Weekly DNR Conservation Officer Reports
District 9 – Brainerd area
Last updated: 2022-08-15
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) worked sport fishing and monitored public lands for bear-baiting activity. Guida attended a ?Bags with Badges? public relations event hosted by the Brainerd Police Department. He investigated an illegal application of chemical in the public lakebed. The landowner was trying to remove cattails from the property to improve his beach. Numerous boaters were contacted removing watercraft for the season. Those boaters were reminded of the AIS laws.
CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) saw anglers having success on area lakes. One angler left his fishing pole unattended while he set up a tent 200 yards away. When the angler reeled in the line, it had caught a nice channel catfish. Flerlage agreed that it was the perfect eating size fish, then ordered the fish thrown back since it was taken illegally. The angler was educated by citation on the illegal fishing method. ATV trails were in good shape and busy during the week. Lakeshores were investigated for illegal plant-removal devices.
CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time checking boaters, anglers, and ATV riders throughout the week. Enforcement action included violations for angling on designated trout lakes without a trout stamp, and no angling licenses. Time was also spent instructing at the Academy.
Pine River vacant.
District 10 – Mille Lacs area
Last updated: 2022-08-15
CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) monitored ATV traffic and scouted for bear baits as some foliage started turning colors. Hunting questions also started picking up. Several calm days of average temperatures resulted in more angling activity.
CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) assisted local agencies on various calls. Time was also spent on Mille Lacs Lake and the Soo Line Trail. Bear-baiting activity was monitored.
CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked anglers, ATV riders, and bear baiters in the area. River Fest Festival in Palisade was also attended. Benkofske and many other first responders aided in the recovery of a drowning victim in an Aitkin-area lake.
Malmo vacant.