District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports ice fishing and trapping activity continued heavy through the weekend. Some snowmobile trail use was noted but conditions are still generally poor. Violations included trapping without a license and trapping in the closed season.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused on checking anglers and small-game hunters this week. He also patrolled his station for snowmobile and ATV activity. Additional time was spent monitoring trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked trapping and ice angling activity. A few sleds were out despite the minimal amount of snow. Overall compliance was good. Nuisance-wildlife complaints were handled.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week patrolling trapping and angling activities. It’s been a slow fisher and pine marten season, with most trappers only having limited success. Winter weather has been all over the place from rain to blizzard-like conditions. Snowmobilers are reminded to check their sled for valid registration before hitting the lakes and trails. Fur registration in Cook County will be at the Grand Marais Minnesota DNR building on Dec. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports 18 youths were certified in Babbitt in snowmobile safety. Thanks to the volunteers who helped! Time was spent working the latter part of the fisher/marten- trapping season. Trappers reported less animal movement during the season than is typical. Time was also spent on snowmobile trail enforcement and annual training obligations. Enforcement action was taken for untagged traps, not having site coupons for trapping, and driving a pickup on a designated snowmobile trail. Work on a decorative materials case continues.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay)spenttheweekprimarily monitoring ice angling and trapping activity across the area. Rain across the shore deteriorated the already rough snowmobile trails, and caution is advised when riding. Ice anglers reported varied success, but recent cold weather has boosted the ice depth on many lakes. Many lakes in the area, however, have variable ice conditions and caution is still advised.
CO Casie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block also continued to patrol the area for ATV and snowmobile activity. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) patrolled area lakes and trails throughout the week. The Voyageurs Snowmobile Club has been working to get trails cleaned up and ready for the upcoming season, but more snow is needed before the trails can be enjoyed. He checked ice anglers in the area, with most reporting low catch numbers. Kennedy also helped at a snowmobile safety class held over the weekend. Trappers were checked throughout the week with mixed reports of catches.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area lakes and rivers this past week checking anglers. Time was spent assisting with a snowmobile safety class for local students in the area as well. Trapping activity was monitored throughout the week.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports unfavorable weather patterns have left some outdoor activities in limbo. While some individuals are trying to get out on snowmobiles, they are finding conditions less than optimal. Spearing activity remains strong, with mixed reports of success. Ice heaves have formed on area lakes, creating additional locations of concern when traveling on ice. Most ice traffic has been ATV or on foot.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports multiple days of midweek rain reduced trails back to dirt, grass, and exposed rock. No snowmobile use was noted. Some small streams opened during the rain, followed by below-zero weather. Lake ice continues forming and trapping activity was light compared to previous years. Above-freezing temps forecast for the upcoming week should further alter the landscape, so plan accordingly.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring trapping activity. There seemed to be about the same amount of activity as last year, but trappers had a harder time. Success was hit and miss. Time was also spent checking anglersandmonitoringsnowmobile activity. Some people were seen riding area trails, but they are extremely rough. No grooming has been done yet this year. More snow is needed before there is good riding anywhere.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily trapping and snowmobile activity. Time was spent checking traps and checking for snowmobile activity. Snow on the ice has dissipated on lakes after the recent warm up. Larson investigated a snowmobile complaint and spent time working on a spruce top theft case.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling and small-game and trapping activity. In addition, time was also spent maintaining station equipment and working on training materials. A reminder to trappers regarding the upcoming fur registration date on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) reports windy conditions throughout the week yielded less-than-normal ice angling activity on local lakes. Zavodnik assisted surrounding law enforcement agencies with calls. He also worked an Honor Guard detail for the funeral of retired COandWorldWarIIVeteran Paul Wojahn.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring trapping and ice fishing activity. Trappers reported limited success during the fisher and pine marten season. Few ice anglers were encountered, and those out reported poor success. Ice conditions vary on area lakes, with thicknesses of five to 10 inches reported.
District 7 - Grand Rapids CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked ATV, snowmobile, big-game, small-game, and fishing activities. He patrolled area trails and campgrounds. Numerous game and fish questions-related were answered. He also responded to wildlife-related complaints.
CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, investigated a littering complaint, monitored trapping activity, and assisted tribal COs with locating a sick moose. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Fennec also assisted in locating a suspect who fled from officers. They also attended training with area K9 teams. Enforcement action was taken for license violations.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked ice angling activity, darkhouse spearing, and trapping activity. With good ice conditions, many anglers have been on area lakes for more than two weeks. Panfish and walleye activity has been good, with plenty of fish being caught. Sutherland started seeing some highway vehicles on smaller bodies of water over the weekend. He advises people to check ice conditions before venturing out.
CO Jimmy Van Asch (Pengilly) focused enforcement efforts on angling, trapping, small-game, and recreational vehicle activity throughout the surrounding areas. Enforcement action was taken for several angling and trapping violations.
CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) focused efforts on patrolling area lakes for ice fishing activity and checking small-game hunters and trappers. Hochstein also spent time following up on open investigations and assisting other law enforcement agencies with calls for service.
CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) checked snowmobiling and angling activity during the previous week. Timewasalsospentattending training at Camp Ripley.
Aviation Section
CO Pilot Charles Scott (Brainerd) continued with ongoing training with Unit pilots. He also coordinated and handled multiple aircraft- maintenance issues.
CO Pilot Brianna Shaw (Brainerd) spent the week completing solo training flights in the Scout. Shaw also focused efforts on updating the training manual and assisting NR Pilot Grace Zeller with helicopter maintenance.
CO Pilot Ryan Hanna (Grand Rapids) participated in a training flight with a Forestry pilot. Regular training is not only important for maintaining legal currency, but also for staying proficient and safe.
