District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports trout angling activity was moderate for the final weekend of the winter season. Success was found to be good with several limits being seen in the BWCAW. Violations included angling without a license in possession, failure to display current ATV registration, and possession of motorized equipment inside the BWCAW.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week primarily focusing on angling activity. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV operators. Additional time was spent monitoring spring trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time training in firearms and defensive tactics at Camp Ripley. He worked a snowmobile detail in the Grand Marais area patrolling snowmobile trails and trout lakes. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) spent time instructing at waterfowl school, where new COs are trained indepth on all things involving waterfowl hunting. Winter conditions are changing, and people should use extra precautions before going onto frozen bodies of water. Calls regarding nuisance animals were received.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked crappie anglersintheBWCAW.Work continues on an ongoing investigation. A truck and an ATV went through the ice of Birch Lake this week. Passenger vehicle travel is no longer recommended, and caution should be used even while on ATV or foot. Extra caution is recommended for areas with current, rocks, shoreline areas, or old ice roads.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ice angling activity as the winter trout season nears an end. Time was also spent assisting local agencies and working a public safety detail in the metro area. Variable temperatures have left the snowmobile trails thin and icy, and riders are urged to use caution.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) worked snowmobile and angling activity for the week. A few riders were out enjoying the last snowmobile ride for the season. The spring thaw has been slow going and many area rivers remain inaccessible due to ice. Caution is advised on area lakes as the seasons change.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week assisting with a waterfowl enforcement training for recently hired COs. Block also spent time training with K9 Jet. Time was also spent performing equipment maintenance.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) took several calls related to rules and regulations for spring fishing on the Rainy River. Angling activity was monitored throughout the week. Kennedy followed up on some cases related to various violations throughout the winter and bear season. He also assisted partner agencies at the State Capitol over the weekend.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working the Rainy River this past week. As the ice continues to break up on the river, this last week saw many anglers hitting the open water for the first time this spring. Time was spent checking anglers and working boating safety enforcement throughout the week.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) monitored closed forest areas and checked anglers on area waterways. Spring fishing on the Rainy River has officially started. There were still several groups of anglers chasing crappies, with mixed reports. With some of the new side-by-side models being advertised, customers should be aware of restrictions for certain ATVs based on width and weight. As the season ends, caution on ice travel is again a priority.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring spring forest road closures. Area lakes were checked for angling activity. Otters were registered for a trapper. Station equipment work was completed, and seasonal equipment was stored. Additional time was spent returning phone calls and completing various administrative tasks.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily on angling and ATV enforcement. Ice continues to degrade quickly. Ice is quickly becoming unsafe, and caution should be used if venturing out. Time was also spent checking for trapping activity and working on a spruce top case.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked on angling and ATV enforcement. In addition, time was spent attending instructor in-service training at Camp Ripley and completing administrative tasks.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) reports warm weather has led to inconsistent ice conditions throughout the area, and angler activity has been sporadic from day to day. Zavodnik spoke to approximately 20 students who attended the firearms safety law and ethics talk earlier in the week. He assisted surrounding law enforcement agencies with calls and took enforcement action on an individual who was found to be burning without a fire permit.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and spring trapping activity. Anglers reported limited success. Ice is starting to deteriorate and is getting soft in spots. Broughten fielded calls regarding ATV trails, lake access, and trapping regulations.
