Image:  MN DNR

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - November 13, 2024

District 6 - Two Harbors area

Last updated: 2024-11-12

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports there appeared to be more than the normal number of hunters out for the opening weekend of the firearms deer season. Weather conditions were much warmer and rainier than most were accustomed to and reports from hunters reported a bleak outlook on their chances for shooting a deer. Violations included hunting deer with the use of bait, knowingly allowing a minor to hunt illegally, and transporting loaded firearms.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused on hunting and fishing activity this week. He also patrolled for ATV and off-highway motorcycle activity.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked a busy week leading up to and including the firearms deer opener. Enforcement action was taken for hunting deer with the aid of bait, hunting deer without a license, no blaze orange, transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, litter, ATV operation on a non-motorized trail, and other ATV violations. Bermel responded to and mediated a dispute between groups over a large 12-point buck. Overall, the deer take appeared to be low with only pockets of good deer populations in the area. Bucks do appear to be in rut, though.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked hunters during the deer opener. Hunters were low in number, and the harvest was even lower. The few who were able to harvest a deer were very happy. Enforcement action was taken for angling with extra lines, unattended lines, transporting a loaded firearm, illegal party hunting, and ATV violations.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports an abysmal firearms deer opener in Cook County. Multiple complaints were fielded about the lack of deer and the high number of wolves. Many of the family deer camps remained vacant and no youth hunters were seen hunting.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on deer-hunting enforcement for the week. Hunters reported few deer sightings and very few legal bucks in the area. Time was spent assisting the Cook County Sheriff?s Office with a call about the theft of deer-hunting related property. Enforcement action was taken for license-related issues.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked deer-season activities along the North Shore. Opening weekend was a mixed bag, with some hunters seeing deer and others not. Weather conditions were seasonably warm and sunny on Saturday followed by fog and drizzle on Sunday. Murray continued to investigate baiting violations and handled a trapping complaint.

Silver Bay vacant.