DNR Conservation Officer Reports – District 9 (Brainerd area)

CO Andrew Ladzinski (Pine River) patrolled area lakes for snowmobiling and angling activity. Follow-up investigations were conducted for invalid licenses during this past deer season. He patrolled with other officers in Voyageurs National Park during the busy holiday weekend. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile-registration and angling violations.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) reports recent rain has deteriorated area snowmobile trails and travel on area lakes has improved due to the decrease in snow cover. Sullivan completed an investigation that included a person shooting a trophy buck without a license. Enforcement action on the lakes and snowmobile trails included angling without a license, no shelter license, no snowmobile trail pass and expired registration.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time checking anglers and snowmobile riders throughout the week. Investigations are ongoing.

CO Calie Cook (Crosslake) spent time checking anglers and snowmobile riders throughout the week. Enforcement action was taken for failure to display snowmobile registration and taking an overlimit of sunfish.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) spent time checking anglers on area lakes. Ice conditions have been good for travel and many lakes are seeing the most pressure now for the whole season. Snowmobile trails are usable, but could use some more snow, with dirt starting to show in places.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd #2) worked sport fishing and snowmobile trail enforcement this week. Trail conditions continue to diminish with warming weather and bright sunshine. Most fish shelters have been removed prior to the forecasted heavy snowfall. Equipment maintenance and inspections were performed. A district meeting was attended where officers reviewed Division safety protocols. Guida answered questions from a concerned landowner about coyote hunters hunting on property without permission.