DNR Report: Nov. 16

Talk about it

Conservation Officer Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reported a fairly quiet week as far as deer hunting goes. There were not as many hunters around in his station as in years past. Many of the hunters checked reported not seeing a single deer and very little deer sign. The officer did handle a trespassing call and found two more baited deer stands. Trapping violations were dealt with.

Conservation Officer Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking deer hunters. The Officer responded to many calls related to hunter harassment, illegal ATV use, shooting after hours and hunting deer over bait. Wahlstrom assisted the county and followed up on past big game investigations.

Conservation Officer Mary Manning (Hovland) investigated complaints of hunter harassment, hunting deer over bait and unregistered deer. The officer followed up with U.S. Forest Service law enforcement on a bear bait station left in place from this fall. Manning also worked deer shiners and took calls regarding trespassing and the current wolf hunt.

Conservation Officer Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reported that he continued to check deer hunters and wolf hunters. The weekend weather was not good for the hunt. He investigated a report of deer baiting. Johnson responded to a complaint of illegal trapping and also checked on an illegal deer stand.

Conservation Officer Marty Stage (Ely) worked deer hunting issues throughout the week. Deer season is half over and disturbing calls are coming in about deer with their back straps and choice parts being taken, but the rest being left for whatever reason. If you have any information about these incidents, we are always interested. Please call the TIP line to report these violations, your information is kept confidential. Statewide toll-free: 1-800-652-9093

Conservation Officer Anthony Bermel (Babbitt / Ely) reported completing a trespassing investigation resulting in three citations being issued. Time was spent working a night hunting complaint area. Road hunting complaints are coming in. Other enforcement action included an unregistered ATV and no deer tag in possession.

Conservation Officer John Velsvaag (Ely) checked deer hunters this past week. Hunting was slow and weather conditions were poor at the end of the week. Velsvaag checked on deer hunting complaints and checked a few trappers. He also received several calls on the wolf regulations and trespassing.

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Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sergeant Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked deer hunting camps mid-week. The success rate seems to have improved over last week. He worked a night detail with fellow district officers. Baiting complaints are still being called in and investigated. Olson dealt with some license issues, investigated a deer that had been harvested with some type of infected wounds from a previous encounter and worked an area for illegal ATV traffic during the restricted hours. He fielded calls on law questions, assisted a hunter with motor vehicle problems in a remote area and checked on several road kill permit requests.

Conservation Officer Matt Miller (Marine Unit) continued working deer season and the related issues. Baiting complaints continue to be worked with levels of sportsmanship appearing low this year due to all the baited stands. An expensive reminder has been given to some hunters that a baiting conviction now includes a revocation of deer hunting privileges. Commercial netters were checked on Lake Superior where there were heavy waves. Enforcement action was taken for deer and ATV violations.

Conservation Officer Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) did some Conservation Officer Academy instruction during the week and worked on paperwork from deer season. He had an ATV flee from him in West Duluth. He investigated a TIP complaint on waterfowl hunters and assisted area officers with deer cases. Enforcement action was taken for big game and ATV violations.

Tags: outdoors, dnr