Minnesota Conservation Officers Patrol Fishing, Ice Houses as Weather Warms

Officers report deteriorating snow and ice conditions, compliance with removal deadlines

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Conservation officers in northwest Minnesota have been busy patrolling fishing and ice house activity as warmer weather sets in, leading to deteriorating snow and ice conditions. Officers report finding some violations, including anglers without licenses, possession of illegal-length fish, and failure to remove ice shelters by the deadline. They are urging anglers to use caution on the ice and ensure they have the proper safety equipment as conditions rapidly change.

Why it matters

As winter transitions to spring, the changing weather and ice conditions pose safety risks for anglers and require conservation officers to closely monitor fishing and ice house activity. Ensuring compliance with regulations helps protect natural resources and public safety.

The details

Conservation officers across northwest Minnesota have been checking anglers, monitoring ice house removal, and responding to various wildlife-related calls. Some of the violations encountered include angling without a license, possession of illegal-length fish, use of extra fishing lines, and failure to remove ice shelters by the deadline. Officers also assisted with other incidents, such as a loose horse near a school and a bear sighting. The warm weather has led to deteriorating snow and ice conditions, prompting warnings for anglers to use caution and have proper safety equipment.

  • The ice shelter removal deadline for the north zone was March 16, 2026.
  • Conservation officers have been patrolling the area throughout the week of March 9, 2026.

The players

Nick Bruesewitz

A conservation officer based in Karlstad, Minnesota who patrolled snowmobile trails and provided a safety talk to a snowmobile class.

Tony Hams

A conservation officer based in Warroad, Minnesota who checked anglers and followed up on various complaints, encountering violations such as angling without a license and possession of illegal-length fish.

Coby Fontes

A conservation officer based in Warroad, Minnesota who patrolled Lake of the Woods and followed up on open cases, taking enforcement action for use of an extra line and angling without a license.

Nicholas Prachar

A conservation officer based in Baudette, Minnesota who assisted with a call about a loose horse near a school, using a rescue rope to safely direct the horse off the highway.

Bobby Stringer

A conservation officer based in Thief River Falls, Minnesota who encountered deteriorating snow conditions on trails but still found a good turnout for local vintage snowmobile rides, and also followed up on angling and big game violations.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.