DNR report: Oct. 14

Talk about it

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) continued working moose and grouse hunters. Both groups are having varied rates of success, depending on who you talk to. Helped with a firearms safety field day where youths were taught hands-on the safe handling and firing of firearms. An investigation was started on a small wildfire that occurred over the weekend. Two local fire departments, in addition to DNR fire fighters, doused the fire which was limited to an acre or two.

Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reports that he recently returned to his favorite station. He checked grouse hunters, moose hunters, and ATVs. Several ATV violations were observed and enforcement action was taken. Followed-up on a black bear reported in Silver Bay. He patrolled at Tettegouche and Split Rock state parks.

North

Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked moose hunters during the week and located one group loading up a decent bull and another group a quarter mile away said they hadn’t seen a thing. Not much going on during the week with grouse hunters due to the high winds. Few archery hunters out, they may be waiting for cooler weather.

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers and canoeists in the Boundary Waters. Followed up on a litter complaint and took calls on the new deer regulations and trespass questions.

Marty Stage (Ely) worked grouse hunters and spent some time checking a couple moose hunters. Received calls about litter, road kill deer, and various other subjects. With the leaves nearly gone, grouse hunters have been doing better and seem to be happy with what they are finding. Remember the water temps had fallen dramatically and don’t forget your flotation device.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that some of the designated trout lakes are producing some beautiful brook trout. The brookies are in their fall colors and some are close to shore in shallow water. Some anglers were able to do well from shore. Some nice splake were also seen. Hunting pressure for grouse was less and the grouse really started to show up better without the underbrush leaves. Moose hunting parties were checked. They weren’t only bummed about not getting a moose, but were also concerned with the overall lack of any signs of them.

Mary Manning (Hovland) checked grouse and moose hunters. Recent changes to gun transportation and grouse hunting regulations appear to have an impact on numbers of grouse seen along the forest roads. Unfortunately, trash and litter was as plentiful as birds. Took a complaint from a party who was upset when a hunter on an ATV passed him on a roadway with an uncased gun across his lap (while he drove) pointed at the complainant. Also checked anglers, patrolled campgrounds, and put out a campfire left behind by careless campers. Enforcement action was taken for no hunter orange, no trout stamp, and illegal angling equipment.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked several hunters. He noticed the grouse hunters were having good successAssisted wildlife biologists with registering bull moose that were taken. Spoke with several anglers about aquatic invasive species issues in the rivers and on Lake Superior.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent several nights working complaint areas for deer shinning. Grouse, moose, and archery deer hunting continues to be worked. ATV activity north of Duluth had been busy this fall. The most common violations seen are operation on roads and youth without helmets.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) several deer hunting violations were investigated. Bear complaints continue. Waterfowl and grouse hunters were checked. Fail to have license in possession, unplugged shotgun, and litter, fail to have permission slip while collecting decorative tree material, hunt in vicinity of bait, operate motor vehicle in closed area and speed were violations encountered during the week.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott assisted in inspecting several wetlands for compliance. Checked anglers on area lakes who were catching more walleyes. More ducks were reported in the area and the bag limits for several hunters were higher than opening weekend one hunter stated. Enforcement action was taken for uncased shotgun

Lake Superior Marine Unit

CO Keith Olson (Unit Leader-Lake Superior Marine Unit) worked on equipment maintenance items. He checked anglers on Lake Superior with the lake trout season closure. Fielded upcoming deer hunting questions in regards to license requirements. Worked night patrols for shining activities in the Duluth area. Assisted K-9 Officer Staples and Schody with training tasks. Dropped off items at Camp Ripley. Met with USCG personnel.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) assisted with some patrol for moose hunters, some game hunters were checked, and continued to check the rivers for angler activity. Some equipment maintained was performed.

CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked salmon anglers and late season boaters on Lake Superior. ATV complaints were handled, and questions answered about upcoming seasons. Enforcement action was taken for license and ATV violations.

Tags: two harbors, outdoors, dnr