Weekly CO report

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked angling activities including pan fish harvest and an angler harassment complaint. Turkey hunters were found doing well with an abundance of birds due to another mild winter. Docks and lifts were checked for invasive species as they were getting moved around and installed during the week.

CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) responded to angling and wetland complaints. Angling, turkey hunting, and ATVing activities were monitored. Enforcement actions were taken on angling and ATVing violations. A reminder to get all the safety equipment in the boat before going on the water.

CO Joseph Scholz (Malmo) patrolled for spearing and bowfishing activities, checked turkey hunters, checked minnow dealers, and attended training. Turkey hunters in the area reported seeing many birds, though were not always successful in bagging a tom. Suckers were running in area creeks, and some angling activities had started on smaller area lakes for those targeting pan fish. Enforcement actions were taken for snagging fish, failure to renew ATV registration, youth on ATV without helmets, no license in possession, and transporting a loaded firearm. Remember that firearms should always be unloaded in a motor vehicle, even when just moving from one hunting location to another, and a permit to carry only applies to handguns.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked anglers in the area. Out of control fires were investigated and often stemmed from leaf piles and yard debris being burned by homeowners. Benkofske investigated the out-of-season poaching of two ducks.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) worked on spring fish run activities and sucker spearing opener activities. ATV travel increased with some violations found for no safety training and lack of registration. Assistance was provided to a state park employee that required some law enforcement training and experience. Turkey season was in full swing with many hunters having success. Enforcement action was also taken for a trespass situation.

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) monitored fishing, trapping, and ATVing activities. The officer also spent time following up on various calls. Enforcement actions were taken for ATV violations.

CO Trevon Pietz (Wealthwood) monitored ATVing and Turkey Hunting activities, uncovering several violations. Violations found included transporting a loaded firearm, allowing juvenile passengers to ride an ATV without helmets, and not displaying ATV registration properly. Meanwhile, several individuals were hunting for their first turkey and found the experience to be both challenging and exciting.

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