Weekly CO report

District 3 - Fergus Falls area

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) started field training COC Sara Mooers. Officers attended Conservation Days and presented to 5th and 6th graders from Wadena, Deer Creek, Menahga, and Sacred Heart. They demonstrated safety equipment, presented various furs of Minnesota mammals, and educated students about hunting, fishing, ATV, snowmobile, and watercraft laws. Officers also taught a Firearms Safety class in Battle Lake, where they spoke about the laws and ethics of hunting. Officers monitored fishing activity, waterfowl, turkey, bear, and deer (archery) hunting activity throughout Otter Tail County. Officers received multiple complaints of trespassing violations, investigated several TIP reports, and detected a high rate of hunting license violations.

CO Ryan Brown (Elbow Lake) reports checking waterfowl and angling through the week. He also responded and assisted surrounding agencies with an ATV crash over the weekend. Additional time was spent with dogs chasing deer complaints.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked waterfowl, small game and archery hunters. There was a mix of divers and puddle ducks observed in the bag over the week. Goose numbers are down in the area.

CO Jake Homan (Alexandria) spent the week patrolling Douglas County. A law talk was given to a local firearm safety class. CO Homan responded to four duck hunters who capsized their duck boat and helped in rescue efforts. Time was also spent assisting at an ATV fatal accident in northern Douglas County. People are reminded to use proper safety gear for outdoor activities that can be dangerous.

CO Felicia Znajda (Osakis) checked several duck and goose hunters throughout the week. Many hunters out on Saturday but a significant drop-in activity Sunday. Hunters complained of the warm temperatures. Variety of violations encountered including no life jackets and lead shot. She was dispatched to a variety of calls including an overturned duck boat with no life jackets on board, a fatal ATV collision, and the report of intoxicated boat operators.

CO Emily Douvier (Morris) reports working small game and waterfowl enforcement. Enforcement action was taken for no federal stamps and using an unplugged shotgun. Injured animal calls were also handled.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) continued field training COC Ziegler. Enforcement efforts were focused on checking waterfowl hunters and fishermen. Additional time was spent following up on pending cases.

Wheaton vacant.

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