Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Mar 31, 2026 06:03AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - March 31, 2026
Last updated: 2026-03-30
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - March 31, 2026
Last updated: 2026-03-30
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports trout angling activity was moderate for the final weekend of the winter season. Success was found to be good with several limits being seen in the BWCAW. Violations included angling without a license in possession, failure to display current ATV registration, and possession of motorized equipment inside the BWCAW.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week primarily focusing on angling activity. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV operators. Additional time was spent monitoring spring trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time training in firearms and defensive tactics at Camp Ripley. He worked a snowmobile detail in the Grand Marais area patrolling snowmobile trails and trout lakes. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time instructing at waterfowl school, where new COs are trained in-depth on all things involving waterfowl hunting. Winter conditions are changing, and people should use extra precautions before going onto frozen bodies of water. Calls regarding nuisance animals were received.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked crappie anglers in the BWCAW. Work continues on an ongoing investigation. A truck and an ATV went through the ice of Birch Lake this week. Passenger vehicle travel is no longer recommended, and caution should be used even while on ATV or foot. Extra caution is recommended for areas with current, rocks, shoreline areas, or old ice roads.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ice angling activity as the winter trout season nears an end. Time was also spent assisting local agencies and working a public safety detail in the metro area. Variable temperatures have left the snowmobile trails thin and icy, and riders are urged to use caution.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) worked snowmobile and angling activity for the week. A few riders were out enjoying the last snowmobile ride for the season. The spring thaw has been slow going and many area rivers remain inaccessible due to ice. Caution is advised on area lakes as the seasons change.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week assisting with a waterfowl enforcement training for recently hired COs. Block also spent time training with K9 Jet. Time was also spent performing equipment maintenance.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week primarily focusing on angling activity. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV operators. Additional time was spent monitoring spring trapping activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time training in firearms and defensive tactics at Camp Ripley. He worked a snowmobile detail in the Grand Marais area patrolling snowmobile trails and trout lakes. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time instructing at waterfowl school, where new COs are trained in-depth on all things involving waterfowl hunting. Winter conditions are changing, and people should use extra precautions before going onto frozen bodies of water. Calls regarding nuisance animals were received.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked crappie anglers in the BWCAW. Work continues on an ongoing investigation. A truck and an ATV went through the ice of Birch Lake this week. Passenger vehicle travel is no longer recommended, and caution should be used even while on ATV or foot. Extra caution is recommended for areas with current, rocks, shoreline areas, or old ice roads.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ice angling activity as the winter trout season nears an end. Time was also spent assisting local agencies and working a public safety detail in the metro area. Variable temperatures have left the snowmobile trails thin and icy, and riders are urged to use caution.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) worked snowmobile and angling activity for the week. A few riders were out enjoying the last snowmobile ride for the season. The spring thaw has been slow going and many area rivers remain inaccessible due to ice. Caution is advised on area lakes as the seasons change.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week assisting with a waterfowl enforcement training for recently hired COs. Block also spent time training with K9 Jet. Time was also spent performing equipment maintenance.
