CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a very quiet week as about 10 inches to a foot of snow fell among the higher elevations along Lake Superior. Grouse hunters seemed to call it quits and the grouse disappeared also. The season seemed to be pretty good to those who got off the beaten path and hunted in areas not pounded by the masses. The snow has showed that deer are on the move and that a fisher had a meal of snowshoe hare.  

CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais East) watched fall turn quickly to winter, with up to a foot of wet snow covered unfrozen ground and stuck, making for sloppy conditions on forest roads and trails. The officer took a report of a dog chasing deer and spoke with the pet owner. CO Manning also checked WMAs, state forest land, and private property for deer bait and illegal stands. CO Manning also worked with a landowner regarding river access for anglers on a popular trout stream.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area grouse hunting activity this week. Area snow has closed down several back country roads in the area and made travel much more difficult just before deer season. 

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked an ATV detail with Officer Osborne checking bear bait stations for litter/signs left after the season, small game hunters and archery hunters. The officer assisted the county, responded to ATV complaints, and answered wildlife calls. Enforcement action was taken for AIS, alcohol, bear hunting, and traffic violations.  

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) checked on small game hunters throughout the week. He also followed up on baiting and trespass complaints as the first winter storm hit the north shore area.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports searching for deer baiting violations. If you know of baited stands please call TIP or your local CO. Caller information will remain anonymous. A duck enforcement detail was worked with CO Al Peterson with a good push of diver ducks present. Numerous enforcement contacts were made for duck hunting violations, and a deer case was also charged out. Additionally, a formal complaint was filed for criminal damage to property of state enforcement equipment.

CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports cool temperatures and snow over the week seemed to help out hunters as several waterfowl hunters checked reported large groups of mallards moving through the area. Trapping reports were also good, with a flurry of activity in the cold weather. Violations included trapping with no license in possession, operating an ATV on a state highway, and operating an ATV with no safety certificate.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) checked some of the last duck hunters and found a few of the trappers. The area received a lot of heavy snow and it may not melt anymore since it has turned cold. Some of the small ponds are beginning to freeze over. Deer hunters are reminded that deer baiting is illegal and will likely lose their firearm and pay some steep penalties.