DNR Report: Jan. 25

Talk about it

District 6 - Two Harbors area

Conservation Officer Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week checking snowmobilers and anglers. The trails were in tough shape until the recent snow fall. Remote trout and walleye lakes were checked with decent success. The officer helped teach the riding portion of snowmobile safety. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines, no snowmobile registration and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Conservation Officer Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked some very hardcore trout anglers who braved the -47 degree wind chill to find some trout. A few snowmobilers were out also. Some said it was better to be outside than inside no matter what the weather. Enforcement action was taken for failing to display snowmobile trail sticker and for no fishing license in possession.

Conservation Officer Don Murray (Two Harbors) responded to a report of an accidental catch of a wolf after the close of the wolf season. The report was given by the trapper and after further inspection the animal turned out to be a large coyote that the trapper was happy to be able to keep. Murray also checked other trapping and fishing activity and attended a meeting in the metro area during the week.

Conservation Officer Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reported that he checked snowmobilers and anglers over the holiday weekend. The lack of snow and cold temperatures kept some people away. Enforcement action was taken for an unregistered snowmobile. The violator was verbally warned by the officer while unloading his sled and then Johnson met him on the trail about two hours later. Johnson also spoke to the youth snowmobile safety class in Silver Bay.

Conservation Officer Marty Stage (Ely) worked snowmobile and fishing enforcement and assisted with traffic accidents due to the recent ice problems. Stage also worked on some ongoing cases. Fishermen are reminded that they still need their ID information on fish houses when they leave them unattended.

Conservation Officer Anthony Bermel (Babbitt/Ely) reported attending division taser training. Anglers and beaver trappers were checked and station trout lakes were monitored. A motorist was cited for litter when he threw a lit cigarette butt out of his vehicle right in front of the officer.

District 8 - Duluth area

Conservation Officer Randy Hanzal (Duluth) checked anglers on area lakes. Some issues with ice ridges have been reported so use caution when driving across lakes especially at night when they are difficult to see. A district meeting was attended. Several calls of aggressive wolves and coyotes were fielded. Often these animals become more territorial toward domesticated dogs during their breeding season.

Conservation Officer Kipp Duncan (Duluth) attended training to carry a taser. He met with a wolf specialist for an expert opinion on grey wolf identification. Duncan also attended a district meeting. Enforcement activity included following up on a case that involved an illegally taken wolf, winter fishing, and snowmobile enforcement.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (NE MN) provided taser training for conservation officers around that elected to carry a taser. A district meeting for the Duluth area was attended where winter and upcoming spring enforcement activity was being planned. Wetland and public water cases were dealt with at the district level and closing of some wetland cases was conducted.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sergeant Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) attended training for use of force at the Hermantown Police Department. He also attended a district meeting and checked anglers along the North Shore and in the Duluth/Superior bay.

Conservation Officer Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) attended District 8 training at the Border Patrol office in Duluth. Assistance was given to State Patrol with multiple vehicle crashes on a very icy morning in Duluth. Taser training was completed, and questions answered about winter ATV use.

Conservation Officer Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers throughout the week, attended training and a district meeting.

Tags: outdoors, dnr