District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) checked duck, archery and small-game hunters this week. ATV activity remains high during the fall color change. ATV riders are reminded to ride respectfully on public roads to stay safe and maintain a positive perception of the sport. Enforcement action was taken for careless operation of an ATV, unplugged gun, transport a loaded firearm, and license and registration violations.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) investigated reports of filling wetlands and altering the cross section of a lakebed. Deer hunters in the area reported issues with domestic dogs chasing deer. Enforcement options were provided. Sullivan also worked on litter complaints and was a guest speaker at an area firearms safety class.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) worked waterfowl and all-terrain vehicle enforcement this week. Numerous boaters and anglers were also checked enjoying the warm fall weather. Guida took enforcement action on various license, shotgun, and stamp violations. A college student participated in a ride-along with Guida. Waterfowl activity was consistent but harvest was light. While he was on patrol, Guida stopped an adult operating a Class 2 ATV down a paved county roadway with four passengers under 18 who were not wearing approved helmets. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) spent time conducting a background investigation for the current hiring process of new conservation officers. He also checked duck hunters and ATV riders.

Pine River vacant.

Cross Lake vacant.

Cuyuna SRA vacant.