.jpg)
District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports: angling activity continues to be slow as most lakes are still covered in unsafe ice. ATV use was moderate and riders are reminded that several portions of local trails are closed and users must obey posted signs. Violations included: operating an ATV on a closed trail.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely 2) worked this week patrolling his station for spring trapping activity. Officer Ihnen also patrolled for fishing and ATV activity. Additional time was spent completing equipment maintenance and annual inspections.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week patrolling steelhead angling activity. The flow in the rivers is varying daily, but fish have started to show up. Inland lakes remain locked up with ice. However recent rain and warmer weather over the next week should make some nice progress in opening up the lakes.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked ATV enforcement, monitored spring fish run, and worked a detail on the Rainy River. Additionally, an ATV safety class was held in Babbitt with 20 youths certified – thanks to the many volunteers that helped out, and a presentation was given about bear management to VCC’s bear ecology class. Enforcement action was taken for several ATV violations, boating safety violations, and for angling with an unattended line.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring trout angling and smelting activity along the Northshore. Time was also spent responding to wildlife related calls and TIP complaints. Enforcement action was taken for various angling related violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling enforcement for the week. Anglers were checked fishing tributaries and lake superior with mixed success. Area youth were able to check out boating equipment and talk with officers at the Cook county YMCA’s healthy kids day event. Most area lakes remain ice covered but conditions are changing rapidly.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Darrin Kittelson (Int’l Falls #1) reports the spring sturgeon keep season began on the Rainy River with lots of people taking advantage of the nice weather. Animal complaints continue to roll in and handled, along with equipment maintained. Sturgeon fishermen are reminded to have all boat safety equipment onboard and in good working condition.
CO Curtis Simonson (Int’l Falls #2) reports working the Rainy River this past week. The sturgeon keep season opener brought many people to the river. Anglers reported having some success. “Quality big fish” over quantity was what many anglers reported. Enforcement action taken was for being in possession of untagged sturgeon, taking sturgeon without licenses/ tags, and various boat safety equipment violations.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) Wild animal complaints and concerns were heard and tended to. It is that time of year to keep food sources from unwanted visitors. Shoreline and dock work continue to be monitored. Sturgeon anglers were out in force on the Rainy River. Although some were wishing for more action, none complained about the weekend weather. Discussions were had with ATV owners about the different classes of ATVs. Some of the new side by sides are over the weight of 2000 pounds requiring them to be registered as off-road vehicles. As a result, they may be restricted from ATV trail systems. Ask the question prior to making a new off highway vehicle purchase to avoid surprises later.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports lakes remain ice covered in the area. Forest roads and spring trail closures were monitored along with atv activity. Incidental catches by beaver trappers were dealt with. along with a dead wolf. Equipment work continues.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week checking anglers along area rivers targeting rough fish, along with monitoring ATV activity and trapping activity. Activity picked up through the week with the nice weather. Time was also spent monitoring the spring fish runs and responding to fires. Some brush pile fires got out of control over the weekend causing several wildfires. There are currently burning restrictions on, and will be until things start to green up, so please check and get a permit before burning anything bigger than a campfire.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling, trapping, and ATV enforcement. Time was spent checking for anglers taking advantage of spots with open water. Larson also spent time working on ongoing cases, preparing for the upcoming open water season, and working a fire related case.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked trapping, ATV, and fire enforcement. In addition, time was spent presenting at a firearms safety class and taking a variety of calls. Violations encountered included trap tampering/theft, negligent acts leading to a fire, and failure to tend traps.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) time was spent working atv and watercraft patrol over the week. Intermittent spells of cooler weather kept outdoor activity considerably low. Trespass complaints continue to be fielded.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, trapping, and ATV activity. The slow arrival of spring has brought few people outdoors. Many lakes in the area on now open. CO Broughten also assisted with firearm safety class and followed up on a trespassing complaint.
