District 16 - New Ulm area

Last updated: 2013-05-07

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) completed commercial game farm inspections in addition to following up on multiple public waters violations. He worked the bow fishing opener and continues to follow up on multiple complaints of rough fish being dumped in ditches.

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) continued monitoring spring fishing activity throughout the week. She investigated the dumping of multiple coyotes and raccoons at a lake access. Mueller assisted with compliance checks with the area hydrologist and attended in-service training at Camp Ripley.
CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) spent time instructing conservation officers at the annual in-service training at Camp Ripley. Oberg also focused his efforts on spring fishing enforcement as well as ATV enforcement. Oberg also spent time checking turkey hunters.

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) reports working fishing activity and boaters. Channel catfish in the 20 to 24 inch range are biting well, but very few panfish seen. Abraham handled complaints of dogs chasing nesting ducks and pheasants.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) spent time on sport fishing, ATV, and big game enforcement. Annual in-service training was attended at Camp Ripley. Enforcement action for the week included fishing without a license, illegal tackle, and trespassing.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked the Minnesota/Iowa border water opener. Participation was light; it is suspected that the weather played a part. Gruhlke continued to inspect commercial operations, respond to calls for information, and patrolled the county. He completed his radio program discussing AIS, fishing openers, and area activity. Gruhlke worked AIS at the Little Spirit Public Access and nearby vicinity.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) worked the Minnesota/Iowa border lake opener. Anglers that were out were upset with cold, windy and rainy weather. Some even were upset that they had no luck catching fish. In-service training was instructed to CO?s at Camp Ripley. Complaints were investigated regarding the illegal netting of game fish. Many questions were answered in the field regarding the appropriate way to dispose of minnows when leaving lakes and accesses.

Willmar #1 - vacant.

Litchfield - vacant.