Pennsylvania Outdoor News Cuffs & Collars – March 1, 2019 https://ift.tt/2UiH0Op

SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION
From the Game Commission 

Bedford County Game Warden Jeremy Coughenour reports a Schellsburg man was found guilty at a summary hearing for feeding deer in Disease Management Area 2 and hunting in a baited area. The man posted videos of himself online field-testing different products to attract deer to his hunting stand. A concerned hunter alerted wardens to the videos and consequently the man’s hunting stand was located along with large amounts of shelled corn and minerals.

Blair County Game Warden Salvadore Zaffuto reports charges have been filed against a Tyrone resident who killed a trophy-class buck through the use of bait this past archery deer season. 

Cumberland County Game Warden John Fetchkan reports several license investigations are ongoing where nonresidents bought resident lifetime and other hunting licenses before they completed mandatory Hunter-Trapper Education. The investigations also seem to revealing some hunters getting tags for spouses who don’t hunt. 

Perry County Game Warden Kevin P. Anderson Jr. reports successfully prosecuting several road hunting and other poaching cases this past year because concerned citizens took the time to report them. Please do your part and contact the local regional dispatch center to report violations.

York County Game Warden Justin Ritter reminds everyone that feeding wildlife is unlawful in some circumstances and can negatively impact wildlife health. 

NORTHEAST REGION
From the Game Commission

Sullivan County Game Warden Rick Finnegan reports that hunting and trapping activities have dwindled lately, likely due to severely cold temperatures. A low of -13 degrees was recorded in LaPorte. 

Lackawanna County Game Warden Aaron Morrow reports a Lackawanna County man and a Luzerne County man each entered guilty pleas for multiple offenses involving the unlawful taking, killing and possession of three antlerless deer from October 2018 through December 2018. Both defendants killed multiple deer without proper licenses and were sharing kill tags. Total fines and penalties were close to $8,000 and both defendants will be on license revocation for multiple years, according to the report.

Lackawanna County Game Warden Aaron Morrow reports two Lackawanna County men have pleaded guilty for unlawfully harvesting a black bear in an area where bait was used as an enticement. Total fines and penalties were over $1,300 and both face multiple years of license revocation. 

Lackawanna County Game Warden Aaron Morrow reports a Pike County man has pleaded guilty for unlawfully harvesting a black bear while hunting in an area where corn and bird seed were used as an enticement. Total fines and penalties were over $1,300.

Lackawanna County Game Warden Aaron Morrow reports a Lackawanna County man and woman were charged with the unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia while on State Game Land 300 in Archbald. According to the report, both defendants entered guilty pleas.

Columbia County Game Warden Rick Deiterich reports a Bloomsburg man was cited for disturbing wildlife after throwing firecrackers at rabbits on New Year’s Day on Bloomsburg University property.

LMGS Rich Briggs reports habitat management crews in Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties are busy border-cutting on state game lands to increase herbaceous productivity and provide a buffer of early successional habitat around select field edges.

Categories: Cuffs & Collars

Tags: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Outdoor News, Pennsylvania Outdoor News Cuffs and Collars

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Pennsylvania Outdoor News Calendar – March 1, 2019 https://ift.tt/2BZk3Z8

Banquets/Fundraisers.

March 1: Wolf Creek NWTF Banquet, 5:30 p.m., Pine Township Social Hall, Grove City. For more info call Jim Kyle, 724-679-6870.

March 2: Red Rock NWTF Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas. For more info call Chris, 570-696-2406.

March 2: Susquehanna NWTF Banquet, 4:30 p.m., Clearfield. For more info call Reed Johnson, 814-592-6683.

March 2: Keystone Elk Country Alliance Banquet, Mountain View Country Club, Boalsburg. For more info call 814-349-5041.

March 2: SCI Three River Banquet, 5 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe, Canonsburg. For more info call 724-344-7025.

March 2: Uniontown Izaak Walton League Banquet, 6 p.m., Uniontown Polish Club, Uniontown. For more info call Dave Anderson 724-984-3458.

March 9: Sharon RMEF Banquet, 3 p.m., Yankee Ballroom at Yankee Lake. For more info call Terry Tulip, 724-854-9691.

March 9: Yellow Creek WTU Banquet, 5 p.m., Chestnut Ridge Resort, Blairsville. For more info call Stick Lawson, 724-479-2754.

March 16: NW RMEF Banquet, 3 p.m., Cross Creek Resort, Titusville. For more info call Jessica Buck, 814-968-5758.

March 16: West Branch WTU Banquet, 4 p.m., Genetti Hotel, Williamsport. For more info call David Huffman, 570-772-0312.

