Warden Blotter: Northwest, Northeast and West-central cases
May 14, 2013
By: Bureau of Law Enforcement
Capsized boat rescue, brazen bird blocks door, perch too plenty, fire probe, dogs and deer among warden cases
Kewaunee, Brown, Manitowoc and Oconto counties
Warden David Allen of Kewaunee responded to a capsized boat off of Algoma where 4 fishermen were plucked from the icy waters of Lake Michigan. The fishermen were part of a brown trout fishing tournament and went out fishing in rough seas with their 18-foot boat, which capsized shortly after leaving the safety of the Algoma Harbor Break-walls. The incident was observed by two individuals. One called 911 while the other hailed another larger fishing boat (charter vessel) that was close to capsized boat and was able to pull one of the fishermen from the cold water, while the others made it to shore. The charter boat sustained a lot of damage to the hull due to the shallow water rescuing of the fishermen. None of the fishermen were wearing personal floatation devices.
While on patrol, Wardens Kyle Lynch and George Protogere observed a plume of black smoke coming from a burning debris pile. Upon closer inspection, the wardens found the pile contained tires and other toxic materials. The wardens passed on information to DNR solid waste staff for their review and follow up. It is illegal to burn rubber, plastics, painted wood, metal and many other products.
Recruit Warden Cara Kamke of Green Bay talked to a high school career class about what it is like being a warden and assisted with a First Shots for Women event in Manitowoc County.
Regional Warden Byron Goetsch of Green Bay participated in the statewide Aquatic Invasives Species (AIS) Coordinators & Partners Conference held at University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point on April 30. Conservation wardens are working cooperatively with these and other individuals regarding enforcement of the AIS regulations to stop the spread of these detrimental species across Wisconsin.
Recruit Warden Cara Kamke of Green Bay assisted Oconto County wardens by interviewing some Green Bay residents regarding perch taken out of season. Warden Kamke located the suspects and the investigation revealed that the suspects had taken a number of perch during the closed season. Warden Kamke seized 45 perch from 3 fishermen for fishing perch during the closed season. Enforcement action is pending.
Warden Chris Kratcha of Southern Door County and Warden Supervisor George Protogere assisted Wildlife Management and Wildlife Health Staff from Madison with the investigation of approximately 20 dead deer in the Forestville area of Door County. The likely cause of death was due to malnutrition/starvation as a result of an extended winter and exceeding the carrying capacity for the area habitat.
Ashland, Douglas and Iron counties
Warden John Windt of Hurley held his 2013 annual Kids fishing day at Weber Lake. The date had to be changed to May 11 due to ice on the lake and another foot of snow from the last storm.
Warden Lance Burns of Gordon investigated a complaint of a shot heard in an area of waterfowl concentration. While investigating the complaint, Warden Burns found a subject in a rowboat with ice still on the river. No personal floatation device was on board and a citation was issued.
Ashland team wardens participated in the Douglas County Fish and Game League Sport Show in Superior answering questions and providing information for attendees that visited the DNR booth.
Warden Amie Egstad and Warden Matt Mackenzie of Ashland were issued a “Nebulus” self-inflating rescue device that was donated along with numerous others to Chequamegon Bay area law enforcement/fire agencies and businesses by the president of the company. The wardens are able to carry the unit in their squad or on an ATV/snowmobile on the ice.
Warden Brad Biser of Brule received a complaint of two dogs chasing deer. He made contact with the owner who advised that he would keep control the dogs.
Warden John Krull of Superior assisted the Douglas County Recreational Officer with an ongoing timber theft investigation.
Jackson, Trempealeau, Clark and Eau Claire counties
Warden Adam Hanna of Neillsville responded to a home whose residents had been “attacked” by a grouse when they were trying to shovel their driveway. While knocking on the homeowner’s door, Warden Hanna was approached by a very brazen bird. The bird flew into Warden Hanna’s back, kicking and flapping its wings. Warden Hanna grabbed the bird, secured it in his squad truck, and gave it a ride to the middle of the Clark County Forest where it was released without incident.
Warden Hanna investigated three complaints of deer that were suffering or had died from starvation in Clark County after the long winter. Two others were reported to Wildlife Tech Scott Krultz. All five deer were doe fawns that showed similar signs of malnourishment and starvation.
Warden Scott Thiede of Eau Claire presented a turkey box call award to Brice Marsh in appreciation for his 35 years as an active volunteer DNR Hunter Education Instructor at Westgate Sportsman Club.
Warden Thiede located an automatic deer feeder on private property. Baiting and feeding rules prohibit use of a gravity or automatic deer feeder. Enforcement action was taken and the feeder was removed by the landowner.
Warden Ken Thomson assisted DNR Ranger Jed Kaurich with the investigation of a fire near Augusta. The fire originated from a debris fire that was not properly extinguished. The fire escaped and burned into a junk yard, consuming a large amount of plastic and tires. Three fire fighters and one civilian were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The investigation identified a suspect and enforcement action was taken as well as a bill for the fire suppression efforts.
Warden Robin Barnhardt of Osseo found several traps which were still set after the trapping season had closed. After an investigation, the trapper admitted that he had left a dozen traps set in area streams during the closed season. Enforcement action was taken.
While patrolling in Buffalo County, Warden Barnhardt observed a pond excavation and illegal wetland fill on private property. In 2009, Warden Barnhardt assisted DNR Water Management Staff with investigating the same violations committed by the same landowner for a different pond on the same property. Barnhardt referred the new complaint to Water Management Staff for follow up.
Warden Kurt Haas of Black River Falls was invited to the Black River Falls Middle School by the Black River Falls hunter education program where he presented years of service awards to three instructors who served more than 25 years.
Warden Haas was contacted by two individuals at the Black River Falls DNR Service Center who were interested in picking up a bear which had been hit by a vehicle on the interstate. Haas assisted the men in loading the 300-pound bear into their vehicle and issued a bear possession tag for the animal.
If you have information regarding natural resource violations, please call: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay reported information to conservation wardens. Anyone who calls the Violation Hotline or provides information can remain anonymous.