DNR CHECK

[NAMASafetyDirector]

This is not a complaint as much as it is a question/comment. Was out a 5 mile on Saturday and the CO showed up at the back door and asked to come in. With that said, he was driving a sled with no marking, he was wearing an old Polaris racing jacket and did not announce or introduce himself as DNR/CO before he started asking questions. Only way i figured out who he was were the token green pants and then i noticed his side arm. Anyway, he was very nice and professional but I would have felt better had he introduced himself at the very least. Doesnt seem like it would be that hard for a thief to put on some green wool pants and a Glock and go around checking in on people and taking inventory, ballsy yes, but no one every said crooks were rocket engineers....just sayin. At any rate, our experience with whatever his name is was pleasant and professional.

[bak2MN]

I had the same thing happen to me a few years back on Red. No markings and didn't identify himself. He was pleasant but it was a little disturbing also.

[DTro]

Yes that does seem fair enough. I’ve heard of others having the same encounter with people they were left questioning as to who their identity was. Maybe it’s a way to add a little stealth to their job, but as much as I’m in favor of catching people in the act of breaking game laws, I’m more in favor of our civil rights and protection. I would agree that the first thing they should do is identify themselves and state the intention of their visit.

[ducksnbucks]

Might be worth a call to the local CO or DNR office? Go about it the same way you did this topic but express your concern. If they get a few people that call letting them know their concerns they might change the way they go about it.

I can see the unmarked sled to go somewhat "undercover" but I agree they should introduce themselves at the least.

[Kaz]

A few years ago we had a visit too. As soon as he asked us for ID we asked him to ID himself too. He replied "Fair Enough" and show us his badge. Again he was very professional and was on his way. I also saw the Red Light on his sled, so I expected he was a CO...

[nofishfisherman]

I've been checked on URL and when he pulled up on the sled he knocked and introduced himself as DNR through the door. I don't believe he had anything else that identified him as DNR, at least not his jacket.

It was a very short visit and he was professional. I was fishing with 3 other friends and we were split between two houses. The CO pulled up in the 15 minute window when my buddy ran over to check on the other guys and left me alone in the house with my two lines and one of his still in the water. I didn't try to hide it told him the reason. He just said make sure to reel up the 3rd line if your friend is going to be gone more than 10-15 minutes. He could have gotten me for the 3rd line but he used some common sense.

[Chill62]

Every time I've been checked they identify themselves prior. I ran into one on URL when it was dangerously cold and we were in a flip over and informed him we were getting ID's and licenses out prior to flipping the door open. Didn't want any guns drawn and he was great to work with but he was in full uniform and jacket. I would suggest like previously stated to call in the regional DNR and inform them of your encounter. Could be a learning opportunity for the officer.

[Big A]

They do this so that you grant them permission to enter your house.

Without your consent they cannot enter your house. They are virtually powerless without your cooperation or a search warrant/court order. Hence hiding their uniforms and not announcing DNR, etc...

Not trying to take anything away from them. But everyone should know their rights and understand how it works.

Reality is.. if someone has something to hide and understands how to use the word "NO" ... very little the DNR is going to be able to do about it at that moment. The courts have taken away a very large portion of their power.

I am not saying I agree with it. But it is what it is.

That being said I am EXTREMELY pleased to hear the DNR is out making a presence felt on Lake of the Woods this year. I have been going up for 17 years and still have never seen one out myself.

I hope they keep the pressure on and find away to deal with those who need to be dealt with.

My heart goes out to those guys... the court system has really tied their hands... tuff job made even harder.

[jerkbait]

oh they have always made a presence. We were checked 5 times last winter and every time they announced who they were after knocking on the door. I would think if they don't do that and find something to ticket that the ticket would probably get thrown out in court.

[Walleye Inn]

We were checked on Thursday, only one warden identified himself the other did not until I asked . they should identify themselves. great to see they are out there.

[cookie129]

I've been checked on URL and when he pulled up on the sled he knocked and introduced himself as DNR through the door. I don't believe he had anything else that identified him as DNR, at least not his jacket.

It was a very short visit and he was professional. I was fishing with 3 other friends and we were split between two houses. The CO pulled up in the 15 minute window when my buddy ran over to check on the other guys and left me alone in the house with my two lines and one of his still in the water. I didn't try to hide it told him the reason. He just said make sure to reel up the 3rd line if your friend is going to be gone more than 10-15 minutes. He could have gotten me for the 3rd line but he used some common sense.

nice

[Jarrid Houston]

I have no problem with what they do except I wish I got checked more often. This would tell me that others are getting the same treatment, and more tickets would be written. More over, people would think twice abou ever breaking the law!!!

Point being

DONT BREAK THE LAW and everything is gravy!.

[bturck]

i've never been checked in 5 years on Red and only twice in 12 yers on LOW. Maybe this year is our nturn to win the lottery. would like to talk with them or him and pick their brain. i appreciate the work they do......

[leech~~]

This is not a complaint as much as it is a question/comment. Was out a 5 mile on Saturday and the CO showed up at the back door and asked to come in. With that said, he was driving a sled with no marking, he was wearing an old Polaris racing jacket and did not announce or introduce himself as DNR/CO before he started asking questions. Only way i figured out who he was were the token green pants and then i noticed his side arm. Anyway, he was very nice and professional but I would have felt better had he introduced himself at the very least. Doesnt seem like it would be that hard for a thief to put on some green wool pants and a Glock and go around checking in on people and taking inventory, ballsy yes, but no one every said crooks were rocket engineers....just sayin. At any rate, our experience with whatever his name is was pleasant and professional.

