Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Jan 13, 2024 05:05AM ● By Editor
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - January 13, 2024
District 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2024-01-08
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports the first significant snowfall finally fell in the Ely area beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. As snowmobiles began to be seen around the area on lakes and trails, officers noticed that there was still some ATV and truck traffic using the trails. Several ATVs and trucks were contacted, and enforcement action was taken. Folks are reminded that any designated snowmobile trail is closed to motor vehicle and ATV traffic even if the trail has not yet been groomed.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused mainly on checking anglers this week. He also patrolled for ATV and snowmobile operators and small-game hunting/trapping activity.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports following up on a deer case with the assistance of CO Salzer in which a doe was taken in a buck-only permit area. Enforcement action was taken in the case. Bermel would like to remind people to be careful on the ice as there are lots of pressure ridges, thin ice areas, and ice thickness variability. Another reminder following the first significant snow of the season: Enforcement action will be taken against those who take vehicles and ATVs onto designated snowmobile trails. That was an issue addressed several times over the weekend.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week checking anglers on area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for taking fish out of season and license violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) focused mainly on checking anglers within the BWCAW throughout the week. A handful of fish were seen being caught, but mostly all the fish were small. Enforcement action was taken for multiple ATV violations.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports checking ice anglers throughout the week with an average bite noted. Truck work was handled in Duluth. Hill and CO Ledeen stopped a side-by-side being operated on Highway 61 in Beaver Bay. The juvenile operator did not have a driver?s license and the machine was unregistered. The father received citations for the registration violations.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) continued to monitor angling activity and ice conditions on area lakes. Ice continues to have areas of unsafe travel with inconsistent ice depths. Be sure to check ice frequently and use caution when traveling on new ice. Murray also took a call of an injured wolf and checked on a trapping complaint.
Silver Bay vacant.
