Image:  MN DNR

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - September 19, 2024

District 6 - Two Harbors area

Last updated: 2024-09-16

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports success during the grouse-hunting opener varied wildly. Several hunters reported near-limits by the end of opening morning while other hunters were checked at the end of the weekend having had zero luck. Violations included transporting a loaded firearm, failure to display current ATV registration, and no hunting license in possession.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week focusing on fishing, boating and ATV activity. He also monitored bear- and waterfowl-hunting activity.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked small-game hunters over the opening weekend. He continued to monitor bear hunters in the area. Enforcement action was taken for transporting loaded firearms, license, and ATV violations.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) reports hunters who travelled to the area to chase grouse for the small-game opener were disappointed with the poor hunting and lack of birds. Fishing on Lake Superior was pretty good for most people, but multiple violations were found, and enforcement action was taken. Ledeen also attended a career fair at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he talked with students about the career path of a conservation officer.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) started the second step of field training with COC Mitch Nowak. The officers patrolled in the BWCAW and worked the small-game opener. A complaint from an AIS inspector was followed up on. Assistance was provided to the Babbitt Police Department with a fatal ATV crash on the trail. Enforcement action included fishing without a license, unattended line, no PFD, cans/glass in the BWCAW, burning prohibited materials, transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, failure to submit to inspection of watercraft, and possessing smelt without a VHS label.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on ATV and small-game enforcement for the week. Many grouse hunters reported low success rates for the area. Enforcement action was taken for various ATV, small-game, and angling violations. Small-game hunters are reminded to wear their blaze clothing.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked a warm small-game and deer archery opener. The success rate was down as ground cover is still thick, making it tough for hunters without dogs. Fishing remained good on area lakes with most anglers checked having fish. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and firearms transportation violations.

Silver Bay vacant.