DNR Conservation Officer Reports for District 9 (Brainerd area)

District 9 – Brainerd area

Last updated: 2023-03-06

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) took enforcement action this week for no fishing licenses and careless operation of a snowmobile. Ice shelters were documented for the upcoming removal deadline.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) reports anglers in the area transitioned to targeting sunfish, crappies and eelpout this past week. The warm weather made time on the ice enjoyable and anglers reported some success. The snowmobile trails are stable in most areas and continue to have high activity.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd #2) worked sport fishing and snowmobile trail enforcement. Compliance on new angling licenses, shelter removals, and snowmobile registrations were good. A trail hazard was addressed with a local snowmobile club. Guida assisted with a structure fire and attended a local public relations event. Warm weather made snowmobile trail conditions sloppy.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) attended the Deerwood Outdoor and Gun Show and talked with many attendees outside the TIP Wall of Shame trailer. He checked anglers, finding good ice conditions and less reliable panfish bites. Snowmobile trails are in good condition in the area and are seeing high use on the weekends.