Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Nov 18, 2025 06:17AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - November 18, 2025
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - November 18, 2025
District 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2025-11-17CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports hunting pressure waned over the week, and activity only picked up slightly over the weekend. Most hunters contacted reported seeing deer or recent sign, but little success was reported. Violations included hunting with no license in possession and hunting with insufficient blaze orange.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused primarily on checking firearms deer hunters this week. Ihnen also checked small-game and waterfowl hunters. Additional time was spent monitoring fishing and boating activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) focused on working deer hunters. He responded to baiting TIP and ATV-related complaints. Time was also spent working shining complaints.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week checking deer hunters, grouse hunters, and anglers. Deer hunters continue to express their discontent with the lack of deer in the area. Commercial netting is in full swing on Lake Superior, bringing a lot of nice herring to market. Enforcement action was taken for a waterfowl-hunting violation.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) continued field training with COC Kris Ryan. Throughout the week, time was spent on a spruce top investigation. Deer hunters and camps were checked throughout the week, with most groups having little to no success. Enforcement action was taken for burning prohibited garbage and driving after revocation. Several investigations are ongoing.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week checking big-game and small -game hunters around the area. Grouse hunters reported varied success with most noting that bird numbers appear to be down from previous years. Time was also spent assisting park staff with an event at Splitrock Lighthouse State Park. Enforcement action was taken for a big-game-registration violation.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on deer-hunting activity over the firearms deer opener. Deer hunters reported minimal deer sign. Grouse hunters and a few late-season duck hunters were checked enjoying the recent warm spell. Preparations are beginning for the upcoming winter seasons.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking hunters throughout the area. Block focused efforts on big-game-hunting complaints. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused primarily on checking firearms deer hunters this week. Ihnen also checked small-game and waterfowl hunters. Additional time was spent monitoring fishing and boating activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) focused on working deer hunters. He responded to baiting TIP and ATV-related complaints. Time was also spent working shining complaints.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week checking deer hunters, grouse hunters, and anglers. Deer hunters continue to express their discontent with the lack of deer in the area. Commercial netting is in full swing on Lake Superior, bringing a lot of nice herring to market. Enforcement action was taken for a waterfowl-hunting violation.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) continued field training with COC Kris Ryan. Throughout the week, time was spent on a spruce top investigation. Deer hunters and camps were checked throughout the week, with most groups having little to no success. Enforcement action was taken for burning prohibited garbage and driving after revocation. Several investigations are ongoing.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week checking big-game and small -game hunters around the area. Grouse hunters reported varied success with most noting that bird numbers appear to be down from previous years. Time was also spent assisting park staff with an event at Splitrock Lighthouse State Park. Enforcement action was taken for a big-game-registration violation.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on deer-hunting activity over the firearms deer opener. Deer hunters reported minimal deer sign. Grouse hunters and a few late-season duck hunters were checked enjoying the recent warm spell. Preparations are beginning for the upcoming winter seasons.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking hunters throughout the area. Block focused efforts on big-game-hunting complaints. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
