Conservation Officer Reports – District 10 (Mille Lacs area)

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked deer hunters, who were having slow success and struggling with windy conditions on the Sunday of opening weekend. Verkuilen also talked about deer season regulations on a local radio program. Anglers made use of the calmer days to go after Mille Lacs Lake muskies. They also caught some limits of crappies.

CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) worked firearms deer opener. Success among hunters was slow the first few days. Enforcement action was taken on various ATV and big-game violations.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) saw a busy opening deer firearm season. Numerous hunters were checked with enforcement action taken for hunting over bait, untagged deer and violations of deer-feeding ban regulations. In addition to a busy deer opener, assistance was provided to the Aitkin County Sheriff?s Office and Minnesota State Patrol with two rollover vehicle crashes.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) worked shining complaint areas and scouted for baited deer-hunting areas. An abandoned camper was found on a public water access parking lot. Waterfowl hunters were happy with some fresh birds coming in. Deer opener violations included hunting over bait, untagged deer, and numerous trespass problems.

Wealthwood vacant.

Malmo vacant.