DNR Report: Aug. 31

Talk about it

Conservation Officer John Velsvaag (Ely) checked bear baiting activity and anglers this past week. Velsvaag also responded to multiple complaints of boats without lights. Multiple citations were issued. Velsvaag took several calls on the upcoming wolf season and also calls on trapping regulations.

Conservation Officer Marty Stage (Ely) spent time looking at bear baits and All Terrain Vehicle enforcement. Time was spent at a meeting and fishing in the area has picked up a little. Fall is in the air and bear baiters are reminded that they are required to register their bear baits.

Conservation Officer Mary Manning (Hovland) saw a busy week. The officer fielded numerous complaints about campers, bears and bear baiters. While following up on a reported unattended fire from the previous weekend, the officer discovered another smoldering fire left unattended at the same hunters’ camp. Paperwork was issued. The officer also taught a second handgun class for women. While en route to regional training in Grand Rapids with Conservation Officer Wahlstrom of Tofte, the officers observed boat being towed with its drain plug in place. Once the vehicles were stopped, officers also found aquatic vegetation on the trailer and boat and a live well full of water. Paperwork was issued to the boat owner.

Conservation Officer Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking bear bait stations. The Officer attended the regional meeting in Grand Rapids. Bear bait complaints and mangy wolves were investigated and anglers were checked along the North Shore streams.

Conservation Officer Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) attended a regional training meeting where new laws and the upcoming wolf season where discussed. The officer also spent a day in the Babbitt station working Birch Lake, where anglers are still having a hard time remembering to have their angling license in possession. Bear baiting activity was monitored, with numerous baits located that are potentially illegal. The recent hot weather seems to have slowed bear activity and could force bears to become nocturnal. Numerous calls were taken about the upcoming wolf season, as well as one call related to a dispute between bear hunters.

Tags: outdoors, dnr