March 16: Blue Mountain RMEF Banquet, 4:30 p.m., Leesport’s Farmers Market Banquet Hall. For more info call Glenn Balthaser, 610-926-9190.

March 16: Christian Life Center Banquet, at the Center. For more info call Steve Shuster, 610-274-0478.

March 17: Keystone Elk Country Alliance Banquet, The Royal Inn, Ridgeway. For more info call Tom Wehler, 814-787-7327.

March 23: Greensburg RMEF Banquet, 4 p.m., Ferrante’s Lakeview Banquet Hall. For more info call Steve Kowatch, 724-516-1015.

March 23: Pennsylvania Trappers Assoc. Banquet, Red Fern Banquet & Conference Center, Kersey. For more info call Rob Daniels, 814-781-6664.

March 23: Consolidated Sportsman of Muncy Creek Banquet, 5 p.m., Hughesville Volunteer Fire Dept. For more info call Scott Kilcoyne, 570-447-7960.

March 29: Blue Mountain Fish & Game Assoc. of Walnutport Banquet, 5:30 p.m. For more info call Keith Hess, 610-657-6030.

March 30: Erie Co. RMEF Banquet, 4 p.m., Nicks Place, Edinboro. For more info call Carolyn Huff, 724-699-8474. 

April 6: Mountain Laurel TU Banquet, 5 p.m., Holiday Inn Downtown Johnstown. For more info call Gary Cooper, 814-266-4763.

April 13: Northeastern PA Friends of NRA Banquet, 4:30 p.m., Genetti Manor, Dickson City. For more info call Carl Mozeleski, 570-587-2662.

April 20: Locust Valley WTU Banquet, 4 p.m., Ryan township Fire Hall, Barnesville. For more info call Dave Morgan, 570-205-2253.

May 10, 11, 18: Bucks County WTU Banquets, 5 p.m., New Hope Eagle Fire Company, New Hope. For more info call 215-799-1900.

Archery/Shoot 

April 13-14, May 18-19, June 8-9, July 13-14, 27-28, Aug. 10-11, 24-25, Sept. 7-8: Mount Joy Sportsmen’s Assoc.  Outdoor 3D Shoot, in Woods. Sat. 7-noon, Sun. 7-2 p.m. For more info call Irvin Saylor, 717-598-0791.

* * *

Limerick Bowmen, 65 Bragg Road, Schwenks-ville, PA. For more info call 610-287-8850.

1st Sunday: Every Month 3D Shoots 7-noon.

 * * *

Falls Township Rifle & Pistol Assoc. Shoots. 354 Newbold Road, Morrisville. For more info call Peter Olivieri, 215-584-0015.

Sundays: 1st Sunday of every month, 7-11 a.m.

* * *

Swatara Archers Schedule of Events. Pine Grove, PA. For more info call 570-345-6254.

3rd Sun. of every month: Archery Shoots, 7-1 p.m.

* * *

West Shore Sportsmen’s Association schedule of Firearms training & other shooting events. 500 Ridge Rd., Lewisberry, PA. For more info, www.shoresportsmen.org or call 717-932-2780.

Sun.: HP Rifle, 9 a.m., 1 Sunday a month.

Tues.: Air Rifle, 6-8 p.m. Starts second Tuesday in September through last Tuesday in July.

* * *

Jefferson Sportsmen’s Assoc. 4707 Sportsman Club Rd, Spring Grove, PA 17362. For more info call 717-229-2608.

Now-April: Hog Creek Game Club Sporting Clay Shoot, 3rd Sun. of the Month, 9 a.m. For more info call Justin Schick, 419-234-1969.

Now- Sept.: Saltsburg Sportsman club, archery shoots, 1st Sunday of each month, reg. 7-2- p.m. For more info call the club at 724-639-0360.

Tournaments/Contests

April 26: Veterans Walleye Tournament, Port Clinton Yacht Club, Port Clinton. For more info call Tim, 419-573-2868.

April 28: Children’s Fishing Derby, Port Matilda Community Park, 1-4 p.m. For more info call George Jackson, 814-692-4890.

Shows

March 1-3: Erie Outdoor Sport & Travel Expo, Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, Fri. noon-8 p.m., Sat. 10-8 p.m., Sun. 10-4 p.m. For more info www.eriepromotions.com/erie-sport-show

March 2: Lancaster Hunting & Fishing Show, Lancaster Farm & Home Center. 9-1 p.m. For more info call Ron, 717-687-8101, evenings.

March 3: Alburtis Boy Scout Troop #86 Sportsman’s Flea Market, Alburtis Community Center. 8-1 p.m. for more info call 610-762-9292.

