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District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports success during the grouse-hunting opener varied wildly. Several hunters reported near-limits by the end of opening morning while other hunters were checked at the end of the weekend having had zero luck. Violations included transporting a loaded firearm, failure to display current ATV registration, and no hunting license in possession.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week focusing on fishing, boating and ATV activity. He also monitored bear- and waterfowl- hunting activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked small-game hunters over the opening weekend. He continued to monitor bear hunters in the area. Enforcement action was taken for transporting loaded firearms, license, and ATV violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) reports hunters who travelled to the area to chase grouse for the small-game opener were disappointed with the poor hunting and lack of birds. Fishing on Lake Superior was pretty good for most people, but multiple violations were found, and enforcement action was taken. Ledeen also attended a career fair at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he talked with students about the career path of a conservation officer.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) started the second step of field training with COC Mitch Nowak. The officers patrolledintheBWCAW and worked the small-game opener. A complaint from an AIS inspector was followed up on. Assistance was provided to the Babbitt Police Department with a fatal ATV crash on the trail. Enforcement action included fishing without a license, unattended line, no PFD, cans/glass in the BWCAW, burning prohibited materials, transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, failure to submit to inspection of watercraft, and possessing smelt without a VHS label.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on ATV and smallgame enforcement for the week. Many grouse hunters reported low success rates for the area. Enforcement action was taken for various ATV, small-game, and angling violations. Small-game hunters are reminded to wear their blaze clothing.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked a warm small-game and deer archery opener. The success rate was down as ground cover is still thick, making it tough for hunters without dogs. Fishing remained good on area lakes with most anglers checked having fish. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and firearms transportation violations.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending time this past week working the Rainy River checking sturgeon anglers, working early goose-hunting activity, and working the small-game and archery deer-hunting openers. ATV activity was monitored throughout the weekend as well.Enforcementactionconsisted of various ATV-related violations, overlimit of geese, and license violations.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports the weather seemed more like summer as the small-game opener kicked off. There were plenty of people taking advantage of the warm conditions, both hunting grouse and recreational riding on ATVs. Although a few grouse were seen, it appears bird numbers will not be as high as they were the last year. There were still a couple bear hunters contacted but the majority have already completed their hunts for the year.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area forest roads and area lakes. Ruffed grouse hunter success was very poor, with comments such as “Where are all the birds?” ATV activities were checked. Boating and angling continue to be monitored as summer-like weather continues. Equipment work continues. Administrative tasks were completed.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring bear-hunting activity, checking anglers, and working on equipment. Activity is increasing in the woods now with the small-game and archery seasons opening this past weekend. A reminder that it’s a good idea for you and your pets to have some blaze orange on when venturing out, even if you aren’t hunting.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily smallgame and ATV enforcement. Larson spent time checking grouse hunters over opening weekend. Fewer hunters than expected were encountered. With many leaves on the trees, success was limited. Larson also fielded several wildlife-related calls that included beavers, eagles, and bears. He responded to a call regarding two eagles that had been fighting and locked together by their talons. The eagles ended up in the waters of Lake Vermilion and eventually made it to shore. The two eagles were able to be separated and one eagle appeared to have no injuries and flew away later that day. The other eagle sustained puncture wounds and was sent to be rehabbed. Violations included transporting a loaded firearm, failure to register bear bait, failure to sign bear bait, prohibited materials in bear bait, AIS violations, and ATV registration violations. Time was also spent assisting with an ATV crash.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time investigating a possible trespass/deer poaching complaint over the week. The small-game opener was expectedly quiet due to hot weather around the area. Additional time was spent on boat patrol and completing administrative duties.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, hunting, and ATV activity. Few hunters were encountered during the small-game opener, likely due to the warm weather and foliage in the woods. Anglers reported limited success this past week. ATV activity was average for the time of year. ATV operators are reminded that youth under 18 still need to wear a helmet when using an ATV for hunting. Broughten also fielded calls regarding nuisance animals and ATV registration.
District 7 - Grand Rapids area CO Vinny Brown (Northome) and COC Andrew Struffert spent time working recreationalboatingandATV enforcement and checking anglers and grouse hunters. They also began investigating a Wetland Conservation Act violation where a private road was unlawfully constructed through a wetland. That investigation is ongoing. Enforcement action was taken for operating a watercraft after dark without the required lighting and transporting a loaded rifle.
CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked ATV riders, hunters, and anglers. He patrolled campgrounds and trails. Numerous game and fish-related questions were answered. He also responded to wildlife-related complaints.
CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked hunters, worked wetland complaints, and monitored off-highway vehicle activity. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Fennec also assisted the county with a warrant arrest and gave a presentation to the local hunting and angling club. Enforcement action was taken for license issues and insufficient PFDs.
