DNR Conservation Officer Reports: Dead swan, Eagle shooting etc.

Here is the weekly report from Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in northwestern Minnesota for Oct. 25:

District 1 - Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked waterfowl and deer hunting activity throughout the week. Many duck hunters have been observed on Thief Lake and Roseau River wildlife management areas. CO Huener investigated a dead swan found on Roseau River WMA and an eagle that had been shot near Wannaska. Anyone with information on these two incidents are urged to call the TIP hotline at (800) 652-9093.

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) monitored angling activity, area hunting and OHV usage in the Warroad area. Assistance was provided to DNR Forestry on a wildfire investigation. A boat and water safety detail was worked on the Rainy River. Many anglers were out but fishing was only fair. An early youth antlerless deer season was held in the area with average success. Waterfowlers were checked on Lake of the Woods. Enforcement action was taken for angling, boating, and waterfowl violations.

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) investigated an adult shooting a doe outside of the early antlerless area, with charges pending. Numerous WMA violations were found including ATV usage and leaving equipment. A wolf howling presentation was given to a group of students from UND.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) spoke at a local sportsmen's meeting on new hunting regulations and hunter ethics. Assistance was provided to DNR Wildlife staff with the removal of a sick cow moose. CO Woinarowicz investigated instances of bear bait signs left up after the removal deadline and monitored area waterfowl hunting activity.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) worked end of season bear baiting issues. Opener of the youth deer season was worked with a few hunters out and about. Calls of possible shinning activity were received. Equipment maintenance was performed. Waterfowl hunters were checked.

CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) investigated a possible depredation complaint and a complaint of people cutting trees to block a public trail. A trespass complaint where the parties shot at a grouse in someone's front yard was investigated. The driver of the vehicle was charged with DWI by the sheriff's department, and CO Backer charged the shooter with no small game license and trespassing. A shining complaint was received where a large buck was shot, the head cut off and the remainder of the animal was left to spoil. Other enforcement action for the week included trespass violations and license violations.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck) received complaints of trespass, shining activity, and nuisance bear. Small game activity was monitored as well as ATV activity.

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) reports very few ducks in the area. Informational calls about youth deer hunts and antlerless deer permits have increased. The officer participated in an interview with a regional newspaper about the fall hunting seasons. The sheriff's office was assisted with a stolen vehicle and arrest warrant.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) checked waterfowl hunters and archery deer hunters. Hunters are preparing for the firearm deer season. Questions about the youth deer hunts have increased.

CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) reports low numbers of waterfowl and waterfowl hunters in the area. Fall fishing activity is in full force. Area AHV/ATV trails were patrolled. Parents are asked to review the laws for juvenile operation of recreational vehicles. Investigations of illegal burning and big game violations were completed. Complaints of trespass, early/late shooting, and OHM operation were investigated.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) investigated TIP calls involving late shooting of waterfowl and deer baiting. The officer and CO Oldakowski worked a special project on LOW. Anglers were reminded of the invasive species regulations and draining water from live wells.

CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) checked anglers, hunters, and ATVers. Complaints of late shooting, litter, wanton waste, shining, and over limits were investigated. A cougar sighting call was also investigated. No evidence was found to substantiate the sighting. An angler was found to have outstanding warrants and delivered to the Becker County Jail.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) checked anglers and grouse hunters. Complaints of litter, deer shining, and trespass were investigated. One group of four grouse hunters was checked; none had a small game license.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) reports a few ducks migrating through the area. Waterfowl and pheasant hunter success is spotty. Late shooting of waterfowl complaints were investigated.

Water Resource Officer Traci Hanson worked invasive species enforcement and education in Becker, Otter Tail and Lake of the Woods counties. A presentation for the BWSR (Board of Water and Soil Resources) Academy was completed. Local officers were assisted with angling, hunting, and boating activities.

Bemidji #1 - vacant.

Natural Resources Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew multiple ring neck duck telemetry flights and flew the Bemidji duck survey.