CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and duck hunters this past week. He also checked grouse hunters, although the weather made hunting difficult. The few anglers out have been getting some nice fish and duck hunting picked up at the end of the week.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked small-game hunters and ATV riders, assisted the Forest Service and responded to hunting complaints. He attended training at Camp Ripley. Enforcement action was taken for ATV, small-game and firearms violations. 

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled state and federal forest lands checking grouse hunters and ATV operators. Road hunters are reminded it is their responsibility to know they are more than 500 feet from occupied dwellings before discharging their firearms. Hunters should also note that state forest roads with land posted on both sides of the road by the same person are often prescriptive easements for travel through private property not public roadways open to taking of small game. 

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) followed up on a felony fleeing case and worked on a big-game case in which a buck was illegally taken with an invalid archery license the same day it was purchased. A search warrant was executed resulting in the seizure of the rack, venison, and archery equipment.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area hunting and ATV activity this past week. Time spent at Camp Ripley as well.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked deer-baiting investigations and took nuisance-bear complaints. Most grouse hunters in the area report seeing few birds. Several questions were answered on the upcoming youth deer hunt and Lake Superior stream regulations.

Tofte vacant.