Freezer full of walleye could put Burnsville man in prison

Star Tribune

Last update: October 16, 2009 - 11:49 PM

A Burnsville man has been charged with possessing a gross over-limit of walleye, illegal packing of fish and illegal transportation of fish after authorities found 250 walleye fillets, or 125 fish, in a northern Minnesota freezer.

Charles Osland, 55, was charged Oct. 6 in Carlton County District Court. If convicted, he faces fines and restitution that could total $9,000 and could serve time in prison, the Department of Natural Resources said this week.

Authorities said a tip phoned in to a state conservation officer on May 11 led them to the stash. The caller reported that Osland was transporting a large load of fish through the Cloquet area.

Osland was stopped the same day on Interstate 35 by the State Patrol for a driving violation. He initially refused to allow the trooper to search his vehicle, but authorities later searched a residence in Cloquet and found the fish in a freezer.

An acquaintance of Osland's who owned the residence told authorities the oversupply of fish could be found there, a DNR spokesman said Friday.

It is not clear where Osland secured or caught the fish, the DNR said. The DNR continues to investigate. No court date has been set.

The daily walleye limit is six, and only one of the six walleye in possession can be more than 20 inches.

TIM HARLOW

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