District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking anglers and bear hunters. Nuisance-wildlife questions were answered. Several shoreline violations were also addressed.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) worked on a background investigation for a potential conservation officer candidate. Guida checked youth hunters attempting to hunt ducks and geese during the Youth Waterfowl Weekend. A large black bear was reported shot during the early morning hours and is being investigated. Car-killed-deer permits were also issued.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) continued an ongoing litter investigation. Sullivan worked with local agencies to locate a person on state property who had a felony warrant. The person was taken into custody and advised of remote camping regulations. Sullivan also made contacts with people violating invasive species regulations.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) spent the week working bear and waterfowl hunters, anglers and ATV riders. Enforcement action was taken for no small-game license, no helmets on kids and riding on the bow.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) worked the Emily/Outing ATV Trail, seeing few riders at the end of the weekend. He talked to teal hunters as they finished off the season. He reminded campers at remote sites of the current fire restrictions preventing campfires in the area.