Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Oct 27, 2020 10:35AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - October 27, 2020
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports hunting activity has slowed greatly in the Ely area after several days of snow and cold weather. Hunters reported seeing no birds over the week and many bodies of water that were holding ducks and geese are now empty. Violations included taking an antlerless deer in a bucks-only zone, failure to register non-motorized watercraft, and no life-saving device on board a watercraft.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked small-game, ATV and trapping enforcement. He monitored whitefish netting and followed up on past investigations. An ATV safety field day was held in Grand Marais.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended and helped instruct at annual in-service training held at Camp Ripley. Several inches of fresh snow made for challenging conditions on the range and were great training for the snow conditions around the state this past week. Manning also helped volunteer instructors and other officers with an ATV safety field day for students in Grand Marais. A few overeager snowmobilers were spotted this past week, although snow depths are not quite enough to prevent serious damage to sleds. Lakes are also showing signs of freeze up and folks are reminded to use caution and check conditions frequently when they venture onto the ice.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked trappers on the water-trapping opener, checked grouse and duck hunters, and worked a big-game investigation. Numerous questions and complaints were fielded throughout the week, and several road-killed deer permits were issued. Grouse have been scarce with the snow cover.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area hunting and angling activity this past week. He attended training as well this week.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports conducting multiple commercial minnow retailer inspections throughout the week at area businesses. All paperwork was in order. An ATV safety field day was completed at the Cook County Public School with 12 excited youth receiving their safety certificates. Time was spent at Camp Ripley for yearly in-service training.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping and archery deer-hunting activity. The first ice of the season has begun to form on ponds and shallow bays in the area but is unsafe for travel. Murray also attended a Division training session at Camp Ripley and performed seasonal equipment maintenance.
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports hunting activity has slowed greatly in the Ely area after several days of snow and cold weather. Hunters reported seeing no birds over the week and many bodies of water that were holding ducks and geese are now empty. Violations included taking an antlerless deer in a bucks-only zone, failure to register non-motorized watercraft, and no life-saving device on board a watercraft.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked small-game, ATV and trapping enforcement. He monitored whitefish netting and followed up on past investigations. An ATV safety field day was held in Grand Marais.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended and helped instruct at annual in-service training held at Camp Ripley. Several inches of fresh snow made for challenging conditions on the range and were great training for the snow conditions around the state this past week. Manning also helped volunteer instructors and other officers with an ATV safety field day for students in Grand Marais. A few overeager snowmobilers were spotted this past week, although snow depths are not quite enough to prevent serious damage to sleds. Lakes are also showing signs of freeze up and folks are reminded to use caution and check conditions frequently when they venture onto the ice.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked trappers on the water-trapping opener, checked grouse and duck hunters, and worked a big-game investigation. Numerous questions and complaints were fielded throughout the week, and several road-killed deer permits were issued. Grouse have been scarce with the snow cover.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area hunting and angling activity this past week. He attended training as well this week.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports conducting multiple commercial minnow retailer inspections throughout the week at area businesses. All paperwork was in order. An ATV safety field day was completed at the Cook County Public School with 12 excited youth receiving their safety certificates. Time was spent at Camp Ripley for yearly in-service training.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping and archery deer-hunting activity. The first ice of the season has begun to form on ponds and shallow bays in the area but is unsafe for travel. Murray also attended a Division training session at Camp Ripley and performed seasonal equipment maintenance.
