Weekly Conservation Officer's report
Dec 18, 2017 01:01PM ● By EditorCO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that winter is in full swing in the Arrowhead. The CO did a couple of snowmobile patrols with the U.S. Forest Service LEO. Not many people were out enjoying the winter weather though as snowmobilers and ice anglers were pretty scarce. Six unattended tip-ups were found that was left by one group as they went to have lunch at a cabin. A couple of fish that were caught on the unattended tip-ups were returned to the water and citations were issued to four anglers.
CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais East) patrolled area lakes and checked anglers and fishing shelters. The officer continued to follow up on deer registration issues from this past firearms season. Conditions have not allowed for grooming of snowmobile trails, so conditions are quite varied and riders are advised to use caution on stretches of trail where logging operations are underway.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) spent the week working angling activity in the area. Snow is starting to build, but the trails are not quite ready for snowmobiling. Time was spent at Camp Ripley and on backgrounds preparing for the CO Academy in May.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) attended Use of Force training at Camp Ripley. The officer checked ice anglers on area lakes and followed up on big game investigations.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping, angling, and the first snowmobile activity for the season. Trails are ungroomed yet in the area. Ice conditions continue to improve and anglers seem to be finding the fish. Officer Murray assisted with a youth snowmobile safety course where fourteen new riders earned their safety certification.
CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports he focused on angling enforcement over the week. Most of the smaller lakes are seeing foot and vehicle traffic as ice conditions continue to improve and become more reliable as the cold weather continues. Violations included angling with unattended lines and fishing with no license in possession.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked anglers and recreational vehicles on area lakes. Snow and ice conditions on most lakes are good for ATVs and snowmobiles. Time was also spent on a pre-employment background investigation and on trapping investigations. Enforcement action included unattended line, expired snowmobile registration, and other registration and license display/possession issues.