Conservation Officer reports
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports progress continues on fire suppression and mitigation projects on the Echo Trail with areas opening up for public use that have been closed since July. Bear baiting activity has doubled and so have nuisance-bear complaints. Residents are reminded to secure garbage and bird feeders as wild foods become less plentiful.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused on fishing and boating activity this week. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV and OHM riders. Additional time was spent monitoring bear baiting activity.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week checking bear baits. Bear hunters report that bears have been hitting baits here and there but have yet to lock on with all the natural foods available. Time was also spent checking anglers and patrolling ATV activity.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked bear baiting activity, ATV enforcement, watercraft enforcement, angling enforcement, and a public waters case. Time was also spent patrolling in the BWCAW. Bears seem to be hitting well in the area. Assistance was provided to St. Louis County with a physical domestic assault where the suspect fled and was later apprehended. A cease-and-desist order was issued for unpermitted work in public waters. Enforcement action included littering, expired watercraft registration, and a bear bait sign violation.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) primarily spent the week monitoring angling and ATV activity. Time was spent furthering a background investigation of a potential hiring candidate. Time was also spent investigating a public waters complaint and fielding angling related questions.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on bear baiting and angling enforcement for the week. Time was spent assisting other agencies. Bear hunters are reminded to review the hunting regulations for the upcoming opener.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) reports a busy week monitoring angling and bear baiting activity. He assisted local agencies with various calls for service. Complaints regarding operation of ATVs in certain areas were investigated. Enforcement action for the week included operating an ATV without lights and no driver’s license when required, angling without a license, no license in possession, and other watercraft safety related issues were addressed.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports bear hunters continue to prepare for opening day with baiting activities as the excitement of fall begins. Wild rice has provided a promising harvest opportunity this season if you are able to beat the waterfowl to your favorite location. With the help of a Koochiching County deputy, he assisted a couple of paddlers after they overturned their canoe and their gear was left floating on the water.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports checking area forest roads and monitoring area lakes and public access sites. Administrative tasks and equipment work continue.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent most of the week preparing for the upcoming bear season and monitoring ATV activity in the area. It’s shaping up to be a good opener for those hunting this year. Time was also spent checking anglers and monitoring boating activity on Lake Vermilion.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time investigating an escaped feral swine complaint over the week. Additionally, there have been several complaints on social media about youths operating e-motorcycles around the Virginia/Eveleth area as of late. Zavodnik asks operators and parents to review MN Statute 169.223 regarding the criteria involving legal operation. Additional time was spent handling numerous nuisance-bear complaints and handling ATV violations.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring ATV, fishing, boating, and bear baiting activity. Anglers reported moderate success. ATV activity was lower this week. Bear baiters reported significant bear activity at their baits. Broughten also assisted with a youth firearms safety class.
