DNR report: Jan. 29

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Weekly reports filed Jan. 24. by Minnesota DNR conservation officers across the region:

Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked fishing activity on area lakes and found a number of people out enjoying the warm weather. A number of people were found to be well beyond the 200 feet from tip-ups with one over 800 ft. In that instance the man stated he didn’t think that it was too far but, acknowledged he never saw the officer walk out to the tip-up and stand by it for a period of time. Fredin was also called on a possible poaching case.

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) checked area lakes for angling activity. Travel on most lakes was decent, however rain and snow over the weekend has surely changed the situation. Time was spent in the vacant Silver Bay station checking lakes and snowmobile activity. Enforcement action was taken for unregistered snowmobiles, angling with extra lines and no angling license in possession.

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers and a few snowmobilers this past week. He also took part in a work detail and continued to work on investigations. Snowmobiling conditions were poor this past week and slush is starting to develop on area lakes.

Marty Stage (Ely) worked trout fishermen and snowmobile trails over the weekend. Snowmobilers are encouraged to stay to the right on trails, drive at a safe speed considering trail conditions, and keep hands on the handle bars to ensure control of the machine, and anticipate meeting oncoming traffic at all times.

Mary Manning (Hovland) continued to check anglers on inland and border lakes, including the BWCA. Slush continues to be problematic on many lakes. Warm weather and lack of new snow has resulted in snowmobile trail conditions deteriorating further. Manning worked with USDA Wildlife personnel to dispatch a very sick wolf that had been problematic for more than two months. Manning checked cross-country ski trail passes and found good compliance.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers on area lakes in Cook and Lake counties. Snowmobile trails were monitored and are wearing thin around corners with lack of snow. Enforcement action was taken for angling, cross country ski and snowmobiling violations.

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) worked winter fishing around the Duluth area. Snowmobiling activity was also worked. Calls from the public about dogs chasing deer and injured deer.

Tags: two harbors, silver bay, dnr report, outdoors, fishing