Last updated: 2017-09-25

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a very slow weekend for the second weekend of grouse season. The officer did see a fair number of birds during the week, but with the leaves on the trees and the grouse hiding behind those leaves, it?s far too early to give a final verdict on the season. A few hunters did well while some not so well. It appeared to be more of that timing thing as many were hunting in the same areas. The bull moose are in rut and on the move. Slow down at night and keep a sharp lookout for those black moose in the black of night.

CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais East) wrapped up a wanton waste bear case and paperwork is in the mail to responsible hunters. The officer spoke with the local radio station about waterfowl opener and checked hunters and anglers in the field. CO Manning also assisted with a qualification shoot for DNR Wildlife and Fisheries staff and assisted Cook County Sheriff's Department with a road kill moose.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area small game hunting activity this week. Time was also spent working ATV activity and bear hunting complaints.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent time checking small game hunters and anglers along the Lake Superior streams. FDL moose hunters were checked with some having good success. Enforcement action was taken for angling, state park, alcohol, and firearm violations.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked small game and deer archery activity during the week. Fall colors are turning rapidly along the North Shore and travelers are abundant to see the spectacle. Inland lakes are providing some excellent fall fishing opportunities.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked the waterfowl opener with limited success and moderate participation. CO Bermel taught the law and ethics portion of the Babbitt firearms safety class. Thanks to the volunteer instructors and the sportsman's club for use of the facility. Enforcement action for the week included cans in the BWCA, insufficient PFDs, no HIP certification, late hunting, and speeding.

CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports hunting activity was very low over the past week and finding a successful waterfowl hunter was difficult. Hunters reported swatting more mosquitoes than ducks in the very unseasonably warm weather and many grouse hunters still report low bird numbers with the dense underbrush still in the woods. Violations included hunter harassment and operating an unregistered watercraft.