MN DNR Conservation Officer
District 1 – Baudette area
Last updated: 2025-06-30
CO Tony Hams (Warroad North) spent the week checking area anglers, monitoring ATV traffic, assisting local agencies, and following up with various complaints. Violations encountered were no license in possession, angling with extra lines, and failure to display current watercraft registration. Anglers are reporting having success with many slot walleye being caught.
CO Coby Fontes (Warroad South) spent the week patrolling Lake of the Woods, Hayes Lake State Park, and the surrounding area. Enforcement action was taken for the use of an extra line and for failing to have a lifejacket on a child under the age of 10.
CO Paul Kennedy (Baudette East) continued working a public waters investigation with local government partners. He spent time checking Pine Island, Beltrami Island, and Lake of the Woods State Forests by ATV. Anglers were checked on Rainy River, Lake of the Woods, and Upper Red Lake.
CO Bobby Stringer (Thief River Falls West) reports an increase in ATV traffic as schools let out for the summer. Of note, several ATV tracks have been observed going around WMA signs and onto WMAs. Stringer wants to remind all that the current ATV/OHM regulations booklet will outline where ATVs can be operated safely. Enforcement actions for the week include allow illegal operation of an unregistered ATV on a public street, and operating ATVs without the lights turned on.
CO Nick Bruesewitz (Karlstad) checked shore anglers throughout the week. Time was spent providing the CO Ethics talk to a Firearm Safety Class. A big game violation is currently being investigated.
CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck North) assisted with academy scenario day at Camp Ripley. Time was spent patrolling for Off Road Vehicle activity.
CO Brianna Shaw (Blackduck South) reports great success at the 22nd annual Blackduck Walleye Classic tournament. Shaw focused on ATV enforcement with CO Manteufel and patrolled Lake of The Woods with CO Fontes. Enforcement action was taken for various OHV violations and use of extra lines. Additional time was used to address nuisance animal complaints
District 2 – Bemidji area
Last updated: 2025-06-30
CO Andrew Ladzinski (Bemidji #1) dedicated his time to ATV enforcement and Fishing enforcement. He also followed up on a potential shoreline alteration violation. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, no lifejackets onboard watercraft, and fail to display registration. He also provided a ride along to a high school student interested in becoming a Conservation Officer. A hunting and furs presentation was given to local Bemidji youth.
CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) checked area anglers and recreational boaters over the course of the week. AIS checks were performed with K9 Axel and assistance was also given to the Red Lake Police Department with a K9 search for evidence, for an ongoing investigation.
CO Jordan Anderson (Osage) spent most of the week instructing alcohol/impaired driving enforcement at the academy. Several miscellaneous animal complaints were handled, and local trails were patrolled. Several law changes go into effect on July 1st, 2025, which impact recreational vehicle operation. Special attention to Class 2 ATV riders on public roads and rights-of-way. ALL occupants will be required to wear a seatbelt, if it is equipped by the manufacturer.
CO Angela Warren (Mahnomen) spent the week working leeching, angling, and boating activity. Trails were patrolled for ATV and off road vehicle activity. WMAs and WPAs were monitored. AIS compliance checks were performed.
CO Matthew Boyle (Pelican Rapids) spent his week checking anglers and recreational boaters on area lakes. There were mixed reports of success throughout the week, but most anglers are finding fish. Boyle Investigated a coyote/calf depredation case. Violations for the week include; fishing without a license, illegal bow/gunwale riders, no PFD, no throwable, no license in possession, and no fire extinguisher on board.
CO Brady Manteufel (Bagley) addressed calls about bears and crop depredation by waterfowl this week. Angling and boat checks were also conducted and assistance was given on a single ATV accident. A lot of ATV education about the differences between Class 1, Class 2 and ORVs was given to groups of riders this weekend. CO Manteufel recommends people ask the DNR and research what Minnesota allows for specific trails and road use before making a purchase on ATVs
CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent the week checking area anglers, monitoring ATV activity, and conducted training with a DNR Intern. Most trees blocking area forest roads and trails have been cleared from the storm, but the public should use caution when venturing out on recreational vehicles in these areas.
CO Curtis Jepson (District #2) spent most of this week checking anglers and monitoring boating activity. Most lakes are experiencing a surge in recreational boating, with the hot weather and the 4th of July holiday around the corner. A complaint was investigated regarding an individual who was shooting at geese on his shoreline. Enforcement action was taken, and various other violations related to angling and boating were addressed this week.
District 3 – Fergus Falls area
Last updated: 2025-06-30
CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) spent time working fishing and boating through the week. An overlimit/double tripping compliant was investigated. Warmer weather had the lakes busy with boating and recreation over the weekends. Compliance on boating safety was overall very good in the area.
CO Ryan Brown (Elbow Lake) reports decent fishing success after the last few weather fronts came through the area. Boating and angling activity was his primary focus during the week going into the weekend. Calls of injured or abandoned animals were received and fielded. Enforcement action this week included northern pike within the protected slot, angling without an angling license and various ATV violations.
CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) received complaints of APM violations and ATV violations. Game farm questions were received and answered. Follow-up from fishing over limit complaints were conducted.
CO Jake Homan (Alexandria) spent the week patrolling Douglas County for angling and recreational boating activity. Additional time was spent following up on public water complaints. Individuals are reminded not to pick up animals that they think are injured.
CO Felicia Znajda (Osakis) continues to patrol angling and boat and water safety in her station and the vacant Glenwood station. Various calls for service including wounded wildlife. Officer Znajda reminds people who see a fawn, to keep your distance and leave it be. The mother is likely nearby and fawns can be left alone for several hours at a time. Officer Znajda served on Honor Guard for the visitation and funeral for Representative Melissa and Mark Hortman and their dog Gilbert at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.
CO Emily Douvier (Morris) reports working fishing and recreational vehicle activity. Enforcement action was taken for riding on the gunwale and fishing without a license.
Glenwood – vacant.
Wheaton – vacant.
District 4 – Walker area
Last updated: 2025-06-30
CO Landyn Saewert (Wadena) worked area lakes for angling and recreation activity. A district firearms class was attended with other COs from district 4. Calls of injured fawns were taken, the public is reminded to leave found fawns alone, as the mother is typically nearby.
CO Patrick McGowan (Cass Lake) worked Cass Country lakes for boating and angling activity. Overall, anglers were reporting a slow bite on Leech Lake. Enforcement action was taken for numerous violations.
CO Corey Sura (Remer) assisted with a firearms safety class, as well as a boating safety class this week. Time was spent following up with potential wetlands and public waters violations. Sura patrolled area lakes for recreational and angling activities.
CO Jacque Johnson (Longville) checked angling and ATV activity. She also assisted at a firearm safety field day.
CO Levi Brown (Staples) focused efforts this week on fishing activity. Increased fishing activity was observed on almost all waterways in his station. Enforcement action was taken for boating safety equipment issues and taking violations.
Walker – vacant.
ATV rec officer – vacant.
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