March 9-10: Gun Show, East Berlin Fish & Game, 9-3 p.m. For more info call Rick 717-259-9719.

March 16: Sportsmen & Outdoors Expo, 1-4 p.m., Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire company No. 1. For more info call Jim Thorp, 610-377-6363.

March 17: Bechtelsville Sportsmans Flea Market, 8-2 p.m., Bechtelsville Fire Company. For more info call Matt Moyer, 610-473-2979.

April 6: PA Trappers Assoc. District #8, Spring Sportsmans Show, 7-5 p.m., Blaine Picnic Grounds.  NWTF Sanctioned Calling Contest. For more info call 717-732-8099.

May 4-5: Lehigh Valley Knife Shows, Sat. 9-5 p.m., Sun. 9-3 p.m., Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township. For more info call Bill Goodman, 484-241-6176.

May 17-18: North American Trap Collectors Assoc. Show, North Orwell PA Community Hall. For more info call Bruce McCormick, 607-426-6276.

June 20-23: FTA/VTA Trappers Rendezvous, 8-6 p.m., Rockingham Fairgrounds. For more info call Travis Bandy, 276-210-7105.

Aug. 17: Franklin County Izaak Walton League of America, Gun Show & Sale, 8-3 p.m., St. Thomas VFD. For more info call Craig Minnich, 717-977-9240.

Oct. 12-13: Mount Joy Sportsmen’s Assoc. Gun Show, Sat. 9-4 p.m., Sun. 9-3 p.m. For more info call Tom Brooks, 717-341-9900.

Season Dates

March 14: Walleye and sauger season closes.

March 30: Porcupine season closes.

March 30: Trout season opens in Southeast Region.

March 31: Beaver trapping season closes.

Dog Events

July 13: PA Beagle Gundog Federation, Breakneck Beagle Club & Northeast Regional Junior Beagler, Youth Outdoors Day, 10 a.m., Breakneck Beagle Club, Zelienople. For more info call Ryan Grube, 484-764-1687.

Special Events 

March 9: Wellsville Fishing Flea Market, 7:30-3:30, Wellsville Fire Company. For more info call Steve, 717-756-6747.

March 17: Whitney Point Sportsman’s Assoc, Traditional Black Powder Shoot, Flea Market & Gun Show, 8-3 p.m., at the Club. For more info call George, 607-692-4843.

Now-Sept.: Saltsburg Sportsman Club, Archery Shoots, 1st Sun. of the Month, 7-2 p.m. For more info call 724-639-0360.

* * *

Clark County Sportsman’s Club, 3450 Ballentine Pike, Springfield, OH. For more info call David McLaughlin, 937-631-9552.

Tues., Sun: Open to the Public year round.

* * *

Coshocton County Sportsmen’s Club Schedule of Shoots. For more info call Karl Steiner, 740-763-2243.

Every Tues.: Open Trap.

* * *

Bolivar Sportsman’s Club Shoots, 11286 Bolivar Strasburg Road NW, Bolivar, 44612. www.bolivarsportsmansclub.org for more info.

2nd Sunday Sept.-April: Lucky X Shoots, 7 a.m.

Every Fri: Trap Shoot, 6:30-10 p.m.

* * *

Allen County Archers, H. Kelley, 8 South Seltzer Street, Wapakoneta, 45895. For more info call Howard Kelley, 419-953-2861.

3rd Sat. each Month: 3D Archery Shoot.

* * *

Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, Events, 14480 Washingtonville Road, Washingtonville, 44490. For more info call Glenn, 330-770-8027.

Every Mon.: Turkey Shoot, reg. 6 p.m.

* * *

Hocking Valley Sportsmans Club Shoots. For more info call Victor Howdyshell, 740-753-3492.

3rd Sat. of every month: 3D Bow Shoot, 8 a.m. April thru Sept.

* * *

Kill’um Buck Longrifle Blackpowder Muzzleloader Shoot Club, 2260 E. West Salem Rd, Creston, OH 44217. For more info call Carole Fry, 330-435-4408.

Sunday: Meets the 1st Sun. of the month, 11 a.m.

Education/Seminars

March 3: PA Hunter-Trapper Ed, 9-4 p.m., PMSC Combo bldg. For more info https://register-ed.com/events/view/137990

March 8: Hemlock Rod & Gun Club Fishing Seminar, 6 p.m., Westaby Hall Fairless Hills Fire House. For more info call Paul, 267-549-3668.

Women’s Programs

June 15: NWTF Women in the Outdoors, Ontelaunee Rod & Gun Club, New Tripoli. For more info call Rebecca Bitner, 610-462-4869.

Meetings

March 20: Hokendauqua TU will meet 6:30 p.m., Northampton Middle School Rm 205. For more info call 610-262-7598.

