Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Dec 23, 2025 05:55AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - December 23, 2025
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - December 23, 2025
District 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2025-12-22CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports ice fishing and trapping activity continued heavy through the weekend. Some snowmobile trail use was noted but conditions are still generally poor. Violations included trapping without a license and trapping in the closed season.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused on checking anglers and small-game hunters this week. He also patrolled his station for snowmobile and ATV activity. Additional time was spent monitoring trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked trapping and ice angling activity. A few sleds were out despite the minimal amount of snow. Overall compliance was good. Nuisance-wildlife complaints were handled.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week patrolling trapping and angling activities. It’s been a slow fisher and pine marten season, with most trappers only having limited success. Winter weather has been all over the place from rain to blizzard-like conditions. Snowmobilers are reminded to check their sled for valid registration before hitting the lakes and trails. Fur registration in Cook County will be at the Grand Marais Minnesota DNR building on Dec. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports 18 youths were certified in Babbitt in snowmobile safety. Thanks to the volunteers who helped! Time was spent working the latter part of the fisher/marten-trapping season. Trappers reported less animal movement during the season than is typical. Time was also spent on snowmobile trail enforcement and annual training obligations. Enforcement action was taken for untagged traps, not having site coupons for trapping, and driving a pickup on a designated snowmobile trail. Work on a decorative materials case continues.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ice angling and trapping activity across the area. Rain across the shore deteriorated the already rough snowmobile trails, and caution is advised when riding. Ice anglers reported varied success, but recent cold weather has boosted the ice depth on many lakes. Many lakes in the area, however, have variable ice conditions and caution is still advised.
CO Casie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block also continued to patrol the area for ATV and snowmobile activity. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused on checking anglers and small-game hunters this week. He also patrolled his station for snowmobile and ATV activity. Additional time was spent monitoring trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked trapping and ice angling activity. A few sleds were out despite the minimal amount of snow. Overall compliance was good. Nuisance-wildlife complaints were handled.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent the week patrolling trapping and angling activities. It’s been a slow fisher and pine marten season, with most trappers only having limited success. Winter weather has been all over the place from rain to blizzard-like conditions. Snowmobilers are reminded to check their sled for valid registration before hitting the lakes and trails. Fur registration in Cook County will be at the Grand Marais Minnesota DNR building on Dec. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports 18 youths were certified in Babbitt in snowmobile safety. Thanks to the volunteers who helped! Time was spent working the latter part of the fisher/marten-trapping season. Trappers reported less animal movement during the season than is typical. Time was also spent on snowmobile trail enforcement and annual training obligations. Enforcement action was taken for untagged traps, not having site coupons for trapping, and driving a pickup on a designated snowmobile trail. Work on a decorative materials case continues.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ice angling and trapping activity across the area. Rain across the shore deteriorated the already rough snowmobile trails, and caution is advised when riding. Ice anglers reported varied success, but recent cold weather has boosted the ice depth on many lakes. Many lakes in the area, however, have variable ice conditions and caution is still advised.
CO Casie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block also continued to patrol the area for ATV and snowmobile activity. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
