Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Feb 04, 2020 07:24AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - February 4, 2020
Conservation Officer Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and snowmobiling activity this past week. Area trails are groomed and in excellent shape. He investigated a snowmobile accident that did not result in an injury and took enforcement action for excessive muffler noise.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) spent the past week working trout lakes and snowmobile trails. He also spent time checking trapping activity.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked several days with CO Lawler on snowmobile and angling enforcement. Trails were busy, and they noted moderate angling activity in the area. Bermel took enforcement action for no trout stamp, extra lines, snowmobiles with expired registration, illegal equipment and riding conduct violations. With the warm weather and snowmobile traffic, the trails took a beating over the weekend.
CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports the annual area snowmobile fun run was well-attended. Warm weather and nicely groomed trails made for very comfortable travel, although on some lakes slush was again becoming a problem. He reported violations for excessive snowmobile speed, failure to display current snowmobile registration and taking trout with no stamp in possession.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely 2) checked trout anglers this past week. He also received questions on injured animals, slot-size restrictions and complaints about litter left on the ice by trout anglers.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers on remote trout lakes who were struggling with the slush and a few flowages that have opened with the warm weather. Snowmobile trails remain busy with all the fresh snow. He took enforcement action for snowmobile and fishing violations.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports conducting equipment maintenance during the week. Hill spent time closing old cases and transferring various wild animals to DNR Wildlife for research opportunities. He did a radio interview with WTIP in Grand Marais. The snowmobile trails were busy during the week, and one operator was cited for having an extremely loud muffler that was not in proper working condition. Please watch decibel levels on snowmobile exhausts as landowners do not appreciate the extra noise on the trails.
CO Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) worked snowmobile and fishing enforcement during the week. Trails are in good condition. Many travelers are taking advantage of the trails in the Arrowhead. He reported violations for registration issues and loud aftermarket mufflers. Angling has slowed on most inland lakes and slush continues to be problematic. Olson attended the United Northern Sportsman 67th annual fishing contest on Island Lake north of Duluth.
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers and snowmobilers during the past week. Deep snow has made things challenging for inland anglers, but fun for snowmobile riders. A decent salmon bite has been had by shore anglers and those able to get out in boats. He took enforcement action for angling and snowmobile violations.