Oil City Chapter Izaak Walton League meets 3rd Mon. 7:30 p.m., Old Monarch Park, Franklin. For more info call Ray Swidorsky, 814-676-1961.

John Harris Chapter Izaak Walton League meets monthly, sons of Italy Lodge #2857, Harrisburg. For more info call Eugene Rosetti, 717-763-9025.

Izaak Walton League of America Greene Co. Chapter meets 3rd Wed. of each month, Greene Co. Hot Rod’s House of Barbecue Restaurant, Waynesburg, 6 p.m. For more info call Ken Dufalla, 724-377-0901.

Red Rock Chapter NWTF meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 7 p.m,. Farmers Inn, Shavertown. For more info call 570-825-9744.

Izaak Walton League of America York Chapter #67 meets every 3rd Tues. of each month, 7 p.m. For more info call Don Robertson, 717-873-4171.

Uniontown Chapter Izaak Walton League meets 3rd Tues. 6 p.m., Farmington. For more info call Corky Johnston, 724-438-0309.

Berks County Chapter Izaak Walton League meets 2nd Tues. 8 p.m., Egelman’s Park, Reading. For more info call Cleon Garl, 610-929-0416.

Lebanon County Chapter Izaak Walton League meets 2nd Tues. 6:30 p.m., Jonestown. For more info call Tracy Longenecker, 717-273-7304.

Blue Mountain Rod & Gun Club, Inc. meets every 3rd Monday night, 7:30 p.m., 105 Rutt Rd, Bangor. Eastern PA. For more info call Bill Goodman, 484-241-6176.

North Central PA Branch QDMA meets every 2nd Tues. of every month, 7 p.m., Gander Mountain. For more info call Doug Garrison, 570-658-4646.

Franklin County Chapter Izaak Walton League meets 2nd Thurs. 7 p.m., Waltonian Meadows, Chambersburg. For more info call Donald Diehl, 717-264-2044.

Lancaster Red Rose Chapter Izaak Walton League meets 2nd Tues. 6 p.m., Schaefferstown. For mare info call Dean Baker, 717-459-3545.

SE Montg. Cty TU Chapter meets the 2nd Tues. of each month, 7:30 p.m., Pennypack Visitors Ctr, Huntingdon Valley. For more info call Rich Terry 215-675-1536. 

Pittsburgh Downriggers meets 4th Tues. of each month, 7:30 p.m., Coraopolis Sportsmen’s Club. For more info call Jon Brogley, 412-335-1095.

Nock Mafia Bass Club. Meets the 1st Sun. of every month, 6 p.m., Silver Creek Athletic Assoc., Springtown. For more info call Steve Kaczinski, 267-374-3665.

Stony Creek Anglers meet 2nd Tues. of the Month, Norristown Manner-Chor Club, 7:30 p.m. For more info call Bruce Hexter, 610-420-0219.

Yellow Breeches Anglers & Conservation Assoc. General Meeting, 1st Tues of each  month, except Dec., 7th. Directors Meeting 3rd Tues. of the month. For more info call 717-843-4311 ext. 117.

Bux-Mont Bassmasters. Meets the 1st Weds. of the month, 7:30 p.m., Lansdale. For more info call Bob Lengyel, 215-290-2217.

Categories: Pennsylvania Events

Tags: Pennsylvania Outdoor News, Pennsylvania Outdoor News Calendar of Events

The post Pennsylvania Outdoor News Calendar – March 1, 2019 appeared first on Outdoornews.

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Evers appoints former legislator to DNR board https://ift.tt/2Uc2Wur

Connecticut river valley is stunning this time of year

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REI Launches Bontrager, Cannondale Nationwide, Doubles Down On Cycling in 2019 https://ift.tt/2EkZFCl

New brands, new bikes, and new adventures all reflect ‘major investments in cycling’ by REI this year.

When REI retooled its cycling brand from Novara to Co-op Cycles in 2017, it marked much more than a name change. At the time, the brand sought to understand why its customer base wasn’t turning to the Co-op for bike purchases. And REI uncovered “brutal truths” about the brand’s perception within the cycling world.

Citing 'Brutal Truths,' REI Reboots On Bikes

REI will drop Novara and head in a new direction with bikes for 2017. Read more…

Co-op Cycles was the beginning. REI rolled out new bike designs that addressed member opinions on quality, aesthetics, and utility. From road cycling to bikepacking bicycles and gear, REI began a push to become more of a “bike brand.”

And today, REI announced an expansion of its industry partnerships, including a nationwide rollout of Cannondale and Bontrager. It also formally revealed the latest evolution of its cycling brand: full-suspension mountain bikes.

