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Boreal Community Media

Weekly Conservation Officer Reports

Dec 23, 2019 02:34PM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - December 23, 2019

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity continued to be slow in the Ely area. Snowmobiling continues to pick up as trail conditions improve. Violations included angling without a license in possession and driving after revocation.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and a few trappers this past week. Slush is on more area lakes and fishing is slow. Marten trappers had nice weather but a fair amount of snow. Velsvaag also saw a few snowmobiles out on the newly groomed trails.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time on the snowmobile checking anglers and snowmobilers. Time was spent talking with snowmobile clubs about trail conditions and common violations. Area lakes are improving with the cold last week. 

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended the funeral for retired CO Ken Schlueter as part of the DNR Honor Guard. Manning also checked anglers and snowmobilers and followed up on an ATV case. The pine marten and fisher trapping season is off to a slow start and non-trappers are advised that the season is later this year than in the past. A bucket of fish remains was dumped at a parking area and anyone with information is asked to contact the officer.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily ice fishing and snowmobile enforcement throughout the past week. Time was also spent on potential deer-season violations requiring follow up. Enforcement action for the week included several unmarked/unlicensed fish houses, expired snowmobile and ATV registrations, and a couple individuals in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. A few area snowmobile trails are now groomed or partially groomed. Bermel also attended the funeral for retired Babbitt warden Ken Schlueter.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area trapping and snowmobiling activity this past week. Much of his time was spent on a continuing background.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports contacting multiple anglers fishing throughout the week. Success was limited but the nice weather made it enjoyable. One lake in particular had anywhere from 6 to 16 inches of ice. The angler who drove his truck out onto the ice was reminded to be careful. One shelter violation was handled. Hill checked only a few traps during the opening weekend of the fisher and pine marten season. Unplowed roads made it tough to get deep into the woods. With the holiday season here, more snowmobiles are being seen coming into the area. Hill continued to work on a background investigation.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked ice angling and snowmobile activity during the week. Area trails are improving daily with grooming efforts and lake ice has improved with recent subzero temperatures. Enforcement action was taken for licensing violations.

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