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District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports that for the first time in several weeks angling activity was again high as snowmobile use dwindled. Success for trout was stereotypically spotty but generally good. Violations included taking fish in closed season, angling with no license, and angling with no license in possession.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) checked anglers and snowmobile riders this week. Ihnen also patrolled his station monitoring ice shelter and litter compliance on area lakes. Additional time was spent working on previous case work.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week patrolling on his snowmobile. Remote trout lakes were checked, and time was spent checking anglers along the U.S./Canada border. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobile violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports the recent snow has helped extend the snowmobiling season. Trout fishing is starting to improve as the days continue to get longer. Enforcement action was taken for varying violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) attended a Bear Committee meeting and worked on items related to that. Online training was completed, as was equipment repairs and maintenance. Additional time was spent working snowmobile and angling enforcement. Enforcement action was taken for loud exhaust, no snowmobile safety training, and no ski pass.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring snowmobile and ice angling activity throughout the area. Time was also spent attending multiple snowmobile safety classes put on within the Northeast Region. Enforcement action was taken for various angling violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on ice fishing and snowmobile enforcement for the week. Area trails are deteriorating quickly with the warmer weather. Anglers are reminded to renew their fishing licenses.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports ice fishing, snowmobile, and ATV enforcement were the main emphasis of the work activities for the week. Trail conditions have deteriorated significantly over the past week. People are also advised to use caution when venturing onto the ice.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area trails, lakes, and rivers this past week. Snow conditions have made it challenging for people looking to get out and ride area trails. Anglers reported having some success fishing.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports with the snow disappearing on area lakes and trails, snowmobile activity has been reduced dramatically. Those trying to get some riding time in were faced with rough trails and some overheating problems. Anglers have enjoyed an easier time traveling with ATV or passenger vehicles. Most anglers encountered had some fish in the bucket but noted an overall slow bite.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports snowmobile trail activity has come to abrupt halt with rain and temps in the 40s over the week. Trail conditions are poor, with dirt and rock exposed. Angling activity remains light with few anglers observed. Fish house removal has begun as lake conditions are changing rapidly. Equipment work is ongoing.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement. Larson reports that snowmobile trail conditions have significantly deteriorated, and many grassy spots are showing along the trail. Lake Vermillion has become hard packed and icy so even travel on the lake has become difficult by snowmobile. Larson also spent time checking anglers in the BWCAW, primarily on Trout Lake.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked snowmobile, ATV, and angling enforcement. Warm weather took a toll on local snowmobile trails, significantly reducing the amount of traffic observed. Time was also spent attending a meeting at Camp Ripley and doing online training. Good luck to the Hibbing/ Chisholm Bluejacket hockey team at State!
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) reports recent warm weather deteriorated snowmobile trail conditions around the area, and panfish anglers have reported moderate to fair success. Zavodnik took part in presenting the law and ethics talk to approximately 13 students, as well as set up the operating portion for snowmobile safety training over the weekend. He continues to monitor area lakes for litter as permanent shelters begin to be taken off the lake.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and snowmobile activity. Anglers targeting panfish or trout yielded limited success. Surprisingly, there were a few snowmobilers out this week. Without new snow, trail riding might be done. Anglers are reminded it is time for a new fishing license and to check ice shelter removal dates.
Aviation Section
CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports flying a rotary training flight and a wolf telemetry flight. A photo flight for a suspected waters violation was also flown. Ice anglers were checked throughout the week as time allowed.
CO Pilot Ryan Hanna (Grand Rapids) attended a webinar about stick and rudder flying. All the DNR airplanes have a stick and rudder concept as they are all tail wheel capable. It is an art of flying that constantly needs practice to be proficient.
CO Pilot Charles Scott (Brainerd) conducted flight training with CO Pilot Hanna and NR Pilot Zeller. He prepared flight lessons for upcoming training.
NR Pilot Brad Maas (Brainerd) completed a training flight in a helicopter and prepared for an upcoming middle school class on moose, deer, and elk helicopter surveys. He also completed administrative tasks.
NR Pilot Gracie Zeller (Brainerd) flew a fixed wing training flight. She continued to prepare for upcoming missions and did ground training for fixed wing.
Enforcement Education Please check the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Education Courses and instructor training sessions.
If you missed a fall class and are over 18, check online for the online course information. (It is also at www. mndnr.gov.)
Please check the DNR website www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Youth and Adult Snowmobile Safety Courses and instructor training sessions.
Please direct questions to 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.
Reminder: Anyone born after December 31, 1979 cannot purchase a license to hunt in Minnesota without first taking a DNR Safety Training Course and receiving a certificate. In addition, many states have even more stringent mandatory Hunter Education requirements. Check before you go!