REI To Sell Bontrager, Cannondale Gear

In today’s announcement, REI confirmed it will begin selling Bontrager gear in-store starting March 14, a first within the Co-op. While REI did not list specific products, it did say helmets, shoes, lighting, and “other accessories” will be included in the rollout.

“We’ve long appreciated the Bontrager brand for its innovative products and for being a true specialty brand in cycling,” said Ben Johns, REI’s general
merchandising manager. “We’re excited to partner with Bontrager to bring this line of apparel, components, and accessories to our members across the country.”

Additionally, REI said it will expand its partnership with Cannondale to make the brand available at all locations across the country. To date, REI has offered a wide selection of Cannondale bikes online and at select co-ops.

Both moves signal an effort by REI to provide more products and brands cyclists expect and recognize. And the brand acknowledged as much.

“We’ve made great progress stepping up our shops, assortments, and services to create a unique specialty experience,” Johns said. “And the changes we have
planned for 2019 will be another big step forward as we work to infuse cycling more prominently into the co-op’s DNA.”

First Look: REI's New 'Co-Op Cycles' Tested

A fresh look, updated specs, and an entirely different marketing approach went into REI's Co-Op Cycles launch. The brand hopes the new identity will finally give it clout among cyclists. Read more…

REI Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes: DRT 3.1, 3.2

REI also added to its fleet of Co-op brand, purpose-built bicycles this year. While the brand’s first full-suspension mountain bikes went live earlier this year, today REI officially revealed the DRT 3.1 and 3.2.

Both are aluminum-frame, hydraulic disc, dropper-equipped bikes. The real differences lay in the groupset. The 3.1 has a RockShox Sektor RL fork, FSA MegaExo bottom bracket, and a 1×10-speed Shimano Deore Shadow + setup.

Meanwhile, the 3.2 offers a RockShox Revelation RC fork, SRAM DUB bottom bracket, and a 1×12 SRAM NX Eagle setup. The 3.1 and 3.2 cost $2,199 and $2,799 respectively.

Bicycle Trade-In, Expanded Rentals, New Adventures

Rounding out REI’s 2019 bike push are a few sport-specific initiatives. First, REI will double the number of multi-day cycling trips on offer, with more than 40 itineraries available this year. The brand claims there will be “a trip for every type of cyclist,” from road to mountain to gravel — and adventures for all fitness levels. REI will launch new trips in Chile, Colombia, Scotland, Spain, Canada, and the U.S.

Bikes that Haul: REI Co-op Rigs Put to 4,700-Mile Test

What gear do you use on a cross-country cycling and trash cleaning tour? In this video, the Packing it Out team show the rigs they rode for the past 5 months. Read more…

The Co-op also announced it will pilot a trade-in for certain qualifying bikes. With it, customers can earn credit toward the purchase of a new bike at REI. Finally, REI said it will grow its rental offerings in “key markets” beginning this spring.

In all, today’s announcement reveals a renewed investment by REI to court both new and seasoned cyclists alike. With well-recognized brand partners, legitimate product launches, and programs to help engage more bikers around the world, REI appears ready to become the bike brand it set out to years ago.

The post REI Launches Bontrager, Cannondale Nationwide, Doubles Down On Cycling in 2019 appeared first on GearJunkie.

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Welcome. This is Sweden. Sun is shining. Snow is falling. And you can’t see a fuck. Welcome again, Hope you like your stay.

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Minnesota Outdoor News Cuffs & Collars – March 1, 2019 https://ift.tt/2H7cweb

District 1 – Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods and the Roseau River and checked snowmobilers around Warroad, Roseau, and Salol. A group of anglers had in possession an overlimit of walleyes. Other anglers were found with an illegal-length walleye and extra lines. 

CO Eric Benjamin (Warroad) worked ATVing, snowmobiling, and angling enforcement. The new regulations on limits for walleyes and sauger go into effect March 1 for Lake of the Woods. The 2019 regulations book reflects this and is now available. Also, angling licenses for 2018 expire Feb. 28. 

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) monitored area snowmobile trails and angling activity. Calls about a sick moose were handled. 

CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck) reports working angling activity on special-regulation lakes throughout the week. Regas also worked a detail at the Eelpout Festival in Walker and the annual Blackduck Snowmobile Club drag races. 

District 2 – Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports investigating a complaint about a suspected deer taken out of season. He also assisted a neighboring officer with a “sick” moose-related complaint. 

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) monitored angling and snowmobiling activity throughout the week. Angling is difficult on most lakes with the added snow and issues with slush. 

