MN DNR STAGE

This site is the staging environment for www.dnr.state.mn.us

This computer system contains government data. System use may be monitored for law enforcement/other purposes. Unauthorized access is prohibited and subject to criminal/civil sanctions.

Weekly CO report

District 16 - New Ulm area

Last updated: 2025-05-12

CO Shane Vernier (Willmar-West) spent time working angling activity during fishing opening weekend. Along with area law enforcement, he played dodgeball with local 4th grade classes. CO Vernier also spoke on the radio show ?Conservation Conversation? about the fishing opener.

CO Cassie Block (Willmar-East) spent time this week attending K9 training with fellow handlers. Time was also spent patrolling the waters for the fishing opener. CO Block also focused efforts on AIS enforcement.

CO Nicholas Klehr (Litchfield) worked a busy fishing opener. Most anglers were able to find some fish, and some were lucky enough to catch their limit. There were multiple violations found this year with anglers not having a valid fishing license, some boats not having a single lifejacket in them, and some boats not having navigational lights at night.

CO Brett Wiltrout (Hutchinson-West) focused patrol efforts this week on sport fishing and ATV. Other time was spent on public water access enforcement and boating safety. The 2025 fishing opener saw good success on area lakes. An investigation into a public waters issue continues.

CO Zachary Larson (Hutchinson-East) reports working a busy fishing opener and some anglers did have a moderate level of success. Patrol efforts were focused on ATV, fishing, and turkey hunting activity. Assistance was given to another Conservation Officer with a public water violation.

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) received calls reporting trespassing and injured animals. He also tended a TIP Wall of Shame at a youth school event. CO Nelson worked mainly fishing, boating, invasive species, and off-highway vehicle activities. Local walleye and northern fishing success was very good on opening weekend.

CO Travis Cain (Windom) spent the week checking anglers, turkey hunters, and monitoring boating activity. CO Cain patrolled area lakes, public accesses, and wildlife management areas. CO Cain also handled calls regarding nuisance/injured animals.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) worked investigations related to turkey hunting. The Fairmont firearm safety class was taught to 45 students. The annual Ducks Unlimited Greenwings event was attended in Sherburn. Anglers and boaters were checked on area lakes for the fishing opener.