Weekly DNR Conservation Officer Reports

District 9 – Brainerd area

Last updated: 2022-08-09

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled the station for ATV activity and followed up on aquatic plant management violations. Guida, CO Vang, and CO Verkuilen assisted the local sheriff?s office in a search for a fleeing fugitive. The individual, who had a history with weapons, had numerous criminal warrants and fled during the warrant service. A drone and K9 were utilized in the search. Numerous law enforcement officers conducted the foot search along shore in the aquatic vegetation in waist-deep water. They located the felon laying in the water near shore mostly concealed in water and by the dense vegetation.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) assisted at the Academy this week, training the new COCs. Enforcement action was also taken for boating and fishing violations. A big-game case was also wrapped up that included discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle and attempting to take deer out of season.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time checking anglers, recreational watercraft, and investigating litter complaints throughout the week. Enforcement action included angling on designated trout lakes without a trout stamp and insufficient PFDs onboard watercraft.

CO Calie Kunst (Crosslake) continued checking anglers and boaters throughout the week. Enforcement action was taken on various violations. Calls were also received on personal watercraft and aquatic plant complaints.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) attended the Minnesota Trappers Association state convention in Wadena this past week. It was great to talk with people who are passionate about trapping. He assisted the State Patrol with a fatal traffic crash and worked ATV trails and high-use areas.

Pine River vacant.

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

Last updated: 2022-08-09

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked local lakes where warm water had recreational activity and invasive species violations keeping things busy. He also assisted with an injured hawk and helped establish a perimeter as a warrant was being served. Bear-related issues were still coming in at a faster rate than previous years.

CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) worked a detail in Two Harbors for the Tall Ships event. Time was also spent working on Mille Lacs Lake and the Soo Line Trail. Enforcement action was taken on multiple ATV and boating violations. Griffith would like to remind riders that operators and passengers under age 18 are required to wear a helmet on both Class 1 and Class 2 machines.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked anglers and boaters in the area. Enforcement action was taken for shoreline violations, fishing without licenses, and juveniles without ATV helmets. Benkofske also attended a gathering for Jacobson?s National Night Out event.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) took calls of nuisance bears, nuisance beavers, and a dead muskie that was found on shore. A state park conflict was addressed and firearms safety training plans and other fall work plans were also made.

CO Mikeena Mattson (Wealthwood) worked sport fishing, boating, and ATV/OHM enforcement during the week. Enforcement action was taken for various violations, including operating an unregistered ATV, driving after suspension, operating an ATV in a restricted area, and camping in wildlife management and public access restricted areas. Calls were fielded regarding nuisance beavers and land questions.

Malmo vacant.