the week. Anglers are reporting the best success near Long Point in 35 feet of water. CO Gorecki also spent time checking snowmobilers using area trails. Snowmobilers are reminded that they need a snowmobile trail pass in order to use Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails. Enforcement action taken during the week included angle with extra lines, angle without a license, over limit of walleye, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) checked anglers, predator hunters, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Fish house removal activity was monitored. Complaints of wolf/cattle depredation, possible shot deer, and a wolf chasing children (it turned out to be the neighbor?s dog) were investigated. A court case involving a bear shot out of season was settled, Firearms Safety Classes were scheduled, and hunting/angling questions were answered.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) responded to a call of a wolf hit and killed by a vehicle. Anglers were checked, and the remaining fish houses marked and inventoried.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) checked anglers, the panfish bite is improving. Ice conditions are changing as the temperatures increase and water is starting to flow. People venturing onto the ice should monitor the changes closely. A timber trespass on private property was investigated, and a taxidermy shop checked.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) monitored fish house removal, and reminded fish house owners to clean up around their house and remove all blocking material from the ice. Some snowmobiles were out but activity is slowing. Equipment was readied for flood response. The officer spoke to the Wolverton Firearms Safety Class about laws, safety, and ethics.

CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Fish house removal and cleanup was monitored. A few fish houses remain on the ice south of HWY 10, and action to contact the owners and remove the houses is in progress. Issues involving smelt and cisco for bait, and the origin of the product were investigated.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) checked anglers and monitored fish house removal. Enforcement action was taken for wanton waste; the person was leaving northern pike on the ice. The officer assisted with answering questions at the Minnesota Deer Classic.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) checked anglers and snowmobilers, activity is slowing for both. Fish house removal activity was monitored. Several houses were left on the ice after the deadline. Public accesses were also checked for shelters left there. A trapping complaint, a fish related TIP call, and an accidentally taken fisher call was investigated.

Water Resource Officer Traci Hanson attended a meeting with local government officials about wetland alteration issues and cases. The officer also attended the Wetland Summit in Chanhassen. Snowmobilers and anglers were checked. Issues related to smelt and cisco used for bait and the origin of the fish was investigated. Concerns of the bait coming from VHS infested waters.

Bemidji #1 - vacant.

District 3 - Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) checked lakes for shelters remaining after the deadline and was pleased to see high compliance with removal. Richards took complaints of trespass and responded to an injured deer call. Panfish anglers were observed with fair success reported. Anglers are reminded the possession limit is the same as their daily limit with the exception of perch. Fines for over limit can add up fast and expensive equipment can be seized.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) spent time working at Camp Ripley assisting staff with Instructor safety education materials. Plautz also worked on inventory reconciliation and an upcoming instructor banquet.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) focused enforcement efforts on checking fishermen and making sure all lakes were clear of fish shelters after the deadline this week. Nelson assisted the sheriff?s department with a car accident. Additional time was spent checking predator hunters and working on spring FAS classes.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen, snowmobilers and monitored fish house removal. Osborne contacted two individuals that were fishing on an area lake that had two northerns on the ice. During the contact Osborne observed the odor of burnt marijuana in the fish house. The occupants gave the rest of the marijuana and paraphernalia to Osborne. Enforcement action was also taken for litter, unregistered snowmobiles, fish shelters left on the ice after the deadline and possession of northern pike out of season.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued to check fishing and snowmobiling activity throughout the week. Additional time was spent monitoring fish house removal, following up on litter complaints, and checking trapping and predator hunting activity. Assistance was provided to the Alexandria PD in the recovery of a stolen snowmobile.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Wheaton) spent time checking predator hunters, snowmobilers, and issuing minnow transportation permits. Baumbarger answered angling questions and received a few wildlife complaints. Snowmobilers and fishermen are reminded to use caution when venturing onto the ice as moving water and warm weather can deteriorate ice conditions quickly.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts checking fish house removal, ice anglers and snowmobilers. Snowmobile trails are starting to have a few bare patches due to the sun?s increased melting power this time of year. Anglers did a good job removing all fish houses from area lakes by the March 7 deadline. Anderson assisted University of Minnesota Morris Research Farm personnel round up 30 head of cattle that got out during the blizzard conditions on Saturday. Calls were fielded this week about firearms safety training.

