CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity peaked at the end of the week just before nearly a foot of snow fell in the Ely area. Snowmobile activity was steady, although most riders were still avoiding lakes because of recent mild weather and snowfall. Violations the past week included angling without a license in possession and failure to display snowmobile registration.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) reports muzzleloader hunters were met with tough conditions due to the recent snowfalls. Some snowmobilers are getting out, as are a few anglers, but some areas have slush and ice conditions are highly variable.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked for ice-angling activity. He also completed equipment maintenance and followed up on big-game investigations.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) continued the wrap up the deer and bear seasons. Snowmobile trails are open and snow-covered to varying degrees. Lake ice thickness is extremely varied and anglers are advised to check frequently when they choose to venture out.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) finished up a deer-hunting investigation. A background investigation has started on a possible new hire. Some time was spent checking for angling activity, which has slowed with all the new snow. Bermel also checked a few snowmobile riders. Muzzleloader hunters are going to have a tough go of it with all the snow in the woods, although lots of deer movement was observed. Enforcement action was taken for failure to register deer.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity. Heavy snow and mild weather are not helping the ice. Some snowmobile activity has started as well.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports attending training at Camp Ripley during the past week. Hill also conducted maintenance on station vehicles and began a background investigation on a potential new conservation officer candidate for the upcoming Academy.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked the first snowmobile activity for the season with riders out trying their equipment. Ice-fishing activity has slowed and slush on area lakes has made travel treacherous. Murray assisted volunteer instructors with a youth snowmobile safety class during the week.