Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Nov 20, 2024 06:27AM ● By EditorFrom the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - November 20, 2024
District 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2024-11-18CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports the weather remained mild and wet over the first week of the firearms deer season. Reports from hunters slightly improved and several successful deer hunters were contacted. Violations included insufficient blaze orange, illegal party hunting, failure to register a deer, and operating an ATV during closed hours.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled for deer and small-game hunters this week. He also checked anglers and watercraft operators.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily deer-hunting enforcement throughout the week. Several complaints were taken and investigated throughout the week. Enforcement action included driving after revocation, failure to remain with a permit fire, hunting small game without a license, and OHM violations. The deer take continues to be slow overall with a few nice bucks taken.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked firearms deer-hunting activity for the second week. Hunters reported seeing more deer overall this season, but hunters seen in the field were sparse. Deer were moving with the rut, which increased vehicle collisions along Highway 61. Several vehicle-deer possession tags were issued this week as a result. Illegal deer-baiting investigations continue to be followed up on.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) focused on checking deer hunters in Lake and Cook counties. Hunters were frustrated in the field, with very few deer harvested. He assisted Lake County with a trespass call and responded to a baiting complaint.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week focusing on deer-hunting activities. Hunters continue to express their frustration with the lack of deer, and most have thrown in the towel for the season. Hunters are reminded to pull their stands off state and federal land after their hunt is completed.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on deer- and small-game hunting for the week. Hunters were checked and reported enjoying the nice weather despite not seeing deer or bagging many birds. Reports of wolf activity and low deer numbers remain high. Questions were fielded regarding the upcoming winter fishing season.
Silver Bay vacant.