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District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports snowmobile activity over the weekend was the highest of the season. Fishing activity continued to plateau although success seemed to be slightly better than past weeks. Violations included excessive snowmobile speed and failure to display current registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week focusing primarily on fishing enforcement. Ihnen also patrolled area lakes checking ice shelters and snowmobile and ATV operators.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily snowmobile enforcement. Trails were very busy with the best snow conditions seen in a couple of years. Speed, registration, and muffler compliance were not very good, with enforcement action taken for infractions.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week patrolling snowmobile trails and remote trout lakes. Anglers were happy as the stream trout were cooperating. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling angling and snowmobiling activities. Fishing success continues to be a hit or miss for anglers. Snowmobiling traffic remains heavy, and trails are showing wear. Enforcement action was taken for varying violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on ice fishing and snowmobiling enforcement for the week. Time was spent handling wildlife-related calls. Anglers are reporting a slower bite the past few days. Enforcement action was taken for various snowmobile registration issues.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week attending snowmobile training in International Falls. Recent snowfall and good weather have had a positive impact on the local trail system, and trail use has been on the rise. Franzen urges snowmobile trail users to practice safe trail etiquette, carry emergency equipment, and understand the state snowmobile regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports spending the past week training new conservation officers in snowmobile operations and enforcement. Ice fishing and snowmobile enforcement in the area took up the remainder of the workload. Snowmobilers are reminded to ride to the right and to slow down.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending time this past week assisting with snowmobile training. Time was also spent patrolling area snowmobile trails. Trail conditions continue to improve, and many people are out enjoying the trails.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) assisted with instruction for CO Academy snowmobile operations. Snowmobiling activity has increased in the area, and the trails have been in very good condition. Complaints were heard and areas were monitored for snowmobilers not stopping at marked and signed intersections, in one instance coming close to getting hit by a semi-truck. Anglers continue to report varied success. Ice thicknesses have become a mobility factor for the spearing crowd.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area lakes and snowmobile trails. Area public access sites and local forest roads were checked. Angling activity remains light. Administrative reporting was completed, and phone calls were returned.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent most of the week monitoring snowmobile activity on area trails and lakes, along with checking ice anglers. Fishing has been slow, with a few people having some more success, but most not finding much of a bite. Snowmobile activity was strong through the week, with area clubs and DNR staff working hard to keep the trails in good shape. Complaints were fielded about ATVs on snowmobile trails and snowmobiles trespassing on private property, including on a power line through private property. Please remember that power lines do run through private property as well as public and are not always open to public use. Enforcement action this week included snowmobile speed, registration issues, loud exhaust, and unattended fishing lines.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling, trapping, and snowmobile enforcement. Time was spent checking snowmobile trails as they have become better and better with the recent snow. Time was also spent assisting other agencies.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked snowmobile and angling activity. In addition, time was spent attending a lunch for the ALS Blizzard tour in Chisholm and completing online training. Violations encountered included snowmobile speed, expired registration, and operating a vehicle on a grant-in-aid trail. CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time assisting with training for the recent graduating CO Academy with snowmobile operation class. He also patrolled area snowmobile trails with a neighboring officer. Enforcement action included modified snowmobile exhaust, expired snowmobile registration, and speeding. Zavodnik wants to remind riders to keep their speed within reason, especially on the trails.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and snowmobiling activity. Anglers reported limited success.
