District 4 - Wadena area

Last updated: 2013-05-07

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) worked two different solid waste cases, with one still active. He addressed some beaver issues and attended training at Camp Ripley. Parthun worked with the Wildlife Division on some wolf issues and completed a public waters case. He also monitored turkey hunting activity and addressed ATV and nuisance animal complaints.

CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked fishermen in the area. Officer Hunter attended annual training for the Division of Enforcement at Camp Ripley. CO Hunter attended a meeting at Camp Wilderness Boy Scout Camp with troop leaders from around the U.S. regarding maintaining relationships with Conservation Officers. Their concerns were related to trespass and hunting/fishing issues happening on Boy Scout Camp property.

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) responded to a grass fire in an area where several fires had been started in the past year. After searching the area and performing interviews with local law enforcement a single arson suspect was taken into custody. Another caller called in to report that a small filleted walleye and an intact rooster pheasant were found in their garbage can that was set next to the curb for pickup. Officer Oldakowski also took reports of multiple dead swans in the area. Working with wildlife personnel, he shipped one of the swans in for forensic testing.

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) reported primary enforcement efforts this past week focused on sport fishing activity in the area. He also attended annual in-service training.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) started to see a few ATV?s during the week, while a few ice anglers remained. He prepared boats and equipment for the upcoming open water season. Ice on most lakes for fishing opener is a near certainty. Some river areas may be closed in the area to protect spawning walleye. Enforcement action was taken for operating an ATV on the roadway, operating an ATV without a safety certificate, and taking an over limit of perch.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling and spring fish run activity. Angling activity slowed as ice conditions continue to deteriorate. Ice is deteriorating, however, it is likely that many lakes may have ice on them for spring fishing opener. CO Broughten assisted Cass County Sheriff?s Office with a camping and ATV complaint. When the officers responded they found several people camping on a roadway and with spring thaw their machines had done substantial damage to county property. CO Broughten also investigated several nuisance beaver complaints and attended annual training at Camp Ripley.

CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) worked the turkey season, gave fishing law talk to a men?s group in Motley, and did a law talk/field day to the Staples on-line FAS class. He also handled many calls regarding nuisance beaver. Ice is still on lakes but is darkening in color and is pulling away from shoreline.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Shane Siltala met with several SWCD agencies to discuss current wetland case files. He issued several extensions to individuals to complete wetland restoration due to the late spring and spoke at a lake association meeting about AIS and enforcement. Officer Siltala also spent time assisting with training of watercraft inspectors in Fergus Falls.