CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling and recreation activity was up over the weekend as more people tried to take advantage of the above-average weather. As expected, slush on lakes was beginning to be a problem and so was the loss of what little snow we had after several days in the 40s. Violations included angling with no license in possession.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers this past week. Ice conditions are still quite variable and fishing has been slow. Velsvaag took several nuisance-animal calls and questions about dogs chasing deer and responded to a TIP complaint and took enforcement action.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked anglers by snowmobile during the week. He also did a radio interview on pike spearing, the Boundary Waters trout opener, and ice conditions.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended the funeral of CO Chelsie (Leuthardt) Grundhauser as part of the DNR Honor Guard detail. She also patrolled area lakes, forest roads and trails. Snow dances are currently underway in the Arrowhead region as warm weather has taken a toll on already low snow conditions.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) followed up on active cases and worked with the county attorney on cases coming up for court trials. Angling activity has been minimal. Enforcement action included failure to register marten as required and ATV transfer and registration violations.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity this past week. The snow pack took a hit with sun and warm weather in the area. 

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) attended training during the week.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and trapping activity. ATVs and snowmobiles are now being used on area lakes but ice conditions continued to vary on many lakes. Murray assisted volunteer snowmobile safety instructors with a youth field day where students earned their safety certificates. An illegally taken grey wolf investigation continued and any public information can be reported by contacting the TIP line at 1-800-652-9093.