shotgun shooting on Rice Lake?, shooting the cormorants?

[bluenote]

For two nights this week - Monday and Thursday - I've been fishing at Harwood. Both times many shotgun shots fired at (or in the vicinity of) the cormorants on their island on the old train track.

Is this legit / legal?

Hard for me to tell by the sound if firing blanks or shot. If birds are hit - are they are leaving them there? Or are they just disturbing them while nesting?

Shooting ends about 8.30 and light blue boat with 4 people (not all the same each time) motors back into its dock at Harwood with a 10hp engine.

I had thought that while a controversial species that the cormorant is somewhat protected?

Regardless - what the noise! Monday being the worse - I'm sure well heard around both sides of Lake.

Anyone know what's going on here?

Fishing - Monday went home with 16.5" walleye (using waders). Tonight nothing and fished from shore as forgot waders.

Thanks

[gaspumper]

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.

[Sea Bass]

Give these people a medal if they are shooting those water rats!