District 10 - Mille Lacs area C.O. reports 9-3-24

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked hunting activity that included complaints of people taking species out of season. Cooler weather limited water recreation activity, but anglers did well. Transporting of aquatic invasive species was monitored. Verkuilen also assisted with the DNR confiscated equipment auction.

CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) worked a busy teal and bear opener. Griffith had complaints of early shooting and trespass. A reminder that shooting hours for the teal season differ from other waterfowl seasons. Success was seen among hunters. Time was also spent patrolling the ATV trails and doing commercial inspections. Enforcement action was taken for violations related to bears, teal, and ATV operation.

CO Joseph Scholz (Malmo) worked bear baits and ATV activity. Time was also spent at the State Fair and speaking at a lake association meeting. Recreation activity level was high as people got out to enjoy the last big weekend of summer, though windy conditions kept lake activity down. Enforcement action was taken for taking ATVs off trails and youth on ATVs without helmets. With many hunting seasons starting, please be sure to review all hunting regulations and new changes before hitting the field, woods, or waters.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked waterfowl and bear hunters, anglers, boaters, and ATV riders over the busy holiday weekend. Enforcement action was taken for transporting loaded firearms, youth ATV passengers without helmets, expired ATV registrations, unregistered OHMs, and various public land violations. Benkofske also assisted other local law enforcement agencies with several emergency calls.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) investigated a possible deer-poaching case in which the head of a buck was cut off. The reported poaching turned out to be a car-killed deer and the suspect had a permit. Questions came in about the early teal season, along with questions about ricing and the related boat motor restrictions. Starr assisted with security work at the Great Minnesota Get Together.

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) spent time patrolling for fishing, boating, ATV-riding, teal- hunting, early goose-hunting, and bear-hunting activities. Enforcement action was taken for various fishing, boating, ATV-riding, and duck-hunting violations. She also assisted the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office with an ATV crash.