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District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity stayed low through the week and into the weekend. Snowmobiles were again seen on several lakes in the area before snow conditions again became too poor for riding. Violations included angling without a license in possession and fishing without a license.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week focusing primarily on fishing activity. Additional time was spent patrolling for snowmobile and ATV operators. Ihnen also attended annual in-service training CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week checking anglers along the border and Lake Superior. Time was spent completing online training and equipment maintenance.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling angling, snowmobiling, and trapping activities. Fishing remains slow, but the tributaries flowing into Lake Superior are increasing in flow. Equipment maintenance was performed.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) spent time checking crappie anglers. There was lower fishing pressure and less angler success, likely due to the wintry weather this past week. Time was spent on spring cleaning – working on equipment and clearing out old files.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring ice anglers. Heavy snow during the middle of the week brought an influx of snowmobile activity to the area, but subsequent warm weather quickly caused the snow accumulation to melt. Franzen also assisted with instructing an all-female firearms safety field day in Willow River.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and trapping enforcement for the week. Area tributaries have yet to break free of winter ice, delaying spring steelhead opportunities.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports a good portion of week was spent at Camp Ripley for annual in-service training. Fishing activity on the Rainy River was dampened by the cold, snowy, rainy, and windy weather. People are reminded again to have their boats currently registered and to have all safety equipment onboard.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working the Rainy River this past week and attending training. Anglers reported good fishing throughout the week. Safety equipment and registration continue to be a focus on the river. Enforcement action was taken for angling without licenses and using too many lines.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) attended annual in-service training and continued to work through ongoing cases. Slatinski also took care of equipment maintenance and monitored angling activity.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports attending training during the week. Additional time was devoted to angling activities with little activity noted. Equipment work is ongoing. Area forest roads were checked, and spring trail closures were monitored.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time checking ice anglers and monitoring ATV activity. Fishing was hit and miss, with a few people finding crappies willing to bite. ATV activity picked up through the week as the snow melted. Spring trapping activity was also monitored.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) primarily spent time investigating fire violations and checking for ATV activity around his station. He also spent time at a yearly training session. Recent snow showers brought back a short-lived snowmobile season, but the snow quickly melted within a few days. Ice continues to deteriorate, so extra caution is advised if traveling on ice.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) spent most of the week at Camp Ripley for in-service training. In addition, time was spent monitoring ATV and trapping activity. Nuisance-bear complaints have already started coming in. Remember to remove all food sources, such as bird feeders and garbage cans, to avoid potential conflicts with wildlife.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) reports nuisance bears and bear sightings around town have begun to increase over the week. Like past years, people are advised to keep trash indoors until the day of garbage pickup. They are also advised to take down bird feeders and any available food sources that bears may be attracted to. Zavodnik investigated a garbage-dumping case on private property and patrolled for ATV activity. Fire conditions remain high, as conditions remain dry in the woods.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring ice fishing, trapping, and ATV activity. Few ice anglers were encountered. Recent snow brought out a few snowmobile riders, but that snow is already gone. Broughten also fielded calls regarding trespass and licensing. Aviation Section
CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports flying a wolf-telemetry flight and a forest road monitoring flight. He also responded to a grass fire to size up the fire and take evidence photos.
CO Pilot Charles Scott (Brainerd) conducted flight training with NR Pilot Zeller. He also worked on yearly training and assigned tasks.
CO Pilot Ryan Hanna (Grand Rapids) completed annual training at Camp Ripley. This training ensures he is up to date on law enforcement tactics and laws.
CO Pilot Tim Gray (Bemidji) assisted District 2 and completed trainings for upcoming survey flights.
NR Pilot Gracie Zeller (Brainerd) attended an annual fire suppression refresher training covering tactics, safety, and protocol. She also attended a workshop for renewal of her pesticide applicator’s license.
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!
Reminder: Any resident born after December 31, 1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota must possess a snowmobile certificate. Two options are available to complete certification. Ages 11 and older can take the online course and hands-on day or attend the traditional youth course. Those 16 or older can take the online course.
Reminder: Anyone born after July 1, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands and waters in Minnesota must successfully complete the ATV Safety Training online course. People under age 16 must complete the ATV online course and riding component before riding on public lands. Please direct questions to 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.
