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CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports ATV and boating activity was monitored over the weekend. Several anglers were also checked but no success was reported. Violations included angling with no license in possession, operating an ATV on a roadway with no headlight, and youthful ATV operation. CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week focusing on fishing and some boating activity. Additional time was spent patrolling for trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week working trapping enforcement in Cook County. He also monitored fishing closures in the area and assisted the county with domestic disturbance.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) spent the week focusing on angling and trapping activities. Steelhead anglers can be found on most of tributaries flowing into Lake Superior, with varying reports of success. Ledeen came across one angler who was nice enough to carry his mother across the river as she had left her waders at home.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) attended a career day at Vermilion Community College, speaking to numerous individuals interested in a career as a conservation officer. Several reports of trap theft were received from spring beaver trappers. Time was spent checking public water accesses. Enforcement action included fishing without a license, trapping minnows without a license, untagged minnow trap, and transporting minnows in pond water. CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling enforcement and attending youth outreach events for the week. Area rivers saw a lot of pressure over the weekend with variable reports. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license or trout stamp when required.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked stream fishing activities and Lake Superior boating. Anglers are reminded to make sure all required safety items such as PFDs and fire extinguishers are in watercraft and in serviceable condition as we start the open water season. Murray also monitored seasonal closures of trails/ roadways and investigated a litter complaint.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Darrin Kittelson (Int’l Falls #1) reports work activities centered around catch-and-release sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River and ATV enforcement on area forest roads and area. Several animal-related complaints were also handled throughout the week.
CO Curtis Simonson (Int’l Falls #2) reports working the Rainy River this past week. Sturgeon anglers reported a slower bite with the cold front and high winds that moved in. ATV activity was monitored throughout the area as well. With the sturgeon keep season coming up on April 24, Simonson urges participants to touch up on the regulations regarding the keep season for sturgeon.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) followed up on a public water complaint and monitored spring dock projects. Slatinski checked trapping activity with noticeable work being performed by beavers. Several wild animal-related complaints were addressed. Fishing activity was monitored as open-water season options advance.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring public access sites, checking area forest roads, responding to phone calls, dealing with a trespass case, and collecting accidental otter catches. Other time was spent working on equipment and administrative tasks.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent much of the week monitoring angling activity on Lake Vermilion, with a few anglers having success targeting crappies during the nicer weather. Time was also spent monitoring the fish spawning runs and spring trapping activity. A complaint of work being done in a wetland was investigated, and another ongoing investigation was wrapped up.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and ATV activity. Larson spent time checking for anglers on Lake Vermilion and other area lakes. He also spent time answering questions about trapping and angling laws. Equipment maintenance was completed in preparation for the spring and summer season.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV and trapping enforcement. Activity was down over the week with colder weather lingering in the area. A reminder to all to check their ATV and boat registration to ensure it’s current before both seasons get into full swing.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time working on various ATV lesson plans over the week. He also patrolled for ATV activity. The weather was quite windy and cold, making it difficult for turkey hunters around the area, but it’s looking like the upcoming week is more favorable. Additional time was spent completing administrative tasks and monitoring for angling activity.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, trapping, and ATV activity. Broughten investigated a grass fire that led to the property owner being cited for burning prohibited materials. Broughten also fielded calls regarding injured animals, boat registration, and trapping questions.
Aviation Section
CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports returning an aircraft to service with a check flight. During this check flight, various aquatic plant management and waters violations were found. Violations were forwarded to local officers.
CO Pilot Tim Gray (Bemidji) tested out some different telemetry equipment with good results and assisted with a local detail.
CO Pilot Bob Geving (Mankato) studied waterfowl identification for the upcoming aerial survey and attended to administrative tasks.
CO Pilot Charles Scott (Grand Rapids) flew a fire detection flight. Scott also continued with maintenance research for rotorcraft as well as working on manual updates and training curriculums.
NR Pilot Brad Maas (Brainerd) taught a class to middle schoolers about the cattail spray project. He also attended an aviation webinar, worked on helicopter parts inventory, and completed administrative tasks.
NR Pilot Gracie Zeller (Brainerd) worked on helicopter parts inventory tasks and rode along with an DNR Air Attack Kodiak during training for fire preparedness.