CO Kurt Nelson (Glenwood) reports all but two fish houses were removed from area lakes and as of the weekend only one remains. Fishing has slowed in the area recently. Complaints have been investigated regarding coyote hunters leaving carcasses along the shoulder of roadways. Coyote hunters are encouraged to properly dispose of the animals.

Alexandria - vacant.

District 4 - Wadena area

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) assisted in a trapping case involving the potential illegal take of an animal. He monitored anglers who were venturing out after spring panfish. Officer Oldakowski also investigated a license fraud case and assisted local agencies with a garage fire.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) reports perch anglers are still in pursuit of great fishing. Angling catch rates have been slowly rising over the past few weeks. Officer Mathy also conducted a taxidermy inspection with Officers Broughten and Parthun. Enforcement action was taken for minor angling violations.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) reports fishing pressure remains low, despite the improved access. Angler success is sporadic, with some fish in the bag but size remains mall. Snowmobile activity has been slow as trail conditions are marginal at best. Officer Francis also received a complaint of dogs chasing deer.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent this past week monitoring angling and snowmobiling activity. Angling success was slow with fewer anglers venturing out. He observed very few snowmobiles on the trails due to poor trail conditions. CO Broughten also assisted neighboring officers with a commercial taxidermy inspection and provided an individual with an educational ride along opportunity. Enforcement action included angling and ATV violations.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) monitored angling activity in the area during the last week. He also monitored lakes for compliance with fish house removal regulations.

CO Shane Siltala (Water Resource Enforcement Officer) completed and submitted an invasive species work plan for Districts 3 and 4. Officer Siltala also assisted local officers with monitoring compliance with fish house removal deadlines.

District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling activities which continue to be minimal with little fish being caught, snowmobile trails and snowmobile activity continue to be monitored. Law review, directive updates, and calendaring/work planning are ongoing. Seasonal equipment continues to be cleaned and inventoried.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports checking area lakes and public accesses for abandoned fish houses and garbage. Once again it appears that the people did a very good job of cleaning up after themselves. The area snowmobile trails are deteriorating quickly with the warming weather. Car killed deer and wolf killed deer were reported. Work was completed on a patrol vehicle.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) continued work on a large taxidermy case and monitored fish house removal. Pan fishermen were out, but success was found to be spotty. Speed and alcohol issues on snowmobiles were worked on Lake Vermilion with CO Frericks. Snowmobile trails were in good condition through the weekend; however warm weather will take its toll. State park issues were also worked on.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) patrolled area snowmobile trails as well as lakes and rivers. Trails are still seeing heavy use and are starting to show wear. Operators are advised to be cautious on corners and curves as those areas tend to be iced over. Crappie anglers on some area lakes were checked. A hot bite earlier in the week has cooled off significantly this past weekend. Ice shelters continue to be photographed and marked by GPS. Several owners of ice shelters will be receiving citations for littering. CO Frericks would like to remind all owners of ice shelters that the excuse, ?I was going to come and pick up the litter later? does not work.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) has found with the slight increase in temperatures ATVs have started to show up on roadways. ATV violations of no license displayed, expired license and driving after cancellation were found. Very few snowmobiles seen out and about, most riders have had enough for the year. Crappies are being caught on the smaller pan fish lakes.

Ray - vacant.

I. Falls # 2 - vacant.

District 6 - Two Harbors area

CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers this past week and responded to a litter and vandalism complaint. CO Velsvaag checked a few snowmobilers but conditions are deteriorating. Fish houses are still coming off area lakes with the upcoming deadline.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) investigated a call about a dead timber wolf and observed that it was killed by other wolves. Citations were issued for snowmobile speed violations, and he tracked down a litter violation party. Persons taking their fish houses off the ice are reminded that the carpet, bricks, wood, cardboard, and all the other foreign materials that froze into the ice, are to removed too.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a local snowmobile club trout derby on Gunflint Lake yielded very few fish. Snowmobile trails are in excellent condition, but subject to change quickly at this time of year. Unattended lines and people with no fishing licenses were encountered. One young man was sitting in a fish house with his laptop and video games, but no fishing pole.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) worked lakes and trails. Anglers report slow fishing success. Manning took care of office work, checked ski passes, state parks and SNAs.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers on area lakes and monitored snowmobile activity. Fishing has slowed but a few fish were in the bag for those that put their time in. The Officer received calls regarding snowmobiles laws and car kill deer.

