Minnesota Conservation Officers Report on Spring Activities

Conservation officers focus on ATV enforcement, angling regulations, and wildlife management across the state

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:08am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a fishing rod repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the work of Minnesota's conservation officers in regulating angling activities.Minnesota's conservation officers work tirelessly to promote responsible outdoor recreation and protect the state's natural resources.Moorhead Today

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers have been busy with a variety of spring activities, including presenting at training sessions, conducting ATV and angling enforcement, responding to wildlife-related calls, and preparing for upcoming safety classes. The officers have reported on their work across different regions of the state, highlighting issues such as illegal dumping, closed forest roads, and the need for anglers to be aware of regulations.

Why it matters

The work of Minnesota's conservation officers is crucial for ensuring responsible outdoor recreation, protecting natural resources, and promoting public safety. Their efforts to educate the public, enforce regulations, and address environmental concerns help maintain the state's natural landscapes and wildlife populations for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

The details

Conservation officers have been busy with a variety of spring activities, including presenting at training sessions, conducting ATV and angling enforcement, responding to wildlife-related calls, and preparing for upcoming safety classes. Officers have reported on issues such as illegal dumping, closed forest roads, and the need for anglers to be aware of regulations. For example, CO Bobby Stringer in Thief River Falls West conducted a big-game investigation and focused on angling and ATV recreational use, taking enforcement action for violations such as fishing for northern pike during a closed season and operating an ATV with a revoked license. CO Sarah Jahn in Thief River Falls East started an investigation into illegal dumping on public land and took enforcement action for an open container and using an invalid bonus tag.

  • Conservation officers have been conducting their spring patrols and enforcement activities over the past several weeks.
  • The ice fishing season is winding down as ice conditions have deteriorated, and officers are reminding anglers to be aware of regulations and safety.

The players

CO Robert Haberman

A conservation officer who presented at a training session for soil and water conservation district staff, conducted ATV enforcement, and instructed an aquatic invasive species training class.

CO Bobby Stringer

A conservation officer in Thief River Falls West who conducted a big-game investigation and focused on angling and ATV recreational use, taking enforcement action for violations.

CO Sarah Jahn

A conservation officer in Thief River Falls East who started an investigation into illegal dumping on public land and took enforcement action for an open container and using an invalid bonus tag.

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What they’re saying

“Anglers should start waiting for open water.”

— CO Bill Landmark, Conservation Officer in Moorhead

“Please check the DNR website for upcoming firearms safety classes.”

— CO Shane Osborne, Conservation Officer in Evansville

What’s next

Conservation officers will continue their spring patrols and enforcement activities, focusing on issues such as ATV use, angling regulations, and wildlife management. They will also be preparing for and conducting upcoming safety classes for the public.

The takeaway

Minnesota's conservation officers play a vital role in protecting the state's natural resources and promoting responsible outdoor recreation. Their efforts to educate the public, enforce regulations, and address environmental concerns help ensure the long-term sustainability of Minnesota's wildlife and landscapes.