DNR report: Oct. 29

Talk about it

Reports filed Sunday from Minnesota DNR conservation officers in the region.

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) focused efforts on reports of illegal deer baiting and the two-day early antlerless season. The weather was not cooperative for the early season, with high winds and rain hindering hunters’ efforts. Assisted with a hunter harassment complaint on public lands. Enforcement action was taken for hunting license not in possession and various ATV related offenses.

North Shore

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) investigated complaints of shining, late shooting and shooting within 500 feet of a building. Completed equipment maintenance and fielded calls related to the upcoming deer season.

Mary Manning (Hovland) worked in the field cleaning up trash from unsportsmanlike hunters; unfortunately no personal information about the litterbugs was found. Patrolled forest roads, trails and campgrounds checking hunters and anglers. Responded to complaints of fox traps set along non-motorized trails used by hunters with dogs. In both cases, traps were legally set. Hunters are advised to use caution with their dogs, know how to remove traps, and to remember that it is illegal to tamper with a trap or an animal in a trap.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) returned several calls about the early antlerless season this past weekend. Field work involved checking small game hunters, working ATV complaint areas, and deer hunting enforcement. Some night shining complaint areas were also worked.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) had a very busy weekend in the Duluth area with the early season deer hunt, additional trapping opportunities, and northern flights of ducks entering the area. Calls received ranged from hunter harassment, illegally set traps, hunting over bait to trespass and injured animals.

Lake Superior

Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) checked small game and big game hunters. Did follow-up investigations on some open cases. Investigated early deer season case. Took enforcement action on some big game violations and performed some equipment maintenance.

Keith Olson (Marine Unit) worked the antlerless deer hunt in the Duluth area. The cold and wet conditions kept many hunters at bay. Took a complaint of illegal deer baiting. The hunter had just left the stand prior to inspection. Case is under investigation. Also talked with several surfers at the Lester River Sunday. The strong northeast winds on Lake Superior produced large breaking surf.

Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked anglers on Lake Superior where the loopers are starting to show up. Checked bird hunters and investigated reports of illegal deer baiting. Took enforcement action for angling violations.

Tags: outdoors, hunting