CO Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) received a call from a citizen reporting that his dog had likely been killed by wolves near his home. Anglers are starting to show up in larger numbers along the North Shore as fish begin to stage in front of rivers. Ice flows on the big lake are the constant variable, with the wind dictating if an area will be fishable on any given day.

Babbitt - vacant.

Silver Bay - vacant.

District 7 - Grand Rapids area

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, monitored snowmobile activity, serviced watercraft, taught the laws portion of a snowmobile class, checked the area cross country ski trails and assisted the state patrol. The area panfish and perch bite has picked up last week, with many limits of fish taken. Enforcement action was taken for overlimit of perch, angling license issues, snowmobile registration issues and warrant arrest.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked ice angling activity over the past week with many individuals out taking advantage of the dwindling snow cover on the lakes. Anglers can now fish areas that weren?t accessible during the mid-winter due to deep snow. Pan-fishing over the weekend was good and multiple fish were caught. CO Sutherland is currently dealing with multiple angling houses for litter and that are frozen into the lakes. Snowmobile activity was down due to the icy conditions.

CO Randy Patten (Northome) patrolled area snowmobile trails and checked anglers.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked snowmobiles, fishermen and cross-country ski trails. He also handled fishing and litter complaints during the week.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) worked anglers on infested and other area waters. Angler success varied considerably with the many weather fronts moving through the area. CO Arhart also worked open public waters and Wetland Conservation Act cases, did some division trapper education planning and received a suspect fish-winter kill report. He gave a presentation to contractors, realtors and landscapers concerning wetland and public waters laws and rules in conjunction with the North St. Louis County program.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) checked angling activity this past week on area lakes. A lot of people have removed their houses from lakes. Remember, you have to remove all your garbage, including whatever materials used to block up the house earlier in the season. If blocks are frozen in, find a way to get them out. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.

Bigfork - vacant.

Grand Rapids - OHV Specialist - vacant.

District 8 - Cloquet area

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) finished up an investigation where a farmer?s calf was killed by wolves. Area lakes were checked to make sure that fish houses were off by the deadline. Enforcement action was taken for failing to remove a fish house by deadline and leaving a shelter on the ice over night without reflectors. A meeting was attending to assist with upcoming training on trapping enforcement. Snowmobile activity is very low with trails in the area in fair to poor condition. Some time was also spent getting the station boat ready in case it is needed for flood response this spring. One complaint of dogs chasing deer is currently under investigation.

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) investigated complaints of garbage, ice houses, and house blocking material left on area lakes and public accesses. The officer investigated a recreational trespass involving ATVs. Officer Schmidt investigated a suspected wolf depredation involving cattle. An injured eagle was recovered and delivered to an area rehabber

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent time finishing office work and computer work. This included organizing email and computer work. Field work involved winter fishing and snowmobile enforcement. Officer Duncan also investigated a deer dumping location.

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) received an anonymous TIP call uncovering several violations stemming from last year?s Firearm Deer Season. A few ice shelter issues were followed up on. Trout anglers were checked along the North Shore. A road killed wolf was reported.

District 9 - Brainerd area

CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) investigated a timber wolf depredation complaint for a Pine River Rancher who reported a loss. Two other residents also reported seeing timber wolves near their livestock enclosures, but hadn?t experienced a loss at that point. A local man was cited for leaving his fish house on an area lake almost a week past the March 7 deadline. Officer Shoutz handled inquiries from fishermen who had questions regarding lawful water access (for ice fishing) on public waters that have no public access. A stream or lake is lawfully accessible if the public road right-of-way abuts the surface of the water or if you have permission to cross private land to reach the water surface.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) checked angling activity. Snowmobile trails have diminished and bare ground is visible on portions of the trail. Officer Guida also prepared station equipment for flood response and was contacted by a college student regarding a ride along opportunity.

