DNR news releases, Nov. 21, 2013

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources header

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #88                                                                                Nov. 21, 2013
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
Follow the DNR on Twitter @mndnr.

IN THIS ISSUE
4 men arrested for violating a variety of hunting laws
Mille Lacs walleye regulation to remain the same this winter 
DNR conservation officers’ actions save man’s life 
Flock to Minnesota state parks and trails for an avian adventure after Turkey Day

 

DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4 men arrested for violating a variety of hunting laws

A vehicle pursuit and a foot race related to illegally shining deer landed four men in the Otter Tail County Jail, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Charged in Otter Tail County Court with a variety of charges ranging from felony fleeing a law enforcement officer to shining with a firearm to transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle were Carl S. Moench, 29; Trevor J. Krinkie, 22; Cory L. Uselmann, 19 and Branden L. Biksen, 18; all of Browerville. Two juveniles involved in the incident were not charged.

DNR Conservation Officer Al Peterson of Osage received a call Saturday, Nov. 16, from an off-duty Becker County deputy of possible trespass and shots fired near the Becker/Otter Tail county line.

There were several incidents of the suspects eluding the officers while shining and shooting at deer. Once a traffic stop was initiated the driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and a passenger exited the vehicle and ran across the road into a ditch before being apprehended by Peterson. The deputy stayed with the vehicle and prevented another passenger from his attempt to flee on foot. The suspects were transported to the Otter Tail County Jail.

Moench later said three untagged deer were at a residence in Browerville. One, from the night before the incident, was illegally taken by shining. Another was a legal kill, and the third was shot after shooting hours. None of the deer had a DNR site validation tag attached. All were seized by the DNR, along with a motor vehicle, three rifles, three knives, and a spotlight.

Assisting were officers from the Becker and Otter Tail county sheriffs’ departments, Menahga and New York Mills police departments, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

People who come across something they think is a violation, should call the Turn In Poachers, 24-hour hotline, 800-652-9093 or #TIP on cell phones. Callers can remain anonymous.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         Nov. 21, 2013

Mille Lacs walleye regulation to remain the same this winter   

Walleye anglers who fish Mille Lacs Lake this winter will do so under the same bag and slot limit that has been in effect since May, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Following fish population assessments this fall, the DNR determined that maintaining the existing regulation was appropriate. That regulation allows anglers to harvest walleye between 18- and 20-inches, except one over 28 inches may be harvested. The possession limit is two.

The walleye fishing season runs through Feb. 23 and reopens May 10. The walleye regulation for the 2014 open water season will be announced in late winter following an evaluation of harvest data.

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DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           Nov. 21, 2013

DNR conservation officers’ actions save man’s life

Training, determination, and the right equipment helped a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources save the life of a man who fell through the ice on a central Minnesota lake.

Acting Lt. Tony Musatov of Sauk Rapids responded to Little Rock Lake near Rice, Minn., on Friday, Nov. 15, after a report of an ice angler breaking through the ice. 

On arrival, Musatov asked two volunteer firefighters to assist him in pushing a small boat out across the ice. The ice was too thick near shore to break through so the group pushed the boat across the ice until they were able to break through.

Musatov broke through the ice as well but was able to make his way into the boat and continue to the victim.

Progress was very slow due to ice. When the rescuers were about 35 yards away, the angler, Joshua Johnson, 30, of Sartell, went under water and never resurfaced. 

Musatov and the others continued to break ice until they reached the area where Johnson was last seen. Musatov threw a grappling hook and eventually hooked the leg of the victim. CPR was started and Johnson was rushed to the hospital.

Even though Johnson was under water for about 45 minutes, doctors were able to warm his body and get a heartbeat. Johnson was in a coma until early Monday morning, but is now able to communicate with doctors.

Also assisting were DNR conservation officers Mike Martin and Dave Schottenbauer.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   Nov. 21, 2013

Flock to Minnesota state parks and trails for an avian adventure after Turkey Day

Minnesota state parks and trails have lots of suggestions on how to work birds into Thanksgiving weekend — and they’re not just talking turkeys. There are avian-themed geocaches waiting to be found in the woods, free birding kits waiting to be checked out at park offices and scenic trails for hikers.

“There is a Minnesota state park or trail within 30 miles of almost any spot in the state,” said Courtland Nelson, Parks and Trails Division director at the Department of Natural Resources. “So no matter where you live or celebrate Thanksgiving, nature and outdoor recreation opportunities are always close by. This is a great time of year to go hiking, because now that the leaves have fallen from the trees, it’s easier to see birds, deer and other wildlife.”

Geocaching combines hiking with treasure hunting. With the help of a GPS unit, visitors can search for hidden treasures — or cache containers — in all 76 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas and on the Root River State Trail. Inside the containers are collectible bird cards with fun facts about a feathered friend that can be found in the area. Several parks loan GPS units to visitors. For more information, visit www.mndnr.gov (www.dnr.state.mn.us/geocaching).

Turkeys might actually be at the gate to greet anyone who shows up for the “Walk It Off! Post-Thanksgiving Day Nature Hike” from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 at Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul.

“Meet at the visitor center, and we’ll wander through the park exploring animal signs and work off some of our Thanksgiving Day treats,” said Park Naturalist Krista Jensen. For directions to the park and other information, visit www.mndnr.gov
(www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling).

Minnesota state parks are open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and feature more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails through the state’s hardwoods, prairies and pinelands. A Hiking Club (which you can join for a fee) provides members with opportunities to earn patches and other incentives as their total mileage accumulates.

Tips for anyone planning to take a hike include:

  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Dress in layers in case of sudden changes in weather.
  • Pick up a trail map at the park office (or print one from the website before you leave).
  • Tuck a water bottle and healthy snacks in pockets or waist pack.
  • Wear blaze orange if hiking at a park where hunting may be taking place.

Sibley State Park will be closed for a resource management deer hunt Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. All other Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be open to the public, but hunting may be allowed in some areas. Find out where and when access may be limited at www.mndnr.gov (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hunting.html).


Bring binoculars and guide books to help identify any wildlife along the trail. Most state parks have birding kits visitors can use for free while at the park. The kits include binoculars, bird books and a checklist of birds that can be seen in the park. Bird checklists also are available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/birdchecklists.html).

State Park Gift Cards
Get some holiday shopping done by purchasing Minnesota state parks gift cards. Cards can be redeemed for vehicle permits, campsites, camper cabins, and rental equipment, such as snowshoes. They also can be redeemed for the apparel, outdoor-related books and other items sold at Minnesota state parks. Gift cards can be purchased at Minnesota state parks and at the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. Order the cards online at www.mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 651-296-6157 or toll-free, 888-646-6367.

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