District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking snowmobile riders and ice anglers. The heavy snowfalls were enjoyed by the riders, and the cold did not stop many people. Thanks to the local groomers for working hard on the trails. Enforcement action was taken for no angling licenses, expired registration, controlled substances, and illegal-length pike and walleyes. If anyone has any info on damage that was caused to a fish house in the narrows on Big Sandy Lake sometime New Year?s Eve night, please contact CO Benkofske at nathan.benkofske@state.mn.us.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) assisted an angler group that was locked in a permanent fishing shelter after having a door handle failure. Through an open window, Sullivan provided the occupants with the required tools to remove the door handle. They were really excited to be released form the shelter and continued angling after the door handle was replaced. Snowmobile trails were extremely busy over the holiday despite the extremely cold air temperatures.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time throughout the week checking anglers and snowmobile riders. Recent heavy snows have the trails in good condition for snowmobiles and bikes. Snowmobile riders are reminded that off-trail riding is prohibited in the recreation area, as well as on snowmobile trails throughout the area since many of these trails cross private property.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) worked from the snowmobile after getting decent riding snow. Many snowmobilers were checked enjoying the cold winter. Ice anglers were checked on area lakes. He attended the funeral for Itasca County Deputy Jayme Williams as part of the Honor Guard

Pine River vacant.

Cross Lake vacant.