CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports cold weather took hold in the Ely area and after a week of below-freezing weather the small lakes are now frozen over with ice. Deer-hunting success seems to be fair overall around the city, with much fewer deer being reported up the Echo Trail. Williams assisted area officers with an investigation of a deer being shot from a roadway and trespassing.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked deer hunters and netters this past week. Deer hunting was slow and some lakes skimmed over with ice on the weekend. Several calls about nuisance animals were received as well as about the new pike regulation in regards to spearing.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports most of the small inland lakes have frozen over, but it's going to take more cold weather before anyone should even think of venturing out. Ice picks should always be at the ready, but that's especially try on early ice. Baited deer stands were checked and assistance was given at an ATV safety field day.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked deer hunters, stands, and deer camps. Manning helped with an ATV safety class field day at Cook County Schools. Snowfall in the Arrowhead is making travel conditions on unplowed forest roads more challenging and folks are reminded to be prepared and know the route before getting too far down the road.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports average activity and fair success for deer hunters, although the deer population seems to be nearly nonexistent in the Tomahawk and Isabella area. Numerous enforcement contacts were made for violations such as untagged deer, failure to validate a deer tag, failure to register a deer, permitting unlawful hunting by a minor, shooting within 500 feet of a house, litter, and several instances of transporting a loaded firearm.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area hunting again this week. COC Ben Karon has returned for his final phase of training before hitting the field on his own.