Northwest Minnesota Youth Deer Season Yields Safe and Productive Outcomes
Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in northwest Minnesota and surrounding northern areas reported on activities from the week of Monday, October 20, 2025, highlighting a safe and successful youth deer season.
CO Ben Huener, stationed in Roseau, conducted compliance checks on hunters pursuing grouse, geese, and ducks within the Roseau River and Thief Lake Wildlife Management Areas. Notably, a citation was issued for a boater operating a vessel while transporting a loaded firearm, following a report of improper conduct involving duck hunting.
Enforcement and Hunting Activity Across the Region
In the Warroad North district, CO Tony Hams focused on small-game and youth deer hunters, monitoring ATV use and responding to various complaints. Enforcement included citations for unlicensed small game hunting, driving after license revocation, illegal ATV use without headlights, and an overnight stand left on a Wildlife Management Area.
CO Coby Fontes, operating in Warroad South, engaged with small-game hunters while addressing public land concerns. Enforcement actions included license violations and improper ATV operation within WMAs, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance recreational access and habitat preservation.
CO Nicholas Prachar and COC Jayden Frank patrolled the Beltrami Island State Forest, overseeing grouse and deer hunting activities, and responding to trespass complaints. Their duties also extended to monitoring anglers, with enforcement issued for possession of undersized walleye, illegal filleting practices on the water, unauthorized ATV use on state highways, and incomplete transfer of ATV ownership.
Youth Deer Hunt Success and Wildlife Encounters
CO Bobby Stringer of Thief River Falls West reported strong participation and success among youth deer hunters, describing the weekend as both safe and productive without serious injuries or incidents. Waterfowl hunting yielded mixed results, with a variety of diving duck species observed.
CO Nick Bruesewitz in Karlstad also noted youth deer hunter success and enforced laws against unlicensed small game and waterfowl hunting, along with multiple ATV-related violations. A remarkable wildlife incident involved the rescue and successful release of a bald eagle found stuck in the grill of a vehicle—a testament to the region’s rich avian biodiversity and the importance of rapid wildlife care intervention.
CO Brice Vollbrecht, covering Blackduck North, monitored hunting activity with a focus on waterfowl and grouse, noting intermittent hunter success and continuing ATV patrols to ensure compliance with conservation area regulations.
Additional Activity and Staff Updates
- Positions remain vacant at Baudette East and Blackduck South.
- CO Tom Hutchins and COC Kaitlyn Istvanovich worked throughout Crookston, inspecting waterfowl, youth deer, and archery hunters, including attending the Rydell deer hunt orientation.
- CO Jamus Veit of Bemidji #1 participated in training at Camp Ripley and addressed nuisance bear complaints alongside public inquiries.
- CO Jordan Anderson of Osage focused on small-game hunting patrols.
Biological and Conservation Context
The youth deer season success reflects healthy local deer populations and effective wildlife management strategies designed to balance sustained harvest with conservation. The noted grouse success aligns with seasonal habitat conditions favorable for strong brood survival. Strict enforcement of licensing and ATV regulations within Wildlife Management Areas helps protect sensitive habitats critical for time-sensitive life stages of various species, including nesting waterfowl and upland game birds.
Additional reporting and sources from: DNR officer reports safe and productive youth deer season – Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports
