DNR ENFORCEMENT REPORT: Minnesota waterfowl opener sees mixed success, Pagami Creek fire security etc.

Here is the weekly report from Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in northwest Minnesota for Sept. 26:

District 1 - Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked early goose hunters during the week and a Trapping Safety Class was attended in Roseau. Waterfowl hunters were checked on Thief Lake and on small potholes around Roseau and Kittson counties. Lots of ring-necked ducks are being harvested on Thief Lake, and mallards, teal and geese are being found in the potholes. Enforcement action for the week was taken on a large fire burning prohibited materials and for hunting migratory birds with an unplugged shotgun.

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) found that early season goose hunters continued to do well right up to the close of the season. Fall anglers report excellent fishing. Invasive species checks were performed at local accesses. Enforcement action taken for angling, waterfowl and invasive species violations.

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) spent time tagging minnow equipment and checked bait harvesters in infested waters. Waterfowl hunters were checked finding mixed success.

Litter complaints were followed up on.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) spoke to a law enforcement class at Northland College in Thief River Falls on conservation officer roles and career opportunities. Small game hunting activity was monitored and calls on the upcoming deer and waterfowl seasons were answered. Enforcement action for the week included operate ATV on public highway, allow illegal operation of ATV by juvenile, no PFDs on watercraft, no license in possession and transport dressed waterfowl without wing attached.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) worked the waterfowl opener finding hunters having mixed success. Aquatic invasive species information was provided to waterfowl hunters and a complaint of a nuisance bear was taken. Follow up continued on a possible gray wolf depredation. Anglers were checked on the Red Lake and Thief rivers, and bear hunting activity was monitored. Small game hunters were checked with hunters reporting few birds in the bag.

Blackduck #2 - vacant.

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) reports an average start to the waterfowl season. Hunter success was fair, and hunter numbers were low. Bear and archery deer hunters are seeing some game. The officer spoke to the Crookston Firearms Safety Class about laws, safety and ethics. Nuisance animal and disability hunting permit calls were handled.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) assisted with security and law enforcement efforts during the Pagami Creek fire in the Ely/Isabella area.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) assisted with security and law enforcement efforts during the Pagami Creek fire in the Ely/Isabella area.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) checked waterfowl hunters during the season opener. Teal and wood ducks made up the majority of the birds bagged. The officer participated in the "Operation Kid" event, where kids can come out and meet local law enforcement officers and see their equipment. The officer also spoke to a Bemidji State University class about laws for the hunting seasons. ATV complaint areas were patrolled.

CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) checked bear hunters, archery deer hunters, waterfowl hunters, anglers and ATVs. Anglers had the best success, followed by waterfowl hunters and archery deer hunters. Bear hunters are having limited success due to the abundance of natural food available. Waterfowl hunters were able to take some limits of ducks, with mostly teal and wood ducks taken. The officer spoke to an ATV Safety Class, sponsored by the Northwoods Riders ATV Club, about laws. Several TIP calls are under investigation.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) assisted Otter Tail County deputies with the removal of cultivated marijuana plants from Maplewood State Park. Anyone with information about the "grow operation" should contact the sheriff's office. The waterfowl opener brought more hunters out than previous years. Wood ducks and teal were the most common birds in the bag. Several TIP calls were investigated, and an investigation of transporting zebra mussels continues.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports a good start to the waterfowl season. Wood ducks and teal were found in high numbers. Hunters said it was the best opener in a long time. Waterfowl hunters were reminded to clean their equipment of vegetation, pull boat drain plugs and drain water to prevent the spread of invasive species. Complaints of early shooting, duck over limits and dogs chasing deer were investigated. Archery deer and small game hunters were also checked.

CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) assisted with security and law enforcement efforts during the Pagami Creek fire in the Ely/Isabella area.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) spoke to the Osage Firearms Safety Class about laws, safety and ethics. A deer was shot and left during night hours. Waterfowl hunters were checked, with law compliance being very good. Wood ducks, teal and mallards were the most common birds taken.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) assisted with security and law enforcement efforts during the Pagami Creek fire in the Ely/Isabella area.

Water Resource Officer Traci Hanson checked boaters and anglers for aquatic invasive species law compliance. A number of lake service providers were contacted to share information on lake issues and AIS compliance. Hanson worked with Ecological Services to inspect a boat lift with zebra mussels placed in Rose Lake. The officer assisted with the marijuana plant removal from Maplewood State Park. The officer also assisted with a suspect fleeing on foot call. Waterfowl hunters were checked. Hunters had some success, but it didn't take long for the birds to become high fliers. A swan shooting is under investigation.

Bemidji #1 - vacant.

CO Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) attended a pilot's meeting at Camp Ripley and a flight instructor refresher course. Heineman also moved 605NR from Brainerd to Bemidji.