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) monitored area lakes for fish house removal compliance, checked fishing and cross-country ski trail activity, gave a talk on laws and hunter ethics to the firearm safety program at Cuyuna Range Elementary school, and spoke with high school students interested in natural resource careers at the Central Minnesota Career Exploration Fair at Central Lakes College. Enforcement contacts were made for no ski passes, illegal use of ski trails, and fish house related violations including litter, identification, and being left out overnight past the removal deadline.

CO Tim Collette (Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area) dealt with fish houses left on the ice after the removal deadline, investigated complaints of dogs chasing deer, continued work on emergency plans for the mountain bike trails in the recreation area and checked anglers.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) took questions on the local radio call in show and at the Aitkin Sports Show. The laser shot system was also available at the show for young people to test their shooting abilities. A complaint from the firearms deer season was also investigated.

CO Brent Speldrich (McGregor) continued checking lakes in the area for debris removal and worked other issues. Anglers were reporting a good bite. Area snowmobile trails are in poor condition and ATV users were found on area trails. ATV operators are reminded that snowmobile trails are not open to ATV use. The Soo Line Trail does not open until April 1st and most off-shoot ATV trails are closed beyond that.

CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) worked on ice angling related issues. Fishing has slowed and anglers are not finding pan fish very active. Some of the violations observed were no license, extra lines and unattended lines. Snowmobile enforcement received some time this past week. The trails are in poor condition but the lakes remain good and slush free. Some of the violations observed were expired registration, speeding and trespass. He worked on litter violations on Gull and White Sand. The complaint was of wood blocks and rubbish left behind from anglers with fish houses. He also worked with CO Collette and WREO CO Tischler on the report of dock company?s moving shore stations and docks from infested water. The company was identified and appropriate action taken.

Pequot Lakes - vacant.

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

CO Mike Lee (Isle) checked pan fisherman this past week with good numbers of perch coming off of Mille Lacs Lake. Officer Lee reports that good compliance was observed on fishing shelter removals. Officer Lee received a call of a coyote that had been caught in a snare trap. Officer Lee learned from the property owner that the traps were also placed on his property without his permission. The coyote was dispatched and follow-up investigation will follow.

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) followed up on investigations and completed reports. She signed permits for antique snowmobiles and possession permits were issued for car kill deer. Area angling still remains slow and snowmobile trails were in fair to poor condition.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week following up on commercial investigations. He took calls on car injured animals and questions about ice shacks. He checked State Forest areas and spent time checking anglers and snowmobilers over the weekend. Snowmobilers are cautioned against riding on the Snake River between Cross and Pokegama Lakes. The warmer weather has opened up large areas along the river making travel dangerous.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) assisted CO Mlynar with the Aitkin Commerce and Sports Show. Croatt also checked fishing activity on area lakes and issued car kill permit for deer.

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) checked ice anglers throughout the week and many were still driving pickups on the ice. Anglers driving on the ice were cautioned as areas of open water are showing up near creek inlets and outlets and quality of ice was starting to degrade due to the strength of the sun. Snowmobiling activity was slow and some sections of trail were flooded with water or melted down to the dirt.

CO Jim Tischler (Water Resources, Brainerd) assisted with fish house removal clean up in the Brainerd area, submitted aquatic invasive species work plan for 2011 and performed administrative activities associated with WCA enforcement.
CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports monitoring the ice house removal earlier in the week. Houses were removed and a few areas of litter left on the ice were investigated. Fishermen were checked and a few perch were seen. Several phone calls regarding law related questions were fielded.

District 11 - St. Cloud area

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) checked anglers in Stearns and Wright counties. CO Mies checked the lakes for fish houses left after the dead line.CO Mies gave a couple talks in the area. CO Mies checked sleds and ATVs.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) provided a ride along to a student interested in becoming a CO. The officer attended a snowmobile safety course for youth and presented the laws and ethics portion of the course. The officer monitored fishing shelter removal from area lakes finding a few still left out after the deadline. Vehicle maintenance and administrative duties were also performed.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) monitored panfish bites on area lakes and followed-up on complaints of people taking overlimit. CO Kuske checked station lakes for fish houses left past the removal deadline. CO Kuske attended a work group meeting to address issues related to taxidermy businesses. CO Kuske met with the county attorney reference a deer case from last fall.

