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District 6 - Two Harbors
CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports: Warm temperatures and rain softened snowmobile trails, and several were damaged by motor vehicle making them nearly impossible to travel on. Angling activity was high over the week, but reports continued to be generally poor. Violations included operating a motor vehicle on a snowmobile trail, angling with extra lines, and fishing after revocation.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely 2) patrolled his station for fishing, hunting, and trapping activity this week. Additional time was spent patrolling for snowmobile and ATV operators.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked ice anglers, cross country skiers and a few snowmobilers. The trails took a hit as warm temps and rain moved in close to the shore. The Officer also worked fur registration with Officer Ledeen.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports that warm temperatures and rain over the weekend really hurt snowmobile and ski trail conditions. Time was spent checking anglers and investigating trapping violations from the fisher/marten season.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring snowmobile activity. Time was also spent responding to wildlife related calls and a local snowmobile accident. Warm temperatures and recent rainfall have caused trail conditions to deteriorate, and ice conditions on the surrounding lakes have become more variable.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Darrin Kittelson (Int’l Falls #1) reports pine marten and fisher season came to a close and fur registration was attended with fewer trappers then previous years. CO Kittelson also reports ice fishing is picking up, however warm weather has not helped ice conditions. People are reminded to use caution when venturing onto the ice.
CO Curtis Simonson (Int’l Falls #2) reports spending time this past week working trapping activity in the area. Trappers reporting animal movement to be minimal with the warm weather. Fisherman were checked on area waterways as well.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) While there were still anglers and those trying their hand at spearing the recent weather has spooked a good number of people off the area waterways. Standing water has made for uncertain conditions and little snow for banking dark houses. Although a few successful outings were reported activity remains subdued. Snowmobile and ATV registration questions were heard. Miscellaneous wildlife reports were received and addressed. Annual training was completed.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports little outdoor activity over the week. Multiple days of rain and above freezing temps have rapidly changed conditions. Trails are now reduced to grass, dirt and exposed rocks. Snowmobile use has ceased. Standing water on area lakes and streams and creeks now open again. Ice conditions remain variable at best.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring trapping activity and checking ice anglers. Those out trapping are reporting good success, and the ice fishing continues to be up and down. The warm weather and rain depleted what snow we had, all the lakes are bare now, and snowmobile trails are pretty much unrideable. Most of the standing water we had on the lakes has drained or refrozen, however some pockets remain with a skim of ice on top, so be cautious.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and trapping enforcement. Larson spent time at the trapping registration in Tower and assisted wildlife with registering fur. Larson came across violations related to trapping, including too large of a cubby box opening, a tether that was too long for a foothold set, and not enough swivels in a foothold set. Lake conditions are icy, all of the snow on the area lakes has melted and is now glare ice.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked fishing, trapping, and ATV activity. In addition, time was spent working at the first of three fur registrations held in Hibbing and investigating a TIP complaint. Rain throughout the area limited recreation and made a mess of most local lakes and trails.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, spearing, and trapping activity. Few anglers were encountered this week. Warm weather and rain deteriorate snow and cause slush on area lakes. Anglers are advised to check
Aviation Section
CO Pilot Charles Scott (Brainerd) Scott conducted flight training with CO Pilot Hanna. CO Scott also prepared for upcoming wildlife surveys and worked on training manual updates.
CO Ryan Hanna (Grand Rapids) was had scheduled flights hindered due to the significant fog through large portions of the state. However, CO Hanna was able to get some flight training in during one short window.
CO Pilot Tim Gray (Bemidji) flew a fisheries survey flight counting shelters on Upper Red Lake.
NR Pilot Brad Maas(Brainerd) worked on moose survey preparation. Poor weather prohibited a helicopter training flight. Administrative tasks were also completed.
