DNR Conservation Officer Reports – District 9 (Brainerd area)

Release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) reports the ice fishing season is in full swing and area lakes are getting pressure from ice anglers. Sullivan also made contact with a few deer hunters who were successful muzzleloader hunting.

CO Calie Cook (Crosslake) spent time checking anglers over the week. Multiple people were out fishing and enjoying the warmer weather over the weekend. Enforcement action was taken for failure to have an angling license in personal possession.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) and COC Ryan Christenson spent time checking anglers throughout the week. Enforcement action included illegal-length northern pike, unattended lines, and consumption/possession of alcohol by minors.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) trained COC Ulrich on the end of the muzzleloader deer season and ice angling activity. Assistance was given to a neighboring conservation officer with a large hunting group involved in big-game violations. Some angling violations detected this week included illegal-length northern pike, angling without a license, and no license in possession. A reminder to pike anglers in the North Central Pike Zone to immediately release all pike caught between 22 and 26 inches.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) checked ice anglers using most of the popular lakes in the station. Warm weather and snow in the forecast may change conditions, but there is good walking ice on the lakes now. He attended training at Camp Ripley and worked on a background investigation. He helped with a snowmobile safety training in Deerwood.

Pine River vacant.