At the academy

The conservation officer candidates now have completed four weeks of their CO Academy training. They’ve also begun their weekly scenario training, where they take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to real situations they’re likely to encounter in the field. They’re evaluated on their performance during the scenarios. In addition, they learned about the various firearms actions, practiced interview techniques, and earned their ATV, firearms, and snowmobile safety training certification.

COCs learned about different firearms actions.

COCs spent time on the range familiarizing themselves with different firearms.

COCs learned about techniques for conducting observation at night.

COCs learned different shooting positions.

COCs prepared for conducting night-time observation.

COCs learned about all aspects of hunter safety, including the use of safety harnesses.

During the third week of the Academy, the 13 conservation officer candidates received training in the areas of defensive tactics, handguns, and shotguns. They spent most of their week in the gym or on the range. Such training is a key part of conservation officers’ daily readiness plan to ensure their safety as they work to protect Minnesota’s people and natural resources. In addition, the candidates also spent an evening with two of the officers who were part of the previous CO Academy to learn more about their experiences.

COCs spent part of the week in the gym, learning about defensive tactics.

COCs also spent time on the shooting range, learning about the different firearms they’ll use.

Watching the weather roll in on the range.

Conservation officers must work to maintain their firearms proficiency.

This year’s conservation officer candidates on the range.

During their time on the range, conservation officers practice shooting from a variety of positions.

The 13 conservation officer candidates now have finished the first two weeks of the CO Academy at Camp Ripley. This week at the Academy included a variety of administrative tasks and got into the finer details of being a DNR conservation officer. A few of the highlights from the week follow.

The COCs:

• Received their state-issued trucks and worked on backing trailers.
• Practiced identifying common game and fish species in Minnesota.
• Trained on writing reports and communicating via radio.
• Discussed conservation officer authorities.
• Learned about collecting, photographing, and properly documenting evidence in the field.
   

Practiced identifying common game and fish species in Minnesota.

Practiced identifying common game and fish species in Minnesota.

Trained on writing reports and communicating via radio.

Discussed conservation office authorities.

Learned about collecting, photographing, and properly documenting evidence in the field.

The 2025 DNR Conservation Officer Academy kicked off April 28, 2025, with 13 recruits beginning 16 weeks of intensive training at Camp Ripley. During the first week, the conservation officer candidates spent much of their time learning about the Enforcement Division and its history, getting acclimated to the DNR in general, and getting to know their “litter mates.” They received specific training on items including their body worn cameras and working with the media. This year’s class of candidates includes seven individuals who came to DNR Enforcement via the CO Prep program, which is a pathway for those without previous law enforcement experience to become a conservation officer. Those seven people spent four months at Hennepin Technical College before starting at the CO Academy.

During the first week of the CO Academy, conservation officers received and started setting up a variety of equipment they’ll use as part of their jobs.

CO Tou Vang conversing with a conservation officer candidate working to properly size the straps on a backpack.

Conservation officer candidates working on setting up their computers and other equipment.