District 16 - New Ulm area

Last updated: 2010-02-08

CO Jim Steffen (Willmar) spent the week checking snowmobiles, fishermen and coyote hunters. Time was also spent preparing cases for prosecution. Fishing has been slow throughout the area with lake travel being difficult in areas. Snowmobile activity has been high with the amount of snow we have in the area.

CO Angela Graham (Hutchinson) checked anglers, snowmobiles, and coyote hunters. Calls were taken on possible wetland violations, car killed deer, and general law questions.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) conducted a radio interview on two stations. Topics revolved around snowmobiling rules and regulations and common violations observed in the area. Angling activity has increased dramatically. One angler expressed concerns about litter on area lakes and stated that he took one extra hour walking the lake picking up trash left by carless anglers. Snowmobile activity was monitored along with predator hunting activity.

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) reports worked snowmobile event and fishing contest. Officer Abraham checked small game and predator hunters, portable shelters and aeration systems. Commercial minnow checks were completed and a minor injury snowmobile accident involving 11-year-old operator was handled.

CO Wayne Hatlestad (Litchfield) checked angling and spearing activity. Additional time was spent checking predator hunting activity. Hatlestad also spent time checking ATV and snowmobile activity.

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) checked anglers and snowmobilers. Overall, anglers continue to struggle to find a consistent bite. He is following up with fish house owners who do not have proper identification, reflectors and/or a shelter license displayed as required.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) completed his radio program discussing topics including snowmobile safety, ice fishing and coyote hunting. Gruhlke patrolled the Jackson County area checking anglers, snowmobilers and coyote hunters. Gruhlke is following up on complaints of predator hunter trespass and shooting at deer.

Windom - vacant.