Deer season prep: Minnesota officers log enforcement and training

Approximately 150 feet of wire fencing was driven through and damaged in two separate locations in the Bagley area during the week ending Nov. 2, 2026. Conservation Officer Brady Manteufel investigated both incidents, which occurred within three hours of each other and were 10 miles apart. The damage appeared to be attempts to pick up deer.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released a weekly report covering conservation officers in Districts 1 through 4. Officers across the Baudette, Bemidji, Fergus Falls, and Walker areas focused on preparing for the firearms deer season. This included patrolling wildlife management areas, monitoring ATV traffic, and checking licenses for archery, duck, and small game hunters. CO Ben Huener in Roseau spoke on a local radio station about the new licensing system. CO Sarah Jahn in Thief River Falls East monitored small game, waterfowl, and archery seasons. CO Bill Landmark in Moorhead noted an influx of migrating waterfowl and increased deer movement. He took enforcement action for trail cameras left unattended overnight on WMA property. CO Tony Hams in Warroad North monitored local ATV traffic and followed up with complaints. CO Coby Fontes in Warroad South took enforcement action for operating an ATV with a juvenile not wearing a helmet.

In District 2, CO Tom Hutchins in Crookston took calls regarding the new license system and checked archery, duck, and small game hunters. CO Jamus Veit in Bemidji patrolled late evenings for shiners and took enforcement action for ATV youth helmet requirements. CO Andrew Goodman in Perham reported high compliance among waterfowlers regarding life saving devices. He issued restoration orders for water resource violations. CO Curtis Jepson in Osage helped the public purchase licenses online. CO Angela Warren in Mahnomen answered questions about White Earth Reservation rules. CO Jake Swedberg in Detroit Lakes noted a slow week for hunting activity but good weather. CO Hanna Wood in Fergus Falls completed Crisis Intervention Team training to better interact with people in crisis. She reminded hunters to review regulations as rules change every year.

In District 3, CO Tricia Plautz in Henning fielded daily calls about dogs trespassing or chasing deer. She stated that dog owners are responsible for keeping them at home. CO Ryan Brown in Elbow Lake reported slow duck success but increased pheasant success as fields were plowed. CO Shane Osborne in Evansville gave a talk at the local Rotary Club. CO Jake Homan in Alexandria took enforcement action for transporting a loaded firearm and missing a state waterfowl stamp. CO Felicia Znajda in Osakis investigated multiple trespass, shoot from roadway, and shining complaints. She took enforcement action for leaving stands on WMA overnight. CO Emily Douvier in Morris took enforcement action for various license violations. CO Andrew Ladzinski in Glenwood fielded questions on trapping regulations.

In District 4, CO Landyn Saewert in Wadena assisted the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office with an ORV crash where two juveniles were air lifted to Sanford Health. Saewert arrested an individual for DWI while operating a class 2 ATV. CO Patrick McGowan in Cass Lake worked waterfowl hunters and anglers on Winnibigoshish, Cass, and Leech lakes. CO Jack Lien in Walker investigated multiple deer cases and public land violations. CO Corey Sura in Remer noted that duck numbers had not changed significantly from previous weeks. Waterfowl hunters are awaiting north winds. CO Levi Brown in Staples responded to reports of turkeys shot and left on the side of the road in Morrison County. He assisted another officer with a hunter injured in the woods.

The DNR report lists several vacant positions in the districts. Baudette #1, Blackduck #2, Baudette #2, Bemidji #2, Wheaton, and the ATV rec officer role are currently vacant. Officers are scheduled to continue patrolling as the firearms deer season opens.