CO Robert Haberman (Little Falls) checked anglers on local lakes and rivers. A group of anglers were out on a local lake when CO Haberman and another CO caught them using tip ups and sucker minnows. One angler stated he was using them to catch anything big. Only one of the three fishermen had licenses. Law enforcement action was taken. CO Haberman also checked several ATVs throughout the week.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) checked fishermen. Although there were numerous shelters remaining until the very end, they did make it off the ice by the deadline. Angling success remains slow. CO Friese attended a TEP meeting at Todd SWCD.

CO Keith Bertram (Sauk Centre) spent the week checking fishermen and working the fish house deadline. Enforcement action was taken for leaving fish houses on the lakes after the deadline, leaving fish houses in public accesses, and litter. CO Bertram also handled a trespass call involving coyote hunters.

District 12 - Princeton area

CO Tony Musatov (Sauk Rapids) worked fish house removal, litter, and illegal storage of fish houses on a public access. A case was made involving shooting from a motor vehicle, taking squirrel out of season, and wanton waste. Several animal complaints were handled.

CO David Schottenbauer (Princeton) continued work on area commercial inspections. CO Schottenbauer spent time getting area boats and other equipment prepared for spring flooding emergencies. CO Schottenbauer also checked area anglers and a few snowmobiles as well.

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fishermen and snowmobilers. He issued written warnings and summons for improperly marked fish houses, failure to display license tag, fish house on ice after legal deadline and no fish house license. He did a number of commercial inspections on minnow dealer and retailers.

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) gave presentations to Firearms Safety Classes in Waverly and Hanover. Reller also assisted neighboring officer with a shooting from a motor vehicle call. Enforcement action was taken for leaving fish house on lake after deadline, leave fish house on public access, shoot from a motor vehicle, take small game out of season, wanton waste and angle with extra lines.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a good ice shelter off date. All but one shelter was removed from area lakes before the deadline. Several houses were left on public accesses. Pan fishing was slow on area lakes. Only a few brave snowmobilers were out riding over the weekend. A few calls were received regarding deer carcasses. The snow melt has uncovered a few in undesirable locations.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) checked ice anglers on various lakes in the area. Fishing success has been spotty. Time was spent talking at a firearms safety class in Ogilvie. A fish kill was investigated at Devils Lake and oxygen level tests were later preformed by DNR Fisheries staff. Oxygen levels in the lake were extremely low. Time was also spent investigating a prohibited materials burn.

CO Brian Dobbick (Cambridge) checked area lakes for fish house removal. Anglers were checked and wildlife complaints were handled. Time was also spent teaching the law portion of a snowmobile safety class in Cambridge. Enforcement was taken for angling violations and storing fish houses on a public access.

District 13 - West Metro area

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) investigated fish houses left on the lakes after the legal deadline and fish houses left on public access sites, citations were issued. Raccoon trappers were checked; with the warmer weather a few were being caught. A firearms safety presentation was given to a class in Norwood Young America.

CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) monitored fish house removal on area lakes. All shelters were removed by the deadline with very little litter left behind. She also spoke at a Turkey Clinic at Baker Park.

CO Aaron Kahre (Minnetonka) checked fishermen on area lakes. He followed up on a couple of littering complaints in regards to the ice shelter removal deadline. The CO also followed up on some past license cases.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) assisted with setting up the Wall of Shame at the Deer Classic. He attended a training meeting. CO Neitzke patrolled for ATV, snowmobile, and fishing enforcement. He also patrolled Ft. Snelling State Park and investigated a complaint of a dog chasing wildlife.

CO Adam Block (Prior Lake) spent the week working mainly angling activity. Time was also spent monitoring fish shelter removal. CO Block attended a meeting with other Scott County Law Enforcement agencies during the week. Assistance was given to the Alberta Canada Fish and Wildlife Division regarding a hunting investigation.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked fishing, ATV, and snowmobiling activity in the metro area throughout the week. He transferred his equipment from Ft. Snelling State Park in preparation for potential flooding. He worked at the Lao Family Center answering questions regarding fishing and small game regulations. He also organized firearms safety classes with instructors and returned calls.

Osseo - vacant.

