CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports cold weather arrived, as did strong winds and even frost. The early teal and goose season opener was not well attended. Although some birds were seen, most hunters checked had not fired a shot. Violations included transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week checking ATV and off-highway motorcycle operators. AIS compliance and fishing and boating activity were also monitored. Time was also spent checking bear hunters.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked the opener of bear season, checked area lakes, and worked AIS. He assisted the county with several calls. Time was also spent patrolling on his ATV.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports a mixed bag of success among bear hunters. Some folks tagged out early while others are fighting wet conditions and elusive bears. The grouse season starts next weekend, and people are reminded to read up on the new regulations regarding the spruce grouse bag limit being lowered to two birds daily and four in possession. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) completed field training with COC Kristopher Ryan. Time was spent on bear, goose, and teal hunting, wild rice, and fishing/boating enforcement as well as patrolling state parks. Activity slowed after the weekend and with the cold weather. Bear hunters had moderate success on opening week. The officers participated in a firearms safety class in Babbitt. Thanks to the volunteers who helped. Enforcement action included leaving garbage at a public access, insufficient PFDs, bear baiting violations, unplugged shotguns, toxic ammunition, and loaded firearms in motor vehicles.

CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring ATV activity and bear-hunting activity around the area. Time was also spent investigating TIP calls. Ricers and teal hunters were seen on a handful of the local lakes, and bear hunters in the area have been reporting success.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on bear-hunting, angling, and ATV enforcement over the holiday weekend. Bear hunters reported mixed success for the first week of the season. Variable weather conditions led to a tough bite for most anglers. Enforcement action was taken for various watercraft-related violations. Grouse hunters are encouraged to review the updated bag limits for spruce grouse before the season begins.

CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week patrolling the area for bear-hunting activity. Block also focused efforts on patrolling ATV routes. Time was also spent working with K9 Jet at an AIS detail with fellow officers.