Minnesota DNR officer airlifted to safety after 20-foot fall

Due to steep and heavily wooded terrain ground crews were unable to safely reach her.
Published: Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:26 PM CDT

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (Valley News Live) - A Minnesota conservation officer who fell 20 feet while working in a remote wildlife area had to be rescued by helicopter after crews couldn’t reach her on the ground, officials said.

DNR Officer Annette Schlag was injured last week while removing an illegal deer stand in the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area near Plainview, according to the Minnesota Air Rescue Team.

The terrain was so steep and heavily wooded that ground crews were unable to safely reach her.

The Minnesota Air Rescue Team was called in to assist.

Using a hoist rescue, crews lifted Schlag from the rugged hillside and flew her to waiting medical care.

The DNR says Schlag is now safe at home and is expected to make a full recovery.

Officials credited the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies with helping bring her out of the remote area safely.