Caption: DNR Assistant Commission Bob Meier (far left), DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen (second from left) and Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director (far right), are pictured here with the 18 new conservation officers who graduated from the CO Academy and now are field training across the state.
District 1 – Baudette area
Last updated: 2024-12-23
CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked traps and angling activity throughout the week. Fishing success has varied throughout the week, with some good fishing being seen. Violations for the week included multiple anglers found in possession of over their limit of saugers, also angling with extra lines and no shelter license.
CO Tony Hams (Warroad North) spent the week working on a pre-employment background investigation and checking area anglers. Violations encountered were no license in possession, litter, angling without a license, and angling with extra lines.
CO Coby Fontes (Warroad South) spent the week patrolling Lake of the Woods and the Beltrami Island State Forest. He reports a lot of fishing success for anglers, and a good start to the fisher/pine marten season for trappers. Enforcement action was taken for taking an overlimit of walleyes, possession of illegal-length walleye, angling with an extra line, and for using an untagged trap.
CO Nicholas Prachar (Baudette West) reports increased activity on Lake of the Woods. Time was spent working angling and snowmobile activity near the lake. Enforcement action was taken for no angling license, over-limit of walleye, and angling with extra lines.
CO Paul Kennedy (Baudette East) checked on anglers and trappers throughout the week. He worked a small detail on Lake of the Woods with neighboring CO?s. During one check, the anglers reported finding only 3-4 inches of ice a short distance from the shelter. A public waters complaint was investigated.
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls West) issued permits for road killed deer, monitored area trapping and registration, and checked local anglers. Recent snowfall has brought out numerous snowmobiles and area riders are reminded that snowmobile registration expires June 30th of the year displayed, not December 31st.
CO Sarah Jahn (Thief River Falls East) spent time handling nuisance animal complaints and working snowmobile activity. Time was also spent up on Lake of the Woods working anglers. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines, unattended lines, fishing without a license and expired registration on vehicles.
CO Nick Bruesewitz (Karlstad) spent the week patrolling for snowmobiling activity throughout the area. Anglers were checked on the Red Lake River and the Red River of the North. Violations were addressed for expired registration, failing to display registration, and allow illegal operation.
CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck North) monitored angling activity on Upper Red Lake. The bite is off and on depending on weather conditions. ATV and Snowmobile enforcement was worked in the area. Individuals are reminded to pick up garbage while on the ice.
CO Brianna Shaw (Blackduck South) spent the week learning her new station. Shaw spent additional time patrolling for sport fishing and rec vehicle activity. Enforcement action was taken for operating an unregistered ATV and not having an angling license in possession.
District 2 – Bemidji area
Last updated: 2024-12-23
CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports speaking at a snowmobile safety class in Plummer. Ice anglers were checked. Time was further spent checking snowmobile operators, small game hunters, and archery deer hunters. Various wildlife related complaints were received.
CO Andrew Ladzinski (Bemidji #1) spent time patrolling local lakes and snowmobile trails. Anglers are reporting a sluggish bite this past week, with only a few walleye taken by angling and a few northerns by spear. He attended a training with the Bemidji Fire Department on ice rescue capabilities for both agencies. Enforcement action was taken for no angling license in possession, fishing without a license, and various ATV violations.
CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) spent the week checking ice fishermen and snowmobilers. Fishing has been good around the area with the evening and overnight bite producing the most fish. CO Swedberg also picked up his new K9 partner Axel. They will begin training in February, but have a lot of bonding and preliminary work before then.
CO Jordan Anderson (Osage) saw an increase of shelters being placed on the ice, as ice conditions improved. A few inches of snow were received in the area, but trail conditions are not great. Other users are reminded that as of Dec 1st, designated snowmobile trails are closed to other motor vehicles. Enforcement action was taken for a variety of fishing and recreational vehicle violations. Trapping violations continue to be investigated.
CO William Landmark (Moorhead) spent the week checking anglers and trapping activity in the Moorhead Station. Time was also spent on airboat and ice rescue training with the Bemidji Fire Department.
CO Angela Warren (Mahnomen) spent time on ice angling activity. With ice conditions improving, anglers reported fair to good catch success. WMAs and WPAs were patrolled for activity. Officer Warren worked with the area Wildlife Office to tag and register fur. Area snowmobile trails were monitored, with most still lacking enough snow.
CO Brady Manteufel (Bagley) checked ice and spearing anglers, as activity has picked up on the area?s smaller lakes. Snowmobile trails were patrolled and a snowmobile safety class was taught to 30 youth. Phone calls and questions about wildlife were addressed.
CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent the week checking anglers on area lakes and Lake of the Woods. Most anglers were having success on Lake of the Woods. Enforcement action was taken for fishing without a license, snowmobile registration, and fishing with extra lines.
District 3 – Fergus Falls area
Last updated: 2024-12-23
CO Hanna Wood (Fergus Falls) spent the week getting equipment ready for the hopefully snowy winter and checking ice anglers. Ice conditions are far better than last year but continue to vary and it?s up to each individual to be safe while recreating on the ice.
CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) completed online training and performed equipment maintenance this week. Ice fishing checks were completed, and a littering violation was handled. Ice conditions continue to improve but folks are encouraged to check the status before going out.
CO Ryan Brown (Elbow Lake) continued to monitor hunting and angling activity throughout the week. Time was also spent with equipment maintenance and annual training. Ice thickness varies in some spots, reminder to use caution when venturing out on the lakes.
CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen, ATV?s and pheasant hunters. Ice anglers are reminded of the requirements for fish house identification. Please confirm that your shelter complies with the identification requirements before bringing them on the ice.
CO Felicia Znajda (Osakis) spent the week focusing on snowmobile patrol and angling activity. Fishing reports vary but she has seen lots of fish in the buckets. Numerous violations encountered on the ice including slot northerns, illegal length walleyes, no shelter licenses, no identification on shelters, ATV and snowmobile registration violations, and litter.
CO Bobby Stringer (Wheaton) reports an increase in ice fishing and snowmobile activity within the station. Although the cold temperatures are generating ice, it is critical that anglers check ice thickness before driving large vehicle onto the surface. Stringer wants to remind anglers that dead fish, cigarette butts, plastic bags, beer cans, etc. on the ice is litter and a zero-tolerance stance will be enforced within the station. Enforcement action for the week included multiple angling without license in possession, litter on the ice, ATV violations, no orange/pink while small game hunting, no small game license in possession, and no snowmobile registration while in operation.
CO Emily Douvier (Morris) reports working small game, snowmobiling, and fishing enforcement. Work continues to be done on a background investigation for a potential new hire.
CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports enforcement efforts for the week were concentrated on checking ATV operators, fishermen, and pheasant hunters. Additional time was spent teaching a snowmobile safety class and participating in Shop with a Cop with area youth.
District 4 – Walker area
Last updated: 2024-12-23
CO Michael Cross (Lake George) worked angling, conducted equipment maintenance, and began a pre-employment background investigation. Cross additionally participated in joint water rescue training with the Bemidji Fire Department showcasing DNR ice rescue capabilities with one of the divisions air boats.
CO Nick Baum (Park Rapids) patrolled the local area for angling and snowmobile activity. CO Baum observed some snowmobile activity with the varying trail conditions. CO Baum found snow covered snowmobile trails and ditches without grooming from local clubs due to inadequate snow levels. CO Baum observed several area lakes with permanent shelters and vehicle traffic but wants to remind the public to continue to check ice conditions. CO Baum found anglers having success on numerous area lakes.
CO Landyn Saewert (Wadena) spent most of the week working on a big game over limit case. An anonymous TIP came in about a person who had shot three bucks between the bow, rifle, and muzzle loader season. Follow up with the suspect was conducted, several violations were present. Venison, antlers, firearms, and vehicle were seized. A snowmobile safety class was attended, approximately 30 students were in attendance.
CO Patrick McGowan (Walker) continued FTO training with COC Tshungtsim Thao. The officers spent time working Upper Red Lake. Enforcement action was taken for walleye over limits, extra lines, unattended lines, shelter tag violations and ATV/snowmobile violations.
CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) continues to check ice anglers. The bite is spotty; northern pike fishing has been the best seen. Approximately 12-14 inches of ice was observed. Caution is advised on the ice as weak spots still exist and pressure ridges are forming. Some time was spent working on the new licensing system. Enforcement action was taken for underage possession of alcohol and angling and ATV violations.
CO Corey Sura (Remer) monitored trapping and angling activities in the area. Sura checked one young trapper who had trapped two bobcats so far this season.
CO Jacque Johnson (Longville) checking angling and trapping activity. She also assisted searching for a missing juvenile.
CO Adam Seifermann (Staples) Reports checking ice anglers, attending K9 training at Camp Ripley and follow-up on big game cases.
ATV rec officer vacant.
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