Weekly CO report
District 9 - Brainerd area
Last updated: 2024-11-04
CO Calie Cook (Crosslake) checked small-game and archery hunters throughout the week. Injured-animal calls were also responded to.
CO Luke Belgard (Pine River) continued field training with COC Trevon Pietz. They worked with other conservation officers on a deer-shining case. They investigated complaints of shooting in a wildlife refuge. Several archery deer hunters, waterfowl hunters, and small-game hunters were checked, with no violations detected.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd #2) worked late-season waterfowl enforcement this week. Enforcement action was taken for no federal duck stamp. An area fall crappie bite was monitored where anglers were catching limits in about an hour. Numerous anglers were contacted, and one angler received a citation for an overlimit. Guida also addressed two youth operating ATVs in the road ditch illegally.
CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) spoke with many disappointed duck hunters throughout the week. Many are still waiting to see good numbers of migrant ducks come to the area. Bowhunters have seen deer moving well, as is typical for this time of year.
CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time checking waterfowl hunters and conducting investigations throughout the week. Complaints were followed up on for early shooting and trespass violations. A reminder that Permit Area 604 is a CWD zone and attractants are not allowed.
CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) checked hunters, ATV riders, and campers this week. Success was slow for ducks and deer. Grouse hunters saw some success. Investigations continue for commercial bait violations and big-game cases.
CO Matthew Brodin (Brainerd #1) saw an increase of archery hunters in the area this week. Brodin fielded multiple calls about waterfowl and deer regulations.