CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily angling enforcement throughout the week. Enforcement action included angling without a license and an illegal-length northern pike.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking anglers and a few snowmobilers. He followed up on past investigations and responded to wildlife calls.

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports ice conditions varied greatly throughout the Ely area. Some anglers reported as much as 11 inches and as little as 4 inches on the same lake. Angling activity has picked up slightly but most reports were still not good. Violations included no license in possession. 

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and deer muzzleloader activities during the week. Ice conditions continue to improve with more anglers now venturing out on area lakes and getting a few fish. Nuisance animal calls were handled and a trapping complaint was investigated.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled area lakes and accesses; anglers are urged to continue to check ice conditions frequently when venturing out. She also checked snowmobile trails and forest roads; snow cover remains thin to absent. A few people attempting to drive street vehicles on unplowed forest roads discovered that a plowed road would have been a better option as unseen ice under the snow caused some problems. Manning also again assisted DNR Wildlife staff with fur registration and followed up on deer registration issues.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) checked angling activity in the area. Snowmobiles are starting to hit the backcountry area as well. Schottenbauer had the privilege of assisting the Silver Bay police and fire departments with their local “Shop with a Hero” event. He was proud to be a small part of such a generous community that gives so much back! 

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) did some remote patrols by snowmobile during the week. There were a few ice anglers out but it was pretty quiet overall. A few were also out riding snowmobiles in the backcountry.