CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports there was heavy ATV activity on local trails during the warmer days over the week and weekend. Grouse numbers remain poor, as does success. Violations included transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, hunting without a license in possession, and a juvenile ATV passenger with no helmet.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week checking anglers and watercraft operators in his station. He also patrolled for grouse and waterfowl hunters. Additional time was spent monitoring ATV and OHM activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored small-game hunters and ATV riders. A lot of ATV riders are out enjoying the cooler weather. Anglers on remote trout lakes were checked, and nuisance-bear calls here handled.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports that nuisance bears continue to persist in the area, and folks should try to keep all food sources and attractants stored in a way that won’t entice bears to the homes. Grouse hunters are still hitting the woods and trails and are showing very limited success for their efforts. Fishing remains consistent for stream trout on designated trout lakes. Enforcement action was taken for varying violations.

CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring ATV and small-game hunting activity. A day was spent assisting with the investigation of the Crosby fire in a local state park. Franzen also assisted other officers in the southeastern portion of the state for pheasant opener.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on grouse-hunting and ATV enforcement for the week. Nuisance-bear complaints are ongoing. Grouse hunters continue to report low bird sightings despite the leaves falling. Violations encountered included various grouse-hunting and ATV-related issues.

CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking hunters in the area. Block reports seeing success among grouse hunters. Time was also spent patrolling for ATV activity and training with K9 Jet.