District 14 - East Metro area

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) talked to firearms safety classes at the Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine and the community center in North Oaks. She dealt with owners of fish houses that weren?t removed from lakes by the deadline and litter that was left from fish houses. Appropriate paperwork was issued. CO Kruse assisted with a deer removal program in Ramsey County, handled nuisance animal calls and continues working on a trespass case.

CO Jason Jensen (Metro WREO) submitted 2011 open water work plans. Officer Jensen closed a WCA file in Ramsey County. CO Jensen also attended a short training class and performed some historical research for a memorial project.

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) checked both ice and open water anglers throughout the week. Snowmobile trails are starting to deteriorate with the warmer temperatures and lack of new snow. CO McGowan also investigated a poached deer.

CO Brad Johnson (Maplewood) rescued an injured Bald Eagle on the St. Croix River in Bayport. The eagle had been injured in a territorial fight with another eagle. Both eagles were still holding on to one another when he arrived. The injured eagle was transported to The Raptor Center for treatment. CO Johnson was called by the Oak Park Heights Police Department to retrieve an American coot that had landed in a mall parking lot. While CO Johnson was in the process of capturing the coot, a Red-Tailed hawk swooped down and grabbed the coot. Fortunately for the coot, the hawk let go. The coot was transported to The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. CO Johnson took enforcement action for an unlicensed ice shelter that was left on the ice past the deadline. He spoke to Turkey Hunter Clinics in Lake Elmo and Woodbury. CO Johnson also assisted with the Wall of Shame at the Deer Classic this past weekend.

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) checked ice anglers around the metro lakes and patrolled for ATVs, and assisted a neighboring Conservation Officer with a fish house that was left on a lake. CO Pril also assisted with a deer removal program and helped with the disassembling of the Wall of Shame in Saint Paul. He also answered several calls and complaints.

CO Travis Muyres (Ham Lake) worked ice anglers in Anoka County. Only one shelter was left on the ice after the removal deadline. CO Muyres also worked snowmobile patrol in northern Anoka County.

CO Tony Salzer (Eagan) patrolled Dakota and Ramsey counties for angling activity. CO Salzer checked Dakota and Ramsey counties for ice houses that had been left out after the deadline. No houses were observed on Dakota County lakes but there were a few ice houses left out on White Bear Lake. CO Salzer also worked at the 2011 Deer Classic.

Metro Officer - vacant.

District 15 - Marshall area

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports teaching the law / ethic portion of the firearms safety course to the classes in Benson and Kerkhoven. Both classes are well attended. Watercraft and related equipment was prepared for possibly spring flooding. A snowmobile detail was worked with local law enforcement. Fawn deer are being found dead by this officer and others.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) monitored angling, snowmobiling and predator hunting activity. A firearms safety class was scheduled. Numerous questions about the license fee initiative were taken. Several calls were handled in the vacant Madison station.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) checked area lakes with CO Henriksen. All the fish houses made it off by the March 7deadline. CO Picht wrote several minnow import permits and checked several commercial minnow traps. Flood preparation continues.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working predator hunters and working sleds. Sledding activity remains high. Enforcement action was taken for license/stamp/registration violations.

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the week working fishing, commercial, state park, and snowmobile enforcement. Flood equipment was readied and aeration system inspections were also completed. The fish house removal deadline saw good compliance. With temps warming a few snow geese are starting to show up. The law and ethics portion of a firearms safety class was taught in Walnut Grove.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) conducted audits on area taxidermists and responded to several nuisance animal complaints. The Officer prepared all equipment which might be needed in the event he is called upon to respond to a flood emergency. Several out-of-state minnow transport permits were also issued.

Wetland Enforcement Officer Larry Hanson continued to follow-up on WCA and Public Waters cases. A Brown County contractor meeting was attended along with BWSR, the LGU and the Corp of Engineers. A work plan for invasive species for the 2011-2012 year was also completed. Several new ideas are in line for the up-coming spring and summer.

Madison - vacant.

Redwood Falls - vacant.

District 16 - New Ulm area

CO Jim Steffen (Willmar) spent the week checking fishermen, fishing shelter removal compliance, aeration systems, and coyote hunters. Time was also spent working snowmobile trails and enforcement of snowmobile regulations. Fishing has slowed down with a few crappies being seen in the bag. Lake conditions are starting to deteriorate.