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports checking area lakes and making notes about fish houses still on area lakes. Vinton has received several calls relating to fish house removal. A blizzard late in the week has made removal even more difficult. 

CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) spent the week checking area lakes and ice anglers. There has been some flooding on the lakes, so be sure to take that into account with the upcoming fish house removal date. 

CO Angie Warren (Mahnomen) worked snowmobiling activity on area waters and trails. Fish houses were monitored for items related to house removal. 

CO Bill Landmark (Pelican Rapids) reports snow has made vehicle travel on area lakes difficult and few people were fishing. The fish house removal deadline is March 4 and anglers with their houses on the lakes need to arrange with plowing companies to help remove them. Calls from the public included complaints about snowmobile trespass and numerous calls from anglers wondering what to do because they cannot get their houses off lakes. 

District 3 – Fergus Falls area

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked area snowmobile trails and monitored ice-fishing activity along with fish house removal. 

CO Andrew Goodman (Elbow Lake) reports working the Barrett Lake fishing tournament on Saturday. The event drew a large number of anglers. Many fish houses were removed during the weekend from area lakes. Goodman spent Sunday assisting the Grant County Sheriff’s Office with various calls due to the hazardous blizzard conditions that made travel difficult. 

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) reports another weekend with heavy snowmobile traffic on area trails. Registration violations seemed to be the only enforcement issues. 

CO Brian Holt (Osakis) reports time was spent monitoring coyote hunting and recreational vehicle activity. COs Holt and Baumbarger worked snowmobile and trail enforcement in vacant stations around Itasca State Park. 

District 4 – Walker area

CO Jacqueline Hughes (Longville) reports continued patrol of anglers and snowmobilers. She also worked at the Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake. 

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers and snowmobilers associated with the Eelpout Festival event. Leech Lake, in the event area, resembled a shallow icy marsh more than a sheet of ice. Slush up to 2 feet deep made large areas of the lake impassable for all vehicles, including tracked ATVs. Enforcement action was taken for several snowmobiling and angling violations. Assistance was provided in some instances for people having medical events such as frostbite and hypothermia. Some of that was due to the high level of intoxication of individuals, lack of proper clothing, and poor conditions on the lake. 

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Shane Zavodnik (International Falls) spent time working snowmobiling, angling, and alcohol-related enforcement during the week. Zavodnik worked a detail with fellow conservation officers at the Eelpout Festival in Walker. Ice conditions were quite tough during the event. 

CO John Slatinski (Ray) responded, along with multiple other agencies, to a snowmobile crash in which the operator hit a tree. The crash resulted in a helicopter transfer of the victim to a hospital. This was one of several recent crashes in the area. 

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports heavy snowmobiling activity during the week. Personal injury accidents in the area continue. Lack of registration displayed continues to be a common violation. 

CO Duke Broughten (Cook) spent the week monitoring angling and snowmobiling activity. More snowmobile crashes were reported.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) primarily worked anglers and snowmobile riders. There were many snowmobilers out during the weekend. Special emphasis was put on speed enforcement after a number of serious injury crashes during the previous week. Registration and speed violations were found to be in abundance. Fish house owners are urged to consider removing fish houses before the removal deadline. Horror stories are filtering in about marathon efforts in getting them off, with slush and snow making it difficult to impossible to do so. Bozovsky saw a first during the week: A dad was found with a toddler in a “playpen” in a portable fish house. Though the quarters were pretty tight, the toddler seemed comfortable.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) primarily worked snowmobiling enforcement on state trails and found violations of speed and registration problems. 

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers and snowmobilers this past week. Trail conditions are good and fishing was slow. Velsvaag took several calls about deer feeding and questions about trespassing laws.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked snowmobile trail and angling enforcement and assisted with the Eelpout Festival in Walker. Slush and water conditions on Leech Lake were extremely bad. In one instance, Bermel found a fish house unoccupied but smelled the odor of marijuana coming from a vent. He returned later and cited two individuals for marijuana possession. 

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers and snowmobile riders. Snowmobiling activity is busy, but fishing remains slow. 

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

CO Randy Patten (Northome) patrolled area lakes and snowmobile trails, performed equipment maintenance, assisted anglers with a snowmobile stuck in slush, and responded to a call about a possible missing person. 

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked snowmobiling and fishing enforcement. He also took care of wildlife-related complaints.  

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, monitored snowmobiling activity, and assisted with motor vehicles in ditches. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Si also attended the Safari Club banquet in the Twin Cities. 

CO Sarah Grell (Grand Rapids) spent time checking snowmobiling activity this past week. The CO also investigated a complaint about birch pole theft. Enforcement action is pending.

