Deer hunters encouraged to report suspicious items found in the woods

BEMIDJI — In time with the Minnesota firearms deer season opener, state and local law enforcement officials have a somber reminder for hunters heading out to their stands and cabins to keep an eye out for signs of missing people.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office is asking hunters to watch for signs of Russell Coyle, 68, who was last heard from on April 24, when he made arrangements with a friend to watch his dog.

“The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, as well as friends and family, have done extensive searches of the area including the use of drones and K-9 units,” stated a news release.

“The Sheriff’s Office continues the investigation and search for Russell and are requesting the public check your land, outbuildings, and abandoned vehicles in the area.”

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Beltrami County Sheriff's Office

He was last known to be at his home north of Kelliher and generally wears a beard with flannel shirts and blue jeans, and carried a pliers-holder on his belt.

The state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office said hunters and outdoor enthusiasts may help uncover new clues in missing persons cases.

“Families across Minnesota are waiting for answers,” stated Ana Negrete, MMIR community planner, in a news release. “Even the smallest of clues can bring closure and healing to a family who has carried the pain of an empty seat at the dinner table for far too long.”

MMIR cases in Northern Minnesota include Leech Lake band member Damon Boyd, last seen in East Grand Forks in 2014; Melissa Eagleshield, last seen in Detroit Lakes in 2014; Sheila St. Clair, last seen in Duluth in 2015; Jeremy Jourdain, last seen in Bemidji in 2016; Timothy Stone, last seen in Cass Lake in 2019; Nevaeh Kingbird, last seen in Bemidji in 2021; Eleanor Halverson, last seen in Northome in 2023; and Peter Martin, last seen on the Fond du Lac Reservation in 2024.

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Minnesota Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives

Law enforcement ask people to contact them immediately when encountering clothing in an unexpected or remote area where it does not belong, and bones or remains that do not appear to be from animals.

Members of the public who encounter anything suspicious are asked to not touch or disturb the scene. Instead, take photographs and mark the location, such as saving coordinates to a phone map application.

The MMIR Office has detailed information on open cases on its website, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension hosts information on all missing persons cases.