Congratulations to CO Andy Schmidt – the 2024 DNR Conservation Officer of the Year! Schmidt, who works in the Duluth area, has been a conservation officer since 2008 and in law enforcement since 2001. “Andy has been a dedicated public servant his entire career, and really models what it means to excel as a conservation…
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CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports most of the week was spent at Camp Ripley for in-service training. The catch-and-release spring walleye season on the Rainy River came to a quiet close with snow and rain moving into the area. Trail issues were also handled. CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports swings in weather…
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They’ve taught the next generations of outdoor recreationists how to enjoy their sports safely and ethically; busted poachers; worked closely with conservation officers with decades of experience; and learned the ins and outs of natural resources law enforcement. Since they began training last spring, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ 15 newest conservation officers have…
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CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports time was spent on Lake of the Woods checking ice fishing activity. A fair number of people were checked. Fishing was fair with everybody reporting small fish in the bag. Ice fishing on Rainy Lake has been minimal with most people getting things ready for spearing. People are…
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CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) spent time doing equipment maintenance and following up on big-game cases. Litter complaints were followed up on. Griffith would like to give a reminder to keep safety in mind now that ice is beginning to form on waters across the state. CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) investigated post-deer-season reports from the public.…
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CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports the regular firearms deer season came to a quiet close with cold weather moving into the area. Overall, it appears the local harvest rates were lower than previous years. The area has seen enough snow to bring out some snowmobile traffic. People are reminded to make sure their…
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CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports the second weekend of the deer season was much like the first: Slow. The first major winter storm of the year could be a contributing factor as people weren?t willing to venture out in the wind and cold. However, some people did, and some continue to not be…
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DNR Conservation Officer Jim Guida talked Cold Water safety measures and a new equipment for CO’s in the event of cold water emergency:
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) and COC Choua Khang spent this week checking traps, monitoring grouse hunters on ATVs, and checking fishing activities along the Rainy River and Rainy Lake. The temperature has dropped this week but the anglers who are still on boats have been successful in bagging their daily limits. Youth have…
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District 9 – Brainerd area Last updated: 2022-10-03 CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled this week for big-game, migratory waterfowl, and small-game hunters. Field training continued with COC Ulrich. A livestock producer reported a calf loss due to wolf depredation. A trapper was notified and confirmed it as a wolf kill. Nine gray wolves were removed…
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