CO Jimmy Van Asch (Pengilly) reports working snowmobiling and angling enforcement. Van Asch also spent time completing an ongoing timber theft investigation.  

CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) primarily worked snowmobiling enforcement throughout the week. Enforcement action was taken for ice shelters without licenses, excessive speed on a snowmobile, and failure to display snowmobile registration.

District 8 – Duluth area

CO Jacob Willis (Brookston) saw heavy snowmobiling activity again this past week. Registration issues are still being seen with people not displaying current stickers or displaying in a fashion that does not meet statutory requirements. Enforcement action was taken for operating with expired registration. 

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) continued to work winter fishing on Lake Superior. Many people are enjoying excellent ice conditions on Lake Superior, allowing access to lake trout and salmon. Duncan also attended training at Camp Ripley. 

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked snowmobiling and angling enforcement. The CO also fielded questions about fish house removal and safety training courses.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) worked snowmobile patrols in the area. Time was spent checking area lakes for fish houses that may get left on after the deadline and potential litter violations. 

Lake Superior Marine Unit

CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked ice anglers as the rare, accessible ice sticks around on the North Shore shoreline. A reminder that all anglers ages 18 to 64 are required to have a Minnesota trout stamp while angling on Minnesota waters of Lake Superior. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobile violations.

District 9 – Brainerd area

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked snowmobile trail enforcement and fielded questions about fish shelter removal deadlines. Guida also patrolled Lake Vermilion with northern conservation officers. Enforcement contacts were made with snowmobilers with loud, modified exhausts.

CO Patrick McGowan (Pine River) patrolled snowmobile trails throughout Cass and Crow Wing counties. McGowan also assisted at the Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake. 

CO Amber Ladd (McGregor) patrolled snowmobile trails and anglers. She also spoke with several anglers about fish house removal and reminded them when their angling licenses expire. 

CO Eric Sullivan (Pequot Lakes) worked the Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake this past weekend. Violations detected included extra lines, unattended lines, expired recreational vehicle registration, impaired operation, and possession of controlled substances. 

CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) worked snowmobile and ski trails, checking anglers, and gave presentations to students at Brainerd High School in wildlife forensics, natural resources law enforcement, and furbearing animals. A complaint involving people arguing over a fishing spot with behavior including obscene gestures and words, fish houses too close to each other, banking snow to aggravate, drilling holes to intentionally flood out the other person’s fish house, and other unsportsmanlike conduct was investigated. A 65-year-old man was found operating a snowmobile at a speed of 98 miles per hour. When the man came into radar range, officers observing the situation believed he was slowing down from a much higher speed. The man said he thought what he was doing was safe. 

CO Scott Fitzgerald (CCSRA) reports working area snowmobile trails during the week. He also assisted with a kids fishing day in the Aitkin area where kids were taught how to ice fish and also some ice safety techniques. Fitzgerald patrolled the SRA and checked for illegal vehicle traffic. A case of someone plowing snow onto a snowmobile trail was investigated. 

District 10 – Mille Lacs area

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked angler activity, which was slowing down as the snow piled up. Lots of houses were coming off lakes, resulting in investigations of debris left behind. 

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Malmo) patrolled by snowmobile on area snowmobile trails. 

CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) spent time patrolling area snowmobile trails and lakes. She also documented ice shelters that had litter around them. One ice shelter appeared abandoned due to its condition and lack of identification. 

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) and CO Karon assisted with the search and rescue of two stranded anglers on Lake Mille Lacs. The anglers ran out of propane and extreme wind blew ice roads shut, preventing travel.

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) continued to spend time patrolling snowmobile trails. Fishing activity was down compared to past weeks, likely due to deep snow making it difficult to move around on the lakes. Several angling groups were found digging out pickups and ATVs that were partially buried in snowdrifts.

District 11 – St. Cloud area

CO Annette Kyllo (Pierz) worked a detail on Leech Lake during the Eelpout Festival in Walker. Deep snow and slush made travel on the lake extremely difficult in most areas, and many of the plowed lake roads were covered with at least 18 inches of water. 

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) attended multiple community events during the week, including a Green Grove Rod and Gun Club meeting, a Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association meeting, and a presentation for elementary classes at the Swanville school. Time also was spent patrolling station snowmobile trails and lakes in the area. 

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) spent time working snowmobilers and anglers. Recent snow in the area has the trails in great shape and many snowmobilers were out and about enjoying the good snow. Assistance was given to the sheriff’s office with a burglary call and the rescue of a stranded snowmobiler who was stuck in a remote portion of the snowmobile trail. 

District 12 – Princeton area

CO Mike Krauel (Mora) spent the week working ice anglers and snowmobiling activity. Krauel would like to remind anglers that the shelter removal deadline is fast approaching and ice conditions are getting worse with the heavy snowfalls. 

