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Boreal Community Media

Weekly Conservation Officer Reports

Dec 24, 2020 09:20AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - December 22, 2020

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked the pine marten-trapping opener, as well as anglers throughout the past week. Trapping participation seems higher with the good conditions for getting into the woods and high marten numbers. Enforcement action included extra lines, unattended lines, no shelter licenses, unmarked fish houses, failure to transfer snowmobile ownership, and operating highway vehicles on a grant-in-aid snowmobile trail. An incidentally taken pine marten was picked up prior to the season.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time checking trappers and anglers. He followed up on big-game investigations. Enforcement action was taken for hunting and fishing violations. 

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports fishing activity was once again high on several local lakes. The pine marten and fisher trapping season saw a strong open with more trappers taking part then in years past. Violations included pursuing game with a motor vehicle and no license in possession. 

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers, netters and trappers this past week. Fishing has been slow and ice conditions have improved greatly in the past week. Trappers were doing well during the opening of the pine marten season.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping and angling activity this past week. Some area lakes have up to 12 inches of good ice while others have far less. Checking ice frequently is always advised during early ice conditions. Snowmobile trails remain ungroomed in the area due to lack of snow.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) noted lots of folks out looking to photograph wildlife this past week. There were no reports of stranded drivers this past week. Snow is still virtually non-existent and snowmobile trails are not rideable. Trappers and their sets were checked opening weekend. Low fur prices appear to have had an impact on trapper numbers. Area trout lakes have seen early activity with a couple reports of early angling and numerous tracks indicating people just checking the lakes out on foot. A citation was issued to a driver for using his truck to chase a moose on an area forest road while he was out looking for wildlife to photograph.


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