District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports: Ely experienced another busygrouseandarchery deer opener. Hunters had reported a slower-than-usual start to the season as much of the understory and foliage had not yet begun to change, much less drop leaves. Problem bear reports went up a notch as several cabin owners reported bears breaking in, including one occupied cabin that required the assistance of Ely police and St. Louis County deputies to get several cubs out after they received a 911 call that the animals had broken in.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely 2) focused on hunting, and ATV activity this week. Additional time was spent checking fishermen and watercraft operators. Officer Ihnen also patrolled for AIS compliance near area lakes and PWAs.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked the small game opener with area officers. A lot of hunters were out enjoying the nice weather but had minimal success. Enforcement action was taken for ATV violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports grouse hunters hit the woods and trails for opening day of the season on Saturday. Most bear hunters in the area have wrapped up their season with filled tags. CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) patrolled for several days in the BWCAW with CO Lawler. Time was spent checking grouse hunters and anglers over the small game opening weekend. Very few grouse were observed dead or alive, and activity was higher on the water than in the w oods. F our a nglers were cited for possessing over limits of crappies and their fish were seized. Other enforcement action was taken for transporting a loaded firearm in an ATV and possession of cans and glass in the BWCAW.
COMeganFranzen(Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ATV and small game/bow hunting activity. The weather conditions over the weekend were prime for both activities. Small game opener brought numerous grouse hunters to the area, and many reported success.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and grouse hunting enforcement for the week. Time was spent working Lake Superior and ATV activity in the area. Grouse hunters reported low success with very few birds being seen despite beautiful weather. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of grouse hunting and angling- related violations.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors)Spenttimethisweek patrolling the area for seasonal activity. Efforts were focused on the small game opener. Block also spent time training with K9 Jet.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) The weather has been conducive to most outdoor activities. Anglers are still busy on the cooling waterways as fish begin to transition to fall haunts. The small game opener was a bit lackluster with most folks waiting for the leaves to start dropping. ATV use is picking up and a quick review of the ATV regulations could be beneficial. Bear hunting activity is still progressing but with a lot fewer participants as the month advances.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports very poor grouse hunting success in checks of hunters afield. Area forest roads were checked. ATV activity was monitored and equipment work completed. Very few grouse have been observed in field patrols.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes, monitoring ATV activity and working on ongoing investigations. Small game and archery deer opener was worked, however not many hunters were seen in the field, and those that were contacted were not having much luck finding game.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily ATV and hunting enforcement. Larson spent the opener weekend primarily checking grouse hunters. Success finding birds seemed to be very limited.