Ha, sounds like the same guy we met two years ago Jim. Showed up on a sled, banged on the door and asked to come in but didn't identify himself before asking questions. I had to be the smart-ars of the group and say who are you and do you have a badge? Usually I'm the quite good natured guy who doesn't say much, like on the forums!

But, I may have had a pop! It got a little quite for a minute and then he opened his jacket and flashed his little mini badge pinned to his inside shirt. He checked us all out and was a pretty nice guy after all, but yes please try and identify yourself a little more!

[iiccee63]

INEXCUSABLE!!!! Stupid cops! They CANNOT show up like that! Wth??? I would have complained and filed a report!

[ArneRantanenJr]

I had the same type of experience first time on the ice this year Nov 30th. He was driving an atv, plain clothes, no helmet standing up all the time. However I was watching him go house to house so I was pretty sure who he was. Got to me and I had license ready and unzipped the door. We chatted a little and he asked to step inside the portable so he "could get out of the wind". Up to that point I didn't let on I knew and he never said anything. Once inside he identified himself and I handed him my license. Asked how big the fish was I had but didn't question my answer and then he was off. Watched him check each and every other of the 15 or so houses that were left and he was gone. If your not breaking the law what does it matter how he goes about his job?

[bnelson6357]

We got checked last Sunday coming off the lake. The bro-in-laws were loading up the sled when the CO came down to the landing. He quickly noticed there was no registration on the sled, the bro-in-law called me , I was up at the cottage. I came down and the CO was very professional, I had some confusion because the sled is registered in ND but we use it to ice fish in MN. The CO explained to me all the rules and processes, checked my DNR stats on his computer and then issued me a warning ticket. Turns out my stickers were in a file at home safely tucked away by she who must be obeyed. This CO has a fantastic reputation in the County and has checked us several times on soft water and always gives us a little local knowledge.

Funny story, a couple of years ago in late fall I am at the cottage and see a couple of guys across the bay in a duck boat putting some type of stakes down in the water. I grab the glasses and see they are stretching out a net! They finish and one of the guys pulls out a shot gun. So I am worried and I call the DNR and leave a report and they ask me if I want a call back from the CO. About 20 minutes later this same CO calls me and explains, "I checked those guys out earlier today, they are just some good ol' boys netting some tullibees, then they go over to one of the west bays and shoot a couple of ducks." I felt silly for calling, I never heard of the fall tullibee netting season. I also was envious of the fun the good ol' boys were having. He thanked me for my concern and again was very professional. I appreciate these guys and I know they do a lot of things other than check licenses. They often speak at outdoor clubs and other meetings. They are the good guys.

[walleye 4 me]

can you explain the snowmobile licence thing a little more? My sled is registered in ND so do I need something from MN? I have heard if you want to ride on the state trails on the lake you need a permit but if I am not on those I am good???

We got checked last Sunday coming off the lake. The bro-in-laws were loading up the sled when the CO came down to the landing. He quickly noticed there was no registration on the sled, the bro-in-law called me , I was up at the cottage. I came down and the CO was very professional, I had some confusion because the sled is registered in ND but we use it to ice fish in MN. The CO explained to me all the rules and processes, checked my DNR stats on his computer and then issued me a warning ticket. Turns out my stickers were in a file at home safely tucked away by she who must be obeyed. This CO has a fantastic reputation in the County and has checked us several times on soft water and always gives us a little local knowledge.

Funny story, a couple of years ago in late fall I am at the cottage and see a couple of guys across the bay in a duck boat putting some type of stakes down in the water. I grab the glasses and see they are stretching out a net! They finish and one of the guys pulls out a shot gun. So I am worried and I call the DNR and leave a report and they ask me if I want a call back from the CO. About 20 minutes later this same CO calls me and explains, "I checked those guys out earlier today, they are just some good ol' boys netting some tullibees, then they go over to one of the west bays and shoot a couple of ducks." I felt silly for calling, I never heard of the fall tullibee netting season. I also was envious of the fun the good ol' boys were having. He thanked me for my concern and again was very professional. I appreciate these guys and I know they do a lot of things other than check licenses. They often speak at outdoor clubs and other meetings. They are the good guys.

[hookie]

Hmmmm I know here in MN even if you ride on a lake unless it's privately owned you need a license so I would suggest maybe getting a permit just to CYA. Could always call the MN DNR also. I hope it's OK to post numbers here 888-646-6367

Guess I would rather get it straight from the horses mouth

[bnelson6357]

Hey Walleye, you have it right. My problem was I registered in ND, I just didn't have the license stickers on at the time (small white rectangle with red numbers). I bought the trail permit for MN also but it is only needed for parks and State trails. The CO said I could register the sled in MN even as a non-resident but I don't need to if it is licensed in ND. A friend also suggested I get a utility ND trailer license (only $5.00) if I trailered in MN, although I have been told ND residents don't need trailer licenses for boats and sleds, don't know for sure if that is correct so I got the trailer license to avoid problems.