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Boreal Community Media

Weekly Conservation Officer Reports

Nov 01, 2022 07:29AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • November 1, 2022

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports another warm weekend meant high ATV use and grouse-hunting activity. Hunting success continued to be much lower than seen at the beginning of the month as the volume of younger birds seems to be reduced and a few weeks of education has made a difference. A good number of woodcock were found to still be passing through and several hunters reported good success.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and whitefish netters this past week. Grouse hunting has still been good around Ely. Velsvaag received calls about firearms transportation laws and shooting from roadways.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked remote trout lakes and small-game hunters and checked whitefish nets. He responded to wildlife-related complaints and instructed youth during the ATV field day at Cook County School.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked a few bird hunters and ATV operators. Manning assisted other officers and volunteers with an ATV safety training field day where a record number of students earned certification. Manning also spent time in the field checking areas for illegal deer baiting and handled seasonal equipment issues. 

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) spent much of the week investigating complaints and answering questions from the public. Decorative tree harvest and theft continue to be monitored and worked. Enforcement action for the week included failure to carry consent while cutting spruce tops and juvenile ATV violations. A presentation was given to the Ely Rotary Club and truck night was attended at the Babbitt school.

CO Matt Miller (Silver Bay) checked grouse hunters and ATV operators. Deer hunters were taking to the woods to prepare stands and cabins. Commercial fishing operators were checked, and records checks completed. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and angling violations. 

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports continuing field training with COC Hudson Ledeen. The small-game hunting activity has slowed down as firearms deer season approaches. Field day for ATV safety class was held at the Cook County Elementary School. Forty eager students had a great time riding the ATVs. It was the first time for most. Enforcement action was taken for operating an ATV in the lane of traffic and failure to properly display registration. The officers assisted the county with an OHM crash near Grand Marais.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked small-game activity and big-game baiting investigations during the week. Murray also checked fall beaver trapping activity and answered questions on the upcoming firearms deer season.
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