District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports after the biggest snowstorm of the season, snowmobile trails saw heavy use through the weekend making for rough riding conditions. Fishing activity was predictably high into the weekend for the last days of the walleye and northern pike season. Violations included excessive snowmobile speed, modified snowmobile exhaust, and failure to display snowmobile registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week focusing on snowmobiling, fishing, and spearing activity. Ihnen patrolled area lakes checking for litter and fish house regulation compliance.Additional timewasspentcheckingATV operators.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored snowmobile trails and area trout lakes. Some portages and trails are hard to pass with trees down from the recent storm. The trails were extremelybusywithsnowmobilers enjoying the fresh snow.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) reports an astounding number of people visited the area to ride snowmobiles after the blizzard hit the North Shore last Thursday. Trails were hit hard, and local snowmobile clubs are working tirelessly on grooming and maintaining them. Slush has increased on the lakes and anglers should expect to encounter such conditions when heading out. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports extremely high snowmobile traffic in the area after the most recent snowstorm. Unfortunately, some very poor examples of snowmobiler ethics and safety were observed with no consideration for others. Some examples included many snowmobilers who operated on several miles of freshly groomed ski trails, totally wrecking the tracks and trail; very aggressive riding on corners, hills, and intersections, which quickly blew thoseareasout;andextremely careless operation by a few individuals, creating unsafe conditions for everyone else on the trails. Enforcement action was taken for several instances each of loud, illegal snowmobile exhaust and expired registration.
COMeganFranzen(Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring snowmobile activity across the area. A large winter storm midweek brought multiple feet of snowfall to the shore, bringing droves of snowmobile riders shortly after. Such heavy snowfall brought downed trees and rough trail conditions, and work is ongoing to get the local trails groomed. Riders are urged to use caution when using the local trails and be aware of other riders as well.
COTrentAnderson(Tofte) focused on snowmobile and angling enforcement for the week. Recent snow created great riding conditions, and many people were out on the trails. A reminder that angling licenses expire this weekend.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week patrolling area snowmobile trails. Time was also spent attending training at Camp Ripley for emergency vehicle operations and K9 training. Block also responded to various complaints in the area.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) patrolled area lakes and trails by snowmobile. Trails were holding up well after the recent snowfall. Kennedy attended a spring fishing meeting with local agencies and partners. Anglers were reporting a better bite as the week progressed.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area snowmobile trails and checking anglers. Speed enforcement was a focus this week on area trails. Anglers reported having some success throughout the area.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports that although not as nice as the previous week, groomer operators are using their skills to make local trails rideable. Snowmobile activity is still in full swing with large groups of snowmobilers observed. Exhaust violations are still commonly heard and the increase in fine amounts was explained to several operators. Angling activity has been steady with success observed sporadically. Ice conditions remain some of the most consistent in recent years, with the snowpack settling dramatically.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area snowmobile trails, checking local lakes, and visiting public access sites. Equipment inventory was completed, and computer training is ongoing.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring snowmobile activity and checking ice anglers. Snowmobiling picked up again with the much needed shot of snow we received, and trails are again in great shape. Anglers contacted were having a hard time locating fish willing to bite as the walleye season came to an end this weekend. Time was also spent assisting with emergency vehicle operation training at Camp Ripley. Enforcement activity for the week included snowmobile speed, loud snowmobile exhaust, snowmobileequipment violations, registration issues, and possessing walleyes within the protected slot.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement. The recent snow has improved snowmobile trails significantly and snowmobile traffic has also increased. Larson spent time checking local trails and found violations related to loud/illegal snowmobile exhaust and registration violations. He also spent time working on a spruce top theft case and worked on station equipment maintenance.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarilyworkedsnowmobile and angling activity. In addition, time was spent instructing emergency vehicle operations at Camp Ripley. Snowfall throughout the week restored snowmobile trails that desperately needed help. Snowmobilers, in turn, were delighted but anglers continue to be frustrated by a slow bite. Violations encountered included snowmobile speed, expired/ no registration, and allowing illegal operation.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time at Camp Ripley instructing EVOC training over the week. Welcomed snowfall around the area has brought snowmobile trails back to life over the weekend. Excessive speed and modified snowmobile exhaust violations were addressed.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring snowmobilingandfishing activity. Warmer weather at the beginning of the week deteriorated snowmobile trails. Snowfall later in the week brought trails back to passable condition. Trails could still use more snow. Anglers continued to report limited success. Broughten also attended training at Camp Ripley.
District 7 - Grand Rapids CO Vinny Brown (Northome) patrolled area lakes and checked ice anglers as the walleye ice fishing season ended. Brown also patrolled snowmobile trails and state forest areas. Wildlife-related calls and fishing related questions were answered. Assistance was given to a group of lost anglers with finding their way off Lake Winnibigoshish after they became lost and stuck.
CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked ATV, snowmobile, small-game, and fishing activities. He patrolled area trails and campgrounds. Numerous game and fish-related questions were answered. He also responded to wildlife-related complaints.
COMikeFairbanks(Deer River) checked anglers, monitored snowmobile activity, and instructed EVOC this week. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Fennec also attended monthly training and assisted with a warrant arrest. Enforcement action was taken for license violations and possession of illegal-length fish.
CO Thomas Sutherland (GrandRapids)workedsnowmobile and angling activity over the past week with snowmobiling conditions improving with the added snow. Sutherland took enforcement action for angling without a license, failing to have a shelter tag on a permanent shelter, and for an unregistered snowmobile. Sutherland also gave a law talk at an area youth snowmobile safety class.
CO Jimmy Van Asch (Pengilly) focused enforcement efforts on sport fishing and snowmobile activities. Recent snowfall has extended area trail life. Assistance was given to a group of snowmobilers, as well, after mechanical difficulties caused them to break down.
CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) reports the recent snowfall once again made the snowmobile trails rideable. The trail conditions weren’t ideal all season, but there have been a fair number of people out snowmobiling on the trails and lakes. Angling activity remains steady with a fair panfish bite on most area lakes.
CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) patrolled snowmobile trails and checked ice anglers during the previous week. Time was also spent on miscellaneous wildlife-related complaints and ice shelter compliance. Enforcement activity involved angling and snowmobiling violations.
Enforcement Education Please check the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Education Courses and instructor training sessions.
If you missed a fall class and are over 18, check online for the online course information. (It is also at www. mndnr.gov.)
Please check the DNR website www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Youth andAdultSnowmobileSafety Courses and instructor training sessions.
Please direct questions to 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.
Reminder: Anyone born after December 31, 1979 cannot purchase a license to hunt in Minnesota without first taking a DNR Safety Training Course and receiving a certificate. In addition, many states have even more stringent mandatory Hunter Education requirements. Check before you go!
Reminder: Any resident bornafterDecember31,1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota must possess a snowmobile certificate. Two options are available to complete certification. Ages 11 and older can take the online course and hands-on day or attend the traditional youth course. Those 16 or older can take the online course.
Reminder: Anyone born after July 1, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands and waters in Minnesota must successfully complete the ATV Safety Training online course. People under age 16 must complete the ATVonlinecourseandriding component before riding on public lands. Please direct questions to 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.
SCHEDULED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SESSIONS If you are 18 or older and would like to become an instructor for Snowmobile Safety, ATV Safety, Firearms Safety, Trail Ambassador or one of the Advanced Hunter programs, contact your local conservation officer or regional safety training officer. Instructor clinics are scheduled throughout the state and are listed on the DNR website.
See Also: http://www.dnr. state.mn.us/safety/instructors/ training.html