CO Trent Seamans (Big Lake) spent the week patrolling snowmobile trails and area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for expired registration, improper display of registration, and failing to stop for a trail stop sign. 

CO Nathan Benkofske (Milaca) reports spending the week on the area snowmobile trails. A big-game case was investigated that involved unlawful party hunting leading to charges of lending/borrowing of licenses and unregistered deer. 

District 13 – West Metro area

CO Arnaud Kpachavi (Mound) spent the week working snowmobile and fishing activity. He also attended training and patrolled area trails and lakes. 

CO Tim Maass (Osseo) continued to work local snowmobile trails with the record snowfall this month. Time also was spent checking ice anglers on area lakes. Maass also investigated trespassing issues involving snowmobilers riding off trails.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) assisted the Belle Plaine Police Department with snowmobile regulations and provided a ride-along. 

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) focused on snowmobile, ice-fishing and ski pass activities. He also attended computer training at Camp Ripley.  

CO Mike Lerchen (Bloomington) focused his efforts on fishing and recreational vehicle enforcement. Time was also spent working the Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake. Poor ice conditions made the fishing difficult.

CO James Fogarty (Prior Lake) spent the week patrolling lakes and snowmobile trails. Several anglers were checked and most were dreading the pending snow. Lots of fishing shelters were removed in advance of a recent storm. Fogarty removed several shelters that were left behind for several weeks with no activity or identification. If you are missing a portable shelter from a Scott County lake, please contact Fogarty to see if yours was collected.  

District 14 – East Metro area

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) reports doing snowmobile enforcement, checking anglers, and monitoring ice shelter removal. Arntzen also spoke to students at a firearms safety class in Forest Lake and responded to a call about an injured animal.

CO Luke Gutzwiller (White Bear Lake) spent time working angling and snowmobiling activity. Gutzwiller would like to remind anglers that the ice shelter removal date is March 4 on area lakes. An injured bald eagle was recovered and transported to the Raptor Center for treatment.

District 15 – Marshall area

CO Blong Lor (Redwood Falls) spent the week checking ice anglers. Recent heavy snows have made transportation on the ice challenging. Time also was spent checking snowmobilers and coyote hunters.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week working anglers and conducting investigations. Continual blowing snow is frustrating most outdoor recreationists. 

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the week working ice fishing, coyote hunting, and snowmobiling enforcement. The inland waters walleye/northern seasons ended quietly because of difficult travel conditions on area lakes. 

District 16 – New Ulm area

CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) received calls regarding sick deer and snowmobile trespass on a state wildlife management area. Wildlife feeding isn’t encouraged but has become common this winter. Nelson wants to remind those who feed pheasants and deer (where legal) that feeding pheasants in the open exposes them to predation by hawks and eagles. Feeding them under brushy areas would be better for the pheasants. Feeding straight corn in large amounts to deer can be fatal this time of the year due to acidosis. 

District 17 – Mankato area

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) reports that weather-related assistance was given to local agencies and the State Patrol for vehicles stuck in drifts or in ditches.

CO Jamie VanThuyne (Mankato) focused on snowmobile enforcement throughout the week. VanThuyne also checked anglers, attended a career fair, and assisted with a snowmobile safety class. 

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) checked predator hunters, trappers, anglers, and snowmobile and ATV operators during the week. 

District 18 – Rochester area

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) assisted local law enforcement with weather-related issues. In one case, he assisted a stranded motorist who followed his GPS, which told his to get off the closed interstate and put him on a drifted county road. 

CO Tyler Ramaker (La Crescent) attended computer and airboat training. Time also was spent assisting the State Patrol and other local agencies with the response to severe weather incidences on Sunday, Feb. 24.

CO Kylan Hill (Zumbrota) gave a presentation at an area firearms safety class. The CO also assisted agencies in the southeast with the treacherous road conditions.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working more ice fishing and snowmobiling enforcement. Fishing access is tough, with a lot of slush beneath a lot of snow. Prodzinski assisted area law enforcement and the State Patrol with numerous stranded motorists during Sunday’s blizzard conditions.

CO Phil George (Rochester) checked snowmobiling and angling activity, spoke with Riverside Elementary fourth-grade classes about ice safety, and took a complaint about a sick or injured deer. Assistance was also given to multiple agencies in dealing with local blizzard conditions on Sunday afternoon and evening.

Categories: Cuffs & Collars

Tags: Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Outdoor News, Minnesota Outdoor News Cuffs and Collars

The post Minnesota Outdoor News Cuffs & Collars – March 1, 2019 appeared first on Outdoornews.

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