CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers and snowmobilers this past week. Trail conditions are good and fishing was slow. Velsvaag took several calls on deer feeding and questions on trespassing laws.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) attended training in Camp Ripley during the week.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked snowmobile trail and angling enforcement and assisted with the Eelpout Festival in Walker. Slush and water conditions on Leech Lake were extremely bad with water on plowed ice roads up to vehicle bumpers in places. Off-road travel was also nearly impossible with any type of vehicle. In one instance, Bermel found a fish house unoccupied but smelled the odor of marijuana coming from a vent. He returned later and cited two individuals for marijuana possession. Enforcement action for the week included many instances of expired ATV and snowmobile registration, failure to transfer ownership, operation violations, and marijuana violations. People continue to crash almost daily on local snowmobile trails. Please stay to the right on the trails, especially on corners.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area trail activity this past week. Fishing was slow again due to slush and snow on area inland lakes.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers and snowmobile riders. Snowmobile activity is busy as the fishing remains slow. He taught a snowmobile safety class at the Cook County Middle School.