Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Oct 11, 2021 01:08PM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - October 11, 2021
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports that because of the continued fair weather, ATV activity was high in the Ely area over the week. Waterfowl- and small-game hunting activity slowed over the week although birds were still being taken. Trespass, nuisance-bear, and shoreline complaints were also investigated.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and hunters this past week. He also followed up on several ATV-related complaints of illegal operation on the highway. Velsvaag also took several calls on trapping regulations and waterfowl-hunting questions.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers, ATV riders and small-game hunters. Time was spent in the BWCA for a work detail.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers along the North Shore and bird hunters in the woods and on trails. Manning also completed annual trainings, handled equipment issues and phone calls, and checked ATV operators.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked grouse anglers, worked ATV enforcement, followed up on several complaints, and issued possession permits. Enforcement action included transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, no small-game license, an open container on an ATV, operating an ATV in public waters, unregistered ATV, and removing numerous lake rocks without a permit.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area grouse hunters this week. He also spent time in the BWCA working boating and angling activity. Continued work on a background for hire was done as well.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports contacting multiple anglers on Lake Superior tributaries throughout the week. Some nice coaster brook trout and steelhead were caught, along with some lingering pink salmon. A report of a few kings in the net surfaced over the weekend. One angler was observed utilizing treble hooks in a necked down section of the Temperance River. Hill contacted them after they foul hooked a fish in the tail. They were a bit hesitant to disclose to Hill what they were using, but they finally pulled the illegal lure out of their pocket. Enforcement action was taken. A few days were spent in the BWCA and users are reporting excellent fall paddling conditions, aside from a few showers rolling through. A commercial bear guide inspection was conducted. A few miscellaneous wildlife-related complaints were handled. Other enforcement action included no PFDs on board a kayak in the BWCA, illegally camping at a public water access site, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked illegal deer-baiting activity and small-game hunters during the week. Leaves have begun to drop, making grouse easier to see along trails, thus increasing hunter success. Nuisance-bear activity continues as bears try to pack on the calories before a long winter nap. Removing a tempting food source is always the easiest method of deterring hungry bears.
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports that because of the continued fair weather, ATV activity was high in the Ely area over the week. Waterfowl- and small-game hunting activity slowed over the week although birds were still being taken. Trespass, nuisance-bear, and shoreline complaints were also investigated.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and hunters this past week. He also followed up on several ATV-related complaints of illegal operation on the highway. Velsvaag also took several calls on trapping regulations and waterfowl-hunting questions.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers, ATV riders and small-game hunters. Time was spent in the BWCA for a work detail.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers along the North Shore and bird hunters in the woods and on trails. Manning also completed annual trainings, handled equipment issues and phone calls, and checked ATV operators.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked grouse anglers, worked ATV enforcement, followed up on several complaints, and issued possession permits. Enforcement action included transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, no small-game license, an open container on an ATV, operating an ATV in public waters, unregistered ATV, and removing numerous lake rocks without a permit.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area grouse hunters this week. He also spent time in the BWCA working boating and angling activity. Continued work on a background for hire was done as well.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports contacting multiple anglers on Lake Superior tributaries throughout the week. Some nice coaster brook trout and steelhead were caught, along with some lingering pink salmon. A report of a few kings in the net surfaced over the weekend. One angler was observed utilizing treble hooks in a necked down section of the Temperance River. Hill contacted them after they foul hooked a fish in the tail. They were a bit hesitant to disclose to Hill what they were using, but they finally pulled the illegal lure out of their pocket. Enforcement action was taken. A few days were spent in the BWCA and users are reporting excellent fall paddling conditions, aside from a few showers rolling through. A commercial bear guide inspection was conducted. A few miscellaneous wildlife-related complaints were handled. Other enforcement action included no PFDs on board a kayak in the BWCA, illegally camping at a public water access site, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked illegal deer-baiting activity and small-game hunters during the week. Leaves have begun to drop, making grouse easier to see along trails, thus increasing hunter success. Nuisance-bear activity continues as bears try to pack on the calories before a long winter nap. Removing a tempting food source is always the easiest method of deterring hungry bears.
