Minnesota Man Faces Steep Fines, Jail Time For Gross Over-Limit Of Walleye

MN DNR New Release - released October 15, 2009
A Twin Cities man faces nearly $9,000 in fines and restitution, plus jail time for a gross overlimit of walleye.
State conservation officer Scott Staples of Carlton received a call May 11 that a large overlimit of fish was being transported through Cloquet by a Burnsville man.
Charles R. Osland, 55, was later stopped by the Minnesota State Patrol for a driving violation on Interstate 35. Osland allegedly refused to allow law enforcement officers to search his vehicle, but a subsequent check of a residence in Cloquet revealed a freezer containing 250 walleye fillets or 125 fish. Where Osland secured the fish or where the fish were caught remains under investigation.
The daily walleye and sauger (either or combined) possession limit through Feb. 28, 2010 is six in Minnesota. Not more than one walleye in possession can be more than 20-inches.
Osland was charged Oct. 6 in Carlton County District Court with possessing a gross overlimit of walleye, illegal packing of fish, and illegal transportation of fish. No court date has been set.
In 2003, the State Legislature passed a law giving Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers the power to levy fines and seize fishing licenses. Officers can also confiscate equipment, including fishing tackle, boats, and vehicles.
The DNR appreciates help from the public and encourages people who see illegal fishing or hunting activities to call the Turn-In-Poachers hotline at 800-652-9093.
The more detailed the description, the more helpful it is to the officers. Most important are vehicle and boat license numbers, the number of people and the area where the activity took place.