Weekly CO report

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports taking various moose and bear related complaints this week. Time was also spent teaching at the DNR Enforcement Academy. Anglers and watercraft operators were also contacted throughout the week.

CO Andrew Ladzinski (Bemidji #1) spent time checking numerous anglers during the fishing opener. He assisted in a fire detection flight. Enforcement action was taken for anglers taking walleye before the season opened and various watercraft violations. He saw lots of live wells full of fish this weekend.

CO Andrew Goodman (Perham) worked a busy week consisting of many calls for service and fishing related activity leading up to the opener. A variety of factors pushed many anglers to try the evening and twilight bites on area lakes and rivers, with moderate success found. Those who braved the wind and heat during the day found pike to be hungry, although the bite dwindled substantially as the weekend progressed. Overall compliance with fishing and boat and water safety rules was very high.

CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) spent the week training with K9 Axel. CO Swedberg also checked a lot of fishermen over the weekend. Many anglers were having success, whether they were after walleye or panfish. He also assisted with several burning complaints in the area, as the warm temperatures and high winds made for dangerous burning conditions.

CO Jordan Anderson (Osage) patrolled area lakes on the fishing opener. Anglers saw mixed success on the lakes checked during the weekend. Several fires were investigated, and enforcement action taken. High winds and temps over the weekend brought extreme fire conditions. Enforcement action also included a variety of watercraft and ATV violations.

CO William Landmark (Moorhead) spent the week checking anglers and responding to a variety of wildlife calls. Warm weather over the opening weekend had many anglers out on the water. Walleye fishing was slow, but those seeking panfish did well. Time was also spent investigating wolf depredation complaints and a fire. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license and no PFDs onboard a watercraft.

CO Angela Warren (Mahnomen) spent time on ATV and off-road vehicle activity. The station was patrolled for fire activity, as high winds and dry conditions continue throughout the area. Fishing opener was worked with angling and boating safety checks performed. Anglers checked had mixed results. Leeching activity was monitored as well.

CO Brady Manteufel (Bagley) checked area lakes for the fishing opener, along with boat registration and safety checks. ATV trails and roads were patrolled for activity and questions about wildlife and game laws were answered. Violations found included insufficient lifejackets on board watercraft and no type IV throwable. ATV violations encountered consisted of operating with no lights on and no helmets on juveniles.

CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent the early part of the week monitoring angling/ATV activity and preparing equipment for fishing opener. Time was spent working a detail on Lake Bemidji, with other Conservation Officers. Fishing opener was busy, with many anglers having success. Enforcement action was taken for take walleye in closed season, ATV registration violations, no angling license in possession, and other boating equipment violations.

CO Curtis Jepson (District #2) focused on angling, boating, and ATV enforcement activities. The fishing opener had a good number of boats on the area lakes. The most common violations were boating safety equipment violations, including no class IV throwables or fire extinguishers on board watercraft. Jepson also responded to a wildland fire call. High winds and temps with low humidity have produced many fires in the district.

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