CO Angela Graham (Hutchinson) checked local lakes for shelter removal date, checked anglers and snowmobiles. Officer Graham also continued working on an investigation and patrolled for coyote hunters.

CO Wayne Hatlestad (Litchfield) checked angling and snowmobile activity. Additional time was spent handling fish house removal issues, including litter and houses left in public accesses. Hatlestad also checked trapping and predator hunting activity.

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) received calls about injured deer and an abandoned snowmobile. He assisted with follow up on a deer case. He also followed up on a concern about a Wildlife Management Area that was undergoing a habitat improvement project.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) monitored shelter removals from all primary and vacant station lakes. No issues of shelters left on ice were observed or reported. Angling activity is still strong on a few lakes. Litter on lakes and public accesses were the same as past years. ATV activity has increased. Predator hunting activity has declined.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) spent time making sure ice house were removed after the deadline. Time was also spent doing snowmobile enforcement. CO Oberg followed up on several calls regarding deer health and hunting unprotected animals.

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) checked angling activity and shelters as well as public water access sites. He also checked crow hunters and raccoon trappers. He also worked on flood preparation

Windom - vacant.

District 17 - Albert Lea area

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) continues to find anglers having success on area lakes. Snowmobile activity has slowed considerably with the deteriorating snow conditions. The officer taught a law and ethics section of the snowmobile safety course to a group of enthusiasts in Watonwan County. A turkey clinic was attended as well.

CO Julie Siems (Faribault) reports checking anglers and small game hunters. A complaint of deer feeding was addressed along with an injured deer complaint. A meeting was attended with local law enforcement. A taxidermy inspection was completed and follow up was conducted. Violations include fail to stop and leave ice house on public access.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) spent his week checking anglers, snowmobilers, and late season trappers. Officer Ihnen attended a license initiative meeting at an outdoors retailer, as well as worked an invasives species booth at another retailer. He also assisted CO Peterson at the ?Deer Classic? which was held at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds over the weekend. Many questions from the public were answered at these events on a large variety of subjects.

CO Tom Hutchins (Albert Lea) reports spending time assisting the DNR Wildlife Division with a complaint of escaped deer from a local game farm operator. Time was also spent conducting several taxidermy inspections. Anglers were also checked on area lakes. Ice conditions have started to deteriorate quickly in some locations.

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) spent time checking angling activity and making sure shelters were removed from area lakes. COs Howe and Geving attended two public information meetings on the Hunting and Fishing Heritage Initiative, answering questions from the public on Enforcement issues. CO Howe continued preparing equipment for possible flood duty this spring and also spoke on laws and ethics to a Firearms Safety class in Nicollet.

CO Bob Geving (Mankato) attended two Hunting and Fishing Heritage Fund Initiative information meetings in Mankato. Geving worked trapping and fishing activities. Enforcement actions included; shelter left on public accesses and angling license not in possession.

CO Phil George (Mantorville) checked a few ice anglers and snowmobilers and followed up on a complaint of a wetland and protected waterway violation. CO George also took a complaint of an injured deer.

Spring Valley - vacant.

District 18 - Rochester area

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending most of the week and weekend checking open water and ice angling activity. Time was also spent talking at a Turkey Clinic in Red Wing and attending a meeting for a club called ?Let?s Go Fishing.? Some fishing and boating violations were detected.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Zumbrota) reports working fishing and some remaining snowmobile enforcement as well as preparing equipment for upcoming flood season. Time was also spent working on some outstanding investigations and answering more CWD related questions.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports working on updating taxidermy regulations. Ice fishing is slowing down. The accesses are not open at lock and dams 6 or 7. Walleye / sauger bite was slow below the Genoa dam. Investigated a complaint of possible illegally donated deer.

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly anglers during the week. A number of fish were seen taken from the ice and open water anglers. Heyn also went through landowner turkey applications and talked with several people who didn?t qualify for it.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports answering questions on the upcoming turkey season and preparing for clinics. Time was also spent checking a few coyote hunters and raccoon trappers. Any trapper looking to trap this spring is reminded to purchase the required licenses as 2010 hunting licenses expired at the end of Feb.

Rochester #1 - vacant.