De La Hunt Media - KK Radio Network

A recent call to the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) hotline led a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer to three anglers committing alleged over-limit fishing violations on the Rainy River along the Minnesota/Canada border. According to conservation officer Robert Gorecki, the call led to several charges, in which the three individuals face fines and restitution of $3,000. James A. Fleck, 50, of Hillman was charged with 40 sunfish and 11 walleye over the legal limit. Fleck faces fines and restitution totaling $1,780. Gerald L. Hatch, 67, of Milaca was charged with 12 walleye more than the legal limit. He faces fines and restitution of $715. Daniel E. Hastings, 50, of Baudette was charged with six northern pike over the limit. Hastings faces fines and restitution of $370. A consensual refrigerator/freezer check found three bags of northern pike and two bags of walleye. Six more bags of walleye and three bags of sunfish were discovered in a freezer chest. Hastings admitted to not having a license, but said most of the fish were Fleck and Hatch’s, who were currently fishing. Hastings said he had just spoken to the two men who said they had caught a couple of bags of fish that morning and had another six walleye in the boat. “I seized all of those fish and went to speak to Fleck and Hatch,” Gorecki said. “Mr. Hastings also gave up his marijuana after I informed him I could smell it.” Fleck and Hatch later admitted to dumping seven dead walleye that they had caught when they heard Gorecki was coming to talk to them. Anyone witnessing a fishing or wildlife violation is encouraged to contact the nearest conservation officer, law enforcement agency or the toll-free TIP hotline 800-652-9093.