ST.PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — If you’re one of the many hunting and fishing law breakers who’ve had gear confiscated by a state conservation officer, pay attention.
Chances are pretty good that you’ll spot your gun, bow, trap or tree stand inside one of two DNR trailers.
Looking at the vast array of rifles and shotguns being loaded into the trailers, DNR Cpt. John Hunt said it just goes to show that people continue to break the law.
Hunt is helping organize the confiscated equipment auction that will be held Saturday in Zimmerman, Minn.
Every 18 months, the DNR puts all the confiscated gear it has collected up for public auction. The money that is raised goes back into the state’s game and fish fund.
The first time the auction was held it raised $105,000 for the fund. An auction held in 2010 netted $85,000 for the game and fish coffers.
“It’s amazing to me that people will risk some of the high dollar value guns when they violate,” Hunt said.
Everything from pricey hunting rifles to the not-so-well-cared-for shotguns will be sold to the highest bidder.
Auctioneer Kevin Hiller says offenders will often fork over big bucks to get grandpa’s gun back.
“They come back, usually with buddies ribbing them,” Hiller said.
The spoils of catching law breakers may well be a sweet deal for law abiders.
“Every one of these guns…were confiscated in a case the officers closed and saw through to trial,” Hunt said.
The auction will take place on Saturday, April 28 at the Hiller Auction Service, beginning at 10 a.m. It is located at 10785 261st Ave. in Zimmerman, MN.
Advance screening of the merchandise up for auction is available on Friday, April 27 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Screening is also available at 8 a.m. the day of the auction.
