District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity was high over the week, and the first permanent shelters were noted. Trappers were also out for the fisher and pine marten season despite the sudden cold. Violations included failure to display current snowmobile registration, juvenile operating a snowmobile with no safety certificate, and angling with no license in possession.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) checked anglers and smallgame and deer hunters this week. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV and snowmobiling activity. Additional time was spent monitoring trapping activity.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) reports a slow start to the fisher/marten trapping season as arctic weather hit the region. Ice conditions continue to vary from lake to lake. Snow conditions have yet to improve, keeping snowmobiling at bay.
COMeganFranzen(Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling and snowmobile activity across the area. Snow levels are still not adequate to provide comfortable riding, and the trails remain rocky with variable coverage. With the opening of the fisher- and pine marten- trapping season, time was also spent monitoring trapping activity around the Isabella area. Franzen also attended “Shop with a Hero” in Silver Bay.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and trapping enforcement for the week. The fisher/marten season started slowly, with trappers encountering an early cold snap with high winds. Snowmobilers and anglers are reminded to review their snowmobile registration prior to hitting the lakes and trails. CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time checking hunters and trappers throughout the area. Block also focused efforts on snowmobile activity. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) spent time patrolling area forest roads and trails. Angling activity has been increasing as ice conditions improve in the area. A few deer hunters were still out trying their luck before the muzzleloader season closed. Some trappers braved the frigid temperatures to set lines for the season.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working angling, trapping, and small-game-hunting activity. Ice on area waterways has been improving throughout the area.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports that as the cold returned this weekend, outdoor enthusiasts were eager to partake in winter activities. The spearers continued to be evident on the back bays. Fishing reports have been lackluster. Snowmobile activity has begun, with some riders encountered on area trails. The lack of snow makes travel difficult at best. Wind has blown snow across the lakes leaving large bare spots and hard drifts. Caution is advised with any ice travel.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports snowfall remains minimal and there’s no snowmobile activity. Area lakes continue to be checked as some angling has started. Weekend temperatures of 15 or more below zero made trapping and deer hunting challenging.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week checking anglers, monitoring the closing of the muzzleloader season, checking area forest roads, and monitoring activity in the woods. The opening of the furbearer-trapping season was worked over the frigid weekend as well. Snowmobile activity remains extremely low other than on the lakes. Most trails have been packed down and await more snow before grooming can start.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily trapping, angling, and snowmobile activity. Larson observed a fair amount of fisher- and marten-trapping activity throughout his station despite the freezing cold of the opener.Violationswerefound regarding illegal trap sets.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling and small-game and trapping activity. Ice continues to form on local lakes but remains insulated with snow, which will slow the process. The few anglers who were out reported limited success. Fisher, marten, and bobcat seasons opened over a bitterly cold weekend. Training and equipmentmaintenancewere tended to.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) reports fresh snowfall has given way to enough ridable snow for snowmobiles as of late. Rider activity remains low but is expected to pick up as trails have begun to be groomed throughout the area. Ice angling activity remains low due to frigid temperatures and windy conditions throughout the week.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring hunting, trapping, and ice fishing activity. Few hunters were encountered. Anglers are starting to venture on the ice by ATV or foot. Snowmobile clubs are busy prepping snowmobile trails, but more snow is needed before the season can really kick off.
