District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports ice angling activity was high over the weekend. The early lake ice was found to be extremely variable, and some lakes measured between 2 and 8 inches. Violations included angling with no license in possession, litter, and deer hunting with no license in possession.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) checked anglers and smallgame hunters this week. Ihnen also monitored trapping activity. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV and snowmobile operators.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked small-game hunters and trappers. Colder weather is helping make ice as anglers are venturing out. Snowmobile activity was monitored.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) spent time patrolling area lakes for angling activity. Ice conditions vary greatly from lake to lake. Ice anglers are encouraged to put safety first before heading out on the lake. Folks are reminded to check their registration on their snowmobiles before hitting the trails or lakes.
COMeganFranzen(Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling and small-game-hunting activity across the area. Cold weather has sped up the freezing of many local lakes, but several lakes still sport thin areas of cover and caution is advised. Snowmobileswereseenusing some of the local trails, but future snowfall will be necessary to provide conditions that facilitate comfortable and safe riding conditions.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) spent time focusing on ice angling enforcement for the week. Anglers noted varied ice conditions and a slow bite. Assistance was provided to local agencies, and an early ice/water safety talk was presented at the Cook County Middle School. CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time checking hunters in the area. Block and K9 Jet continued working and training. Time was also spent performing equipment maintenance.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) patrolled area forest roads and trails. Some individuals contacted were out scouting ahead of trapping season. Several anglers were holding off until better ice conditions, looking forward to the colder weather moving into the area. He assisted local agencies with a medical and semi on its side. Enforcement action for the week included shooting big game from within the road right-of-way, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling, and transporting illegally taken big game.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working deer hunting and angling activity this past week. Area lakes and rivers seem to be building ice nicely throughout the area. Anglers should remember to use caution during this early ice season. There isn’t a fish for which it’s worth compromising your safety.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports that when some people believe there is a lull in outdoor activity, spearing group fills the gap. As ice begins to build, some of the bays and protected areas gave presence to dark houses. People happy to be back on the ice were contacted, although success was elusive, and in most instances due to personal choice. The theme was people holding out for a trophy pike and enjoying watching the smaller fish hit the decoy and depart. Miscellaneous wildlife-related calls were handled. Annual training was attended.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports continuedworkoncomputer training and equipment work over the week. Area lakes have recently frozen, but little angling was noted to date due to newly formed ice. Area forest roads continue to be monitored. Snowmobile clubs continue work on area trails, waiting for snowfall.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring ice conditions and checking ice anglers. Ice is varied with many areas that are significantly thinner than others, so make sure to check the ice as you’re venturing out. Time was also spent monitoring muzzleloader season, completing training, and working on equipment.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily deer-hunting and trapping activity. He spent time checking around his station and the state park for muzzleloader hunters, who were few. Ice has been progressing steadily throughout his station with lower temperatures.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time completing administrative tasks and working on equipment maintenance over the week. Ice angling activity was quite slow over the weekend, with only a few anglers observed. CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring hunting, trapping, and ice fishing activity. Few muzzleloader deer hunters were encountered. Hunters who braved the cold weather reported seeing few deer. Area lakes are becoming iced over. Some lakes are reported to have areas up to 8 inches and some lakes have open water. Broughten also fielded calls regarding doe permits, snowmobile registration, and trespass.
District 7 - Grand Rapids CO Vinny Brown (Northome) spenttheweek checking people ice fishing and spearing northern pike. Time was also spent checking state forests for illegal spruce, balsam, and birch pole cutting. Questions related to new fishing regulations and trapping were answered, and equipment maintenance was completed.
CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked ATV, big- and small-game-hunting, and fishing activities. He patrolled area trails and campgrounds. Numerous game and fish-related questions were answered. He also responded to wildlife-related complaints.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked on finishing deer-season cases and took multiple calls about road-killed deer tag issues this past week. Sutherland has started to talk to and check multiple people out ice angling and spearing on local waters. Some lakes have anywhere from 6 to 8 inches of ice. Enforcement activity was taken for multiple ATVs without valid registration.
COJimmyVanAsch(Pengilly) focused enforcement efforts on big game, ice angling, recreational vehicles, and decorative materials throughout the surrounding areas. Enforcement action was taken for several angling violations.
CO TaylorHochstein(Hill City) noticed there were very few muzzleloader and archery deer hunters out due to the very cold weather. As ice anglers begin to venture out onto the ice, they are reminded that ice thickness varies from lake to lake and even spot to spot on the same lake greatly this time of year. Even thoughlowtemperatureshave gotten the ice fishing season off to a good start, there is still a lot of unsafe ice out there.
CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) checked muzzleloader deer hunting and grouse hunting during the previous week. Time was also spent following up on open cases. Holt monitored grant-in-aid trails and completed required training. Please use caution if venturing out on area lakes.
