DNR report: May 7

Talk about it

Reports filed Sunday from conservation officers for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) reports that recent rains have helped to reduce the fire danger, but has not done much to raise the water levels in creeks and rivers. Continued to work on open cases as well as TIP and nuisance bear complaints.

Mark Fredin (Aurora) discovered something of a mystery, a butchered sturgeon found on the bank of the Embarrass River with its head propped up on a post. Time was spent following up on a case of an unregistered deer from last fall. Sucker spearing season opened and unfortunately it appears the sucker run is long done due to the early spring thaw.

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers this past week. He followed up on a litter complaint and took several nuisance animal calls. Investigated another wolf complaint.

Marty Stage (Ely) spent time at training and worked ATV complaints. There were a few bow fishermen out trying to find some suckers, but with the early spawn, most of the run is over. Remember to register canoes and boats before taking them out.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week at Camp Ripley assisting in firearms training for the attending officers. The officer worked the moose walk ATV trail in the Finland area. Wahlstrom responded to a TIP call on a lake in the BWCAW for early fisherman.

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked stream trout fisherman inland from Lake Superior. Suckers have replaced walleyes in the creeks.

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) was a guest speaker at two separate Cub Scouts events during the week. Talked with them about the job, gun safety, and why we have laws to protect our natural resources. Was also one child’s “show and tell” subject at a local elementary school. He was introduced and asked to talk about what it is like to be a conservation officer. Other work activities included continued attention to local rivers for the fish run, follow-up on complaints of trespass, and assisted local agencies with a variety of issues.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) checked several anglers targeting panfish over the week. Many conversations revolved around VHS and how to prevent its spread from Lake Superior to inland lakes. Training was attended at Camp Ripley. Participated in a work crew along the North Shore. A few ATV violations were encountered throughout the week. Many questions were fielded about the expiration of the 2009 fishing license.

Tags: two harbors, dnr report, outdoors, fishing