Weekly CO report

District 16 - New Ulm area

Last updated: 2025-04-28

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) received calls reporting fishing violations and litter. He spent the majority of the time working fishing, boating, invasive species, turkey hunting and off-highway vehicle activities. CO Nelson saw a few nice crappies and sunfish caught but less than usual for this time of the year. Catfish anglers have been more successful. Turkey hunters were seeing birds but several expressed difficulty calling toms because of the attendant hens.

CO Travis Cain (Windom) spent the week checking anglers and turkey hunters. Cain gave a law and ethics talk to 39 students at a firearm safety class in Windom. Cain patrolled public accesses and wildlife management areas. Cain also investigated multiple TIP calls regarding illegal angling activity.

CO Nicholas Klehr (Litchfield) spent time checking anglers and boating activity during the week. Other time was spent working OHV enforcement and checking turkey hunters. CO Klehr also followed up on violations from the previous hunting season.

CO Shane Vernier (Willmar) worked turkey hunting and angling activity. He gave a law and ethics talk to ATV and Firearm Safety Classes. Vernier also spent time at a job fair for Ridgewater College.

Cassie Block (Willmar East) Spent time this week attending K9 training at Camp Ripley. Block also patrolled the area for angling and ATV activity. Block also spoke to youth attending a kids fishing clinic about the importance of lifejackets.

CO Brett Wiltrout (Hutchinson West) focused patrol efforts on ATV and sport fishing. Other time was spent on small game and trapping. Additional activities included fielding phone calls for nuisance animals and working a trespass case.

Zachary Larson (Hutchinson East) investigated a TIP complaint regarding illegal burning activity. Patrol efforts were focused on ATV, turkey hunting, and fishing activities throughout McLeod and Sibley counties.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) checked anglers and boaters. Public accesses were patrolled. AIS areas were inspected. ATV activity was patrolled on backroads. Nuisance beaver calls were handled.