District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

–RELEASE–

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) worked ATV, hunting and fishing activity this week. Enforcement action was taken for various ATV and license violations.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) spent the last week at the Fur Takers of America Trappers College in Wolcottville, Indiana. Conservation officers, biologists, and trappers from across the country attended to learn principles and benefits of trapping in managing wildlife. Many topics were learned and will be used in Benkofske?s career working with wildlife, working with trappers, and in teaching new cadets.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) worked a variety of TIP calls over the past week that included illegal traps, taking migratory waterfowl out of season and hunting deer with the aid of bait. Area lakes also continue to be busy with angling activity and recreational boating.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled for angling, archery, and small-game hunting activity this week. Guida investigated a hunter-harassment report and served as a mediator between two archery deer hunters. Guida worked with the area hydrologist on a public waters case where an individual placed a bridge across public waters, limiting boating and hunting access.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) attended the LEMA Honor Guard Camp this week. The small-game opener saw a decent number of hunters, but not many grouse in the bag.