Northwest Minnesota DNR officers ramp up patrols ahead of deer season

Conservation officers across northwest Minnesota are intensifying patrols as the region prepares for the upcoming firearms deer season. The Department of Natural Resources released a weekly activity report for Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, detailing enforcement actions, regulatory questions, and field activities in four distinct districts. The transition from small game and waterfowl seasons to big game hunting has driven a surge in public land usage and administrative inquiries.

Activity levels have risen sharply on Wildlife Management Areas, or WMAs, as hunters scout locations. Officers noted that an increase in ATV traffic is common during this period. In the Baudette district, CO Coby Fontes took enforcement action against a driver operating an ATV with a juvenile who was not wearing a helmet. Similar violations occurred in the Bemidji district, where CO Jamus Veit issued an enforcement action for a youth helmet requirement. CO Coby Fontes also monitored big game and grouse hunting activities.

The new licensing system has generated a high volume of service calls. CO Tony Hams in Warroad North and CO Ben Huener in Roseau discussed the new licensing system on local radio. In the Bemidji area, CO Andrew Goodman stated that questions regarding the new licensing sales application continue to be the most frequent subject of field contacts. CO Curtis Jepson in Osage assisted the public with online license purchases, while CO Bill Landmark in Moorhead answered regulation questions while walking public lands.

Enforcement officers addressed specific violations related to public land usage and game management. In the Baudette district, CO Bobby Stringer reminded hunters that blinds on public land must display visible orange or pink on all sides. He also noted that ignoring No Trespassing signs can lead to serious consequences. Enforcement actions included burning prohibited material without required permits. In the Fergus Falls district, CO Felicia Znajda investigated multiple complaints regarding trespassing, shooting from roadways, and shining. She also took action against hunters for leaving stands on WMAs overnight.

Investigations into deer-related issues have become more complex in the Bemidji district. CO Brady Manteufel in Bagley conducted two separate investigations within three hours of each other, located 10 miles apart. Approximately 150 feet of wire fencing was damaged in both locations, appearing to be attempts to pick up deer. CO Jack Lien in Walker investigated multiple deer cases and public land violations. In the Staples area, CO Levi Brown responded to reports of turkeys shot and left on the side of the road in Morrison County.

Officers also managed non-hunting emergencies and training. CO Landyn Saewert in Wadena assisted the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office with an ORV crash that resulted in two juveniles being airlifted to Sanford Health. She also arrested an individual for driving while intoxicated on a class 2 ATV. In the Fergus Falls district, CO Hanna Wood completed Crisis Intervention Team training to improve interactions with individuals in crisis. CO Tricia Plautz in Henning fielded daily calls regarding dogs trespassing or chasing deer, noting that dog owners are responsible for keeping animals at home.

Weather conditions influenced hunting success across the region. CO Bill Landmark reported that an influx of migrating waterfowl provided the best hunting of the year since the opener. Deer movement also increased, resulting in productive sits for archery hunters. In the Fergus Falls district, CO Ryan Brown noted that duck success remained slow while pheasant success increased as fields were plowed. CO Corey Sura in Remer observed that waterfowl hunters were awaiting north winds to improve conditions.