District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Amber Ladd (Aitkin) checked area lakes for shelters left on the ice after the deadline. One portable was worked that Ladd had been keeping an eye on all winter as it was not licensed. She was able to make contact with the owner after some investigation and the owner was in possession of nine crappies. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the angler had not purchased a 2022 angling license yet, and he also did not have a 2021 angling license. Ladd also patrolled area snowmobile trails.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) reports snowmobile trails remained in stable condition this week but with warmer weather in the near future the trails will deteriorate quickly. Snow depths are decreasing on area lakes and anglers are having better luck with cross-country travel. Anglers in the area reported having success catching crappies and eelpout.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking anglers and snowmobilers. Snowmobile trails are still good to ride and many riders are taking advantage of the good snow year. Benkofske notes great compliance was observed with getting permanent fish houses off the ice in time for the deadline. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile registration, not stopping at stop signs, and no fishing licenses.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled snowmobile trails and lakes for activity. Numerous sleds were out enjoying the warm weather and maybe the last of the good trail-riding conditions. A registration-display violation was detected and a few collector permits were issued. A pickup truck operator was addressed for operating on a snowmobile trail. A couple of nuisance-animal calls were fielded.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time throughout the week checking ice anglers and snowmobilers. A detail was worked in Cook County. Enforcement action included snowmobile speed, registration, and loud exhaust on snowmobiles.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) checked snowmobilers expecting to be done with the season with warm weather coming. He attended training for Honor Guard and funerals for retired Border Patrol Agent Gordon Reed and retired CO Kurt Nelson.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) worked snowmobile, fishing and trapping enforcement activity this week. Enforcement action was taken for excessive speed, registration issues, shelters left out after the deadline, extra lines, and motorized vehicle operation on GIA snowmobile trail.