CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a high volume of snowmobile traffic over the weekend. The vast majority of the sleds had registration numbers and year of expiration decals properly displayed. Remote designated trout lakes were also checked.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended instructor training and planning meetings at Camp Ripley. Along with U.S. Forest Service Officer Belmore, Manning assisted Cook County with a search for a motorist stranded on a snowmobile trail. Manning also worked with CO Willis and St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies on a snowmobile water-skipping detail.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily in the BWCA checking anglers with CO Stage. Violations for the week included fishing without a license, cans in the BWCA, operating vehicles on a grant-in-aid snowmobile trail, and no license in possession.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) inspected a turkey complaint area. It was unknown if the turkey was wild or illegally released. Without many formal sightings it is hard to tell. Schottenbauer encourages Lake and Cook county sightings of turkeys to be reported to the area wildlife office.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and snowmobile activity during the week. Most ice shelters were already removed ahead of the removal deadline and area snowmobile trails were in poor shape after the warm weather over the weekend. Area streams are beginning to open. Ice conditions are beginning to deteriorate and caution should be taken with late-season ice.

CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports he and other area law enforcement officers responded to Orr to assist with the search for a suspect after a bank robbery attempt. Two bank employees were sprayed by pepper spray and a suspect was taken into custody near town. Violations for the week included taking deer without a license.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked the lakes in the Ely area – both in and outside the BWCA – to check trout and crappie fishermen. There is still 1 to 3 feet of snow in the woods. Recent cold nights have frozen the slush on lakes, making conditions very good for winter travel, but exercise caution with late-season ice. Remember that new fishing licenses are required.