District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking small-game hunters and following up on trespass complaints. A trapping case was completed and several violations were dealt with. Rules about unlawful tree cutting on state land and kids riding ATVs without helmets were also enforced. Assistance was also given to local departments with an ATV accident near Aitkin.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) worked a wide variety of calls related to small-game and big-game hunting. Reports included illegal taking of deer, possession of a firearm in a state game refuge, no blaze clothing, ATV operation in wetlands, and trespassing. Sullivan also investigated a wolf-depredation incident.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled for waterfowl- and deer-hunting activity. Guida monitored late-shooting and overlimit complaints. An ATV operator was stopped after Guida observed no registration and a youth not wearing an approved helmet.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) reports checking the state recreation area for illegal vehicle and ATV activity. He also checked fishing activity and found a few anglers having some luck. Time was spent patrolling the park for permit violations and illegal stands left on the SRA. Enforcement action was taken for various SRA violations.

Pine River vacant.