Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Tyler Quandt of Red Wing has earned another honor.
He was recently named the 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society. He was praised for solving a high-profile poaching case involving a record 8-point buck, responding to major floods in Minnesota and North Dakota and being among the first responders following the 35W bridge collapse.
Quandt’s other honors include 2007 DNR Boat and Water Safety Officer of the Year, 2009 National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year, and 2009 DNR Enforcement Education Officer of the Year.
"Whether it’s been a natural disaster, poaching incident or bridge collapse, these types of response efforts require a real desire to step out of your comfort zone to help others in need or to protect our natural resources," said Lt. Dean Olson, Rochester area enforcement supervisor. "Officer Quandt is always one of the first to respond."
Quandt has managed to make many life-saving rescues since joining the DNR in 1991, he said.
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He has been a primary field training officer for many years, passing along his knowledge, skills and positive attitude for others to model.
In the local area, he helped raise money for a large fishing pier used by anglers, sightseers, eagle watching along the Mississippi River in Red Wing. He, his family and other volunteers raised $520,000 for a playground specifically designed for special needs children.
30th Anniversary Deer Classic:The 30th Anniversary Deer Classic , which attracts about 10,000 people each year to the Coliseum at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, will be March 9-11.
It's a chance to see some of the best heads, or antlers, of deer, moose, bear and other big-game and attend seminars.
Hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11.
For more information, go to www.deer-expo.com.
Local angler wins big:Mike Kroening of Rochester won the 12th annual Big Jig Ice Fishing Contest Feb. 12 on Pike Lake near Duluth.
He registered a 2.25-pound sucker and won a Kymco ATV.
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Bad news for moose: Minnesota's moose population continues to drop and the DNR is evaluating whether to have a season this year.
The DNR said its aerial survey showed the estimated population was 4,230, compared with 4,900 last year.
That is a big drop from 8,840 in 2006.
"The causes of moose mortality are not well understood," the DNR reported. "Of 150 adult moose radio-collared since 2002 in Minnesota, 119 have subsequently died, most from unknown causes thought to be diseases or parasites. Ten moose died as a result of highway vehicle accidents. Two were killed by trains. Only 11 deaths were clearly the result of wolf predation."
This year's survey, however, did offer a bit of hope. The number of cows with calves or twin calves increased so there might be more adults in the future. Also, the ratio of bulls to cows increased to 108 bulls per 100 cows.
The decision on whether to have a season this year is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
