CO Tom Hutchins (Albert Lea) and COC Graham worked the majority of the week checking anglers and boaters, as well as archery and waterfowl hunters. Time was also spent following up on TIP calls and investigating a possible wetland violation. Officers encountered numerous license violations, unplugged guns, un-cased firearms in motorized boats, and wanton waste of waterfowl.

CO Joe Frear (Waseca) checked waterfowl hunters, ATV activity, continued assisting Michigan DNR on an elk case, B&W safety and attended District 18 meeting. Waterfowl hunting was hit or miss depending on where one hunted. Average bird count on Saturday was about 2 to 3 birds per person and on Sunday it was one to zero birds per person. Violations: no federal waterfowl stamp, unplugged shotgun, no HIP certification, no wearable PFD, operate ATV on roadway, fail to display current ATV registration, operate ATV with more juvenile passengers than machine allows and operate C2 ATV in ditch.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) worked a busy duck opener this past weekend with COC Nordseth. The officers found hunters had limited success. Violations included transporting uncased firearms, no HIP certification, no State/Federal waterfowl stamp and no PFD in watercraft. Wiebusch took a call from an individual in Wright County who demanded he come and remove two muskrats that had taken up residence inside their pontoon. The officer explained that he did not cover Wright County only to be told, “Well maybe you should.” The caller then hung up. Follow up interviews on a Michigan elk case continues.

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) worked primarily on waterfowl enforcement. Violations detected included multiple stamp/license violations, illegal taking of a trumpeter swan, and early decoys. Most hunters checked had multiple birds in the bag both days. Howe also worked illegal OHM activity, attended training for an upcoming lake rehabilitation project, worked on equipment maintenance, and made an arrest on a felony warrant.

CO Bob Geving (Mankato) conducted two flights, one for Nicollet Wildlife (Wildlife Management Area, wetlands) survey and one for enforcement regarding a baiting complaint. Geving worked waterfowl opener on Middle Lake and several other shallow lakes with CO Howe. Per, wildlife employees conducting surveys, numbers of ducks taken were down from last year. Geving and Howe also investigated a accidental shooting of a swan. Enforcement actions included unsigned license, no HIP certification, early decoy placement, no life jackets in duck boat, several off-highway motorcycle violations, and one felony warrant for an unregistered sex offender.

CO Phil George (Mantorville) investigated a case where a commercial fisherman was caught participating in a commercial fishing activity while his commercial license was under suspension. Enforcement action was taken on two commercial fishermen for taking game fish and operating while under suspension. Took calls concerning dogs chasing deer and beaver issues. Attended a training with wildlife for an upcoming rotenone project on an area lake. Worked the weekend waterfowl opener where many duck hunters were checked in the field with good success. Assisted the Rice County Officer with a baited pond and enforcement action was taken for hunting waterfowl over a baited area, possession of lead shot, and unsigned federal waterfowl stamp.

CO Julie Siems (Faribault) investigated a commercial fishing activity where a individual who has his commercial fishing license under suspension was working illegally. Enforcement action was taken on two commercial fisherman for taking game fish and operating under suspension. Officer worked a waterfowl baiting complaint and enforcement action was taken.