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Boreal Community Media

Weekly Conservation Officer Reports

Sep 14, 2020 12:53PM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbora Area - From the Minnesota Department of natural Resources - September 14, 2020

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) spent the past week focusing on bear hunting inside the BWCA. BWCA activity continued to be unseasonably high and most portages along the popular routes were choked with travelers. Fishing success varied but most anglers reported at least some success.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and bear-hunting activity this past week. Fishing was slow and bear baits continue to get hit. Velsvaag received several questions on nuisance animals and the upcoming waterfowl season.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers, boaters and bear hunters. Bear-hunting success has been great. He followed up on nuisance-bear calls, litter complaints and bear-hunting violations. 

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) had another week devoted largely to bears. She is working hunters, checking bait stations and investigating a carcass dump in a ditch near a residence in Hovland. Manning has also handled numerous calls of bears behaving like bears in less-than-convenient locations for their human neighbors. The standard recommendations still apply: Clean up and dispose of any bird seed, trash, recycling and apples on or under trees. Electric fencing is also a help for specific locations like dumpsters, chicken houses and orchards. Manning attended drill day with the DNR Honor Guard and checked anglers at accesses.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports enforcement action was taken for ATV violations, watercraft registration, and no state park vehicle permit. The individual drove past the park office, was issued a written warning by park staff, and still failed to make a payment.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area bear-hunting activity this past week. Time was also spent working area angling complaints, as well as ATV complaints.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports a very busy week of recreational activity in the Tofte station. The majority of the bear hunters Hill checked during the week tagged out and left the area, and ATV riders were right there to take their place. ATV compliance was great as no violations were detected. A bear-hunting license investigation was looked into with Hill's Cook County CO partners. The number of nuisance-bear complaints jumped this past week as bears are packing on the calories before they take their seasonal nap. Equipment maintenance was completed and state parks were also monitored. The BWCA is still full of people and Hill spent time at entry points, focusing on PFDs and fishing licenses.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked ATV, bear-hunting, and wild rice-harvesting activity this past week. Recreational activity continued to be high along the North Shore as the leaves increase their colors by the day. Litter complaints continue to be common with the increase in visitors. Keep the North Shore scenic by taking your trash with you for proper disposal.
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