Weekly CO report

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked lake activities that included watching for invasives on boats and lifts being transported to the lakes. ATV traffic was picking up as seasonal residents arrived. Violations regarding ATV registration and youth operation were addressed. Turkey hunters were still out, although finding more challenges as foliage increased.

CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) spent time on area ATV trails and monitored angling activities on area lakes. Enforcement actions were taken for ATV-related violations. Complaints were fielded throughout the week about bears knocking down bird feeders and garbage cans. The best way to avoid problems with bears is to not attract them. Taking the initiative to secure or remove attractants will help prevent bears from becoming a nuisance.

CO Joseph Scholz (Malmo) patrolled for angling and ATVing activities, assisted with fur registration, and assisted with a boat that sank on Mille Lacs Lake. High winds resulted in dangerous conditions on Mille Lacs Lake, which kept many anglers away. Those who took advantage of the calm Sunday conditions saw mixed success for bass and walleyes. Enforcement actions were taken for expired boat registration, no throwable floatation device on watercraft, youth on ATVs without helmets, and allowing unlawful youth operation of an ATV.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked anglers and ATV riders. Enforcement actions were taken for expired registration, youth on ATVs without helmets, and unlawful operation of an ORV. Benkofske also assisted local fire departments with wildfires and complaints surrounding burning prohibited materials.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) dealt with fishing related complaints and enforcement of night ban regulations on Mille Lacs Lake. Assistance was given to local agencies on various calls. A TIP call was taken about individuals keeping bass out of season.

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) monitored fishing, boating, trapping, and ATV-riding activities. She assisted at the Aitkin fur registration for the extended river otter season. Whiteoak reports area ATV trails are now open and there has been a decent panfish bite on area lakes.

CO Trevon Pietz (Wealthwood) monitored ATV-riding activities on the Blind Lake ATV Trail. The night fishing ban on Mille Lacs Lake was monitored and enforced. Violations found included fishing without a license in possession, failure to activate boat lights past sunset, and failure to display boat registration.

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