District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) worked on muzzleloader, fishing, trapping and litter issues this week. Enforcement action was taken for multiple hunting violations. Trapping and fishing investigations are ongoing.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) checked ice anglers who are finding consistent ice throughout the station. The fishing seemed to be fair. He received complaints of dogs chasing deer and attended as part of the Honor Guard the funeral for retired CO Tom Rau.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled for muzzleloader deer-hunting activity and sport fishing activity. Some anglers are walking out and trying to catch some fish. Please continue to use caution when navigating on area lakes as different ice thickness has been observed. Guida also worked a remote work detail.

CO Amber Ladd (Aitkin) followed up on an illegal party hunting case and an overlimit case. She also assisted with Division use of force training at Camp Ripley.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking anglers and snowmobilers. Anglers had varying success on area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for unlawful deer feeding in a CWD watch zone. Several deer-hunting TIP calls were investigated.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) conducted investigation into illegal ORV operation in several wetlands. Snowmobile activity in the area was minimal this last week but registration violations were detected. Ice conditions in the area continue to be variable and ice thickness is increasing slowly due to warmer weather.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCRSA) reports winter activities are picking up at the park, with bikers enjoying the snow-packed trails. Ice conditions are spotty, with most of the mine pits having very thin ice. Ice fishing is starting to pick up on some of the shallower surrounding lakes. A trespass complaint was investigated, and enforcement action was taken for a bowhunter not wearing blaze orange during the muzzleloader deer season.