DNR Report: Sept. 14

Talk about it

District 6 - Two Harbors area

Conservation Officer John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers this past week and noticed that fishing has improved on area lakes. Velsvaag also assisted on a fire, responded to a Turn In Poachers complaint, a complaint of boats without lights after dark and a trespassing complaint. Velsvaag also turned several alcohol and marijuana violations over to local law enforcement officers.

Conservation Officer Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) dealt with a bear hunter who didn’t have a bear license for the zone where he was hunting. A bear hunting guide and the hunter were both charged with violations and the bear guide went off to jail on an unrelated warrant. Fagerman was also called up to the U.S. Port of Entry at Pigeon River for two people who tried to import fish to the U.S. in excess of limits. The fish were seized, citations were issued and the fish were donated to a local senior center. Fagerman talked to some bear hunters who stated they were defrauded by an unlicensed guide. All hunters are reminded to make sure guides are reputable and licensed in the state where hunting will take place.

Conservation Officer Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) reported numerous contacts with hunters. Response to a complaint of All-Terrain Vehicles doing damage in a forest campground resulted citations for two individuals. Another investigation of ATV’s illegally operating in a state forest campground is ongoing. Aquatic invasive species, angling and boating work were also performed over the busy holiday weekend. Enforcement action was taken this week for big game, angling, boating, AIS and ATV violations.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Conservation Officer Keith Olson (Marine Unit) worked anglers on Lake Superior and public accesses for invasive species. Olson met and conferred with Coast Guard personnel regarding an upcoming port security exercise. Bear hunting complaints were fielded and investigated. Questions regarding firearms safety field days were frequent. Field days can be located on the DNR website.

Conservation Officer Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked anglers and boaters on Lake Superior. Bear hunting activity has been slow due to warm weather. Miller completed a commercial charter boat investigation. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.

Tags: outdoors, dnr