November 7, 2016
From WalkerMN.com
Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Oct. 31, 2016. The complete report is available
here
Conservation Officers (CO) statewide have been investigating deer shining complaints, including CO Ben Huener (Roseau) and CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck).
CO Hannah Mishler (Baudette 2) encountered a hunter who was hunting over sunflower seeds. When asked what the sunflower seeds were for, the hunter stated he liked to feed the squirrel sometimes, and it was just a coincidence that he was hunting deer within view of the seeds. Eventually the hunter admitted to intentionally placing the seeds for the deer and apologized for lying about baiting.
In the Bemidji area, CO Angie Warren reports a continuing problem with hunters who leave their portable stands in Wildlife Management Areas.
Complaints were received and investigated by CO Tony Anderson (Morris) of shining and shooting after dark. Anderson assisted with a shining work crew in Pope County over the weekend.
In the Walker area, CO Eric Sullivan also received TIP calls for hunters baiting and shining deer illegally. CO Chelsey Best (Remer) also reports receiving numerous baiting complaints that will be investigated.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) took complaints about people building permanent stands on public land.
CO Chad Thesing (Albany) investigated TIP calls including a deer that was shot at 1 a.m. with a spotlight, east of Farming.
In the west Metro area, CO Chelsie Leuthardt investigated the shooting of a trumpeter swan in or around the Bradshaw WMA.
A Turn in Poachers complaint was taken by CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) regarding a deer illegally taken by an archery hunter. The investigation resulted in enforcement action for transporting illegally taken big game, unlawful party hunting and lend/borrow big game license.