CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports hunting activity continued strong, although most of the camps in the Ely area emptied before the rain and snow fell in the middle of the week. A wolf was found shot and killed on the Echo Trail on Friday morning. Anyone who may have any information is encouraged to contact Minnesota Turn in Poachers at 800-652-9093.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week checking deer hunters and following up on investigations. He assisted the U.S. Forest Service on several complaints. Time was also spent on the water checking whitefish nets.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) saw mixed weather impact deer hunting this week, but lower temperatures and a dusting of snow seem to working to hunters? advantage. Manning took two calls of hikers walking through areas very popular with deer hunters while wearing almost no orange and no brightly colored clothing. Both hunters stated they warned the hikers about hunters in the area. One pointed out that one orange hat between three people was not enough for them to be seen easily; apparently their dog was well attired. Manning also took a couple after-the-fact calls of hunters claiming hunting privilege to public land based on past use, however public land is open to all. Hunters seeking exclusive hunting areas should purchase land.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily firearms deer hunters. A few nice bucks were seen taken, but it's been slow for most people. Enforcement action included shooting at big game from the road right-of-way and unlawful party hunting. A large spruce-top seizure was made after consent was unable to be produced. Enforcement action was taken.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area deer-hunting activity this week. Time was also spent checking bough-harvester paperwork.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports minimal deer movement during the week had some hunters frustrated. Some small bucks and a few does were checked at various camps. The cold front towards the end of the week pushed some deer around, so there's hope for hunters with one more week to go. Work was done on an ongoing trapping case. Hill reported no violations for the week.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked a much colder second weekend of firearms deer season. This week snow arrived to the North Shore and provided some tracking snow for hunters, improving the harvest some. Murray continued to investigate illegal baiting activity and responded to reports of hunter-harassment and trespass complaints.