Weekly DNR Reports

[Lee Borgersen]

        MN DNR Weekly Report.

for Dec. 12, 2016


District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Darrin Kittelson (Int’l Falls) reports muzzleloader season came to a close with little activity observed as weather conditions became cold.  Snowmobile activity in area has started with recent snow fall however trail conditions are less desirable. A Koochiching County invasive species meeting was attended.  People are reminded to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice, remember there is no such thing as safe ice.


CO John Slatinski (International Falls #2) reports muzzleloader hunting has kept some determined deer hunters out in an attempt to fill their tags. The officer assisted with a crash involving a vehicle leaving the roadway. Officer Slatinski met with county officials as they plan an aquatic invasive species compliance program, monitored trapping activity, and followed up on a trespass complaint. Enforcement action was taken for ATV registration violations and trespass.


CO Colleen Adam (Ray) worked small game/trapping issues, checked fishing activity on the river, and muzzleloader deer hunters.  Snowmobiling season will soon be upon the area and most gates have been open for access to trails however, until the swamps and lakes freeze over riding is limited greatly.  Support your local Christmas tree producers, people caught harvesting evergreen trees without permission will be charged.


CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports morning temps at -15 below zero the final weekend of muzzle loader hunting saw no one in the field. Area lakes remain unsafe with no angling activity observed. Computer work, equipment work, and administrative tasks rounded out the week.


CO Marc Hopkins (Tower) reports with reduced outdoor activities this past week, the officer took advantage of catching up on office work, training, and equipment maintenance.  The officer also worked on a couple of ongoing old cases.  With the cold weather and snow hopefully ice fishing and snowmobiling is just around the corner.


 CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked on-going trapping and hunting seasons, snowmobiles, and followed up on a firearms deer season violation complaint.  Additional snow fell and lakes finally froze over after sub-zero weather hit the area.  Ice fishing will begin in earnest.  Enforcement action was taken on fail to register a big game animal.


CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) gave a demonstration to students at Parkview Elementary School in Virginia about furbearers in Minnesota, CO Frericks also spoke at a snowmobile safety class in Cherry and held the riding portion of the snowmobile safety class. Numerous trespass cases were investigated that resulted with a citation being issued.


CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) noticed area lakes are locked in with ice and a few ice fishermen ventured out onto maybe three inches of ice.  A few snowmobiles have been seen out but snow conditions are poor for riding. 

District 6 - Two Harbors area
CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports several days of temperatures dipping way below zero has improved the ice conditions in the Ely area and the first ice anglers were checked. Snowmobile trail conditions are still poor, with low areas remaining soft and wet and overall low snow amounts. Violations included operating a motor vehicle on a snowmobile trail.


CO Marty Stage (Ely) handled a call of a deer at a bird feeder with an arrow in it.  The next morning call came in about another deer that had fallen through the ice on the Kawishiwi River.  The same thing can happen to a person, as the ice is very dangerous right now so stay off of it.  If you can't be convinced, at least bring survival gear such as ice picks, rope, and a PFD if you can't resist being the first ones on the ice.   


CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that he checked his first anglers and snowmobilers of the year.  Most lakes remain unsafe for travel because recent snowfalls have insulated the ice from cold temperatures. Everyone is reminded to check for themselves and not listen to rumors on ice thickness.  Carrying ice picks is a must at this time of year for ice travel.  Snowmobilers are reminded that 2016 registration stickers expired in June.


CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) attended field training officer certification in the metro.  Winter weather has arrived to stay.


CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked GIA snowmobile trails, snow is sparse and some trails are rough; downed trees are also a hazard as crews still need to get out to clear from the last wet snowfall.  The officer checked muzzleloader hunters, took a call about nuisance wolves, checked for a sick moose, and assisted Cook County with a domestic and a stranded motorist. Automobile drivers are reminded that not all forest roads are plowed and getting stuck in a remote location could be dangerous.


CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) spent the week in the metro area for officer training.


CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping activity and the final weekend of deer muzzleloader season. Winter was in full swing this week with frigid temperatures and a fair amount of snowfall. Ice anglers have begun to venture out on small shallow lakes and bays but most lakes still have less than a few inches of ice depth.

District 7 - Grand Rapids area
CO Randy Patten (Northome) met with the County Attorney’s office for ongoing cases, checked trappers, worked a baiting complaint, and took calls about swans that cannot fly.  Officer Patten also looked at area lakes that have just frozen over and anglers are attempting to get out on.  Give it some time, the fish are not worth your life.


CO Jayson Hansen (Big Fork) worked small game, big game, snowmobile, ATV, trespass, and fishing enforcement.  Violations included snowmobiles on roadway, deer baiting, trespass, and no license in possession.  Various wildlife calls were answered.


CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked the first ice anglers of the season.  Most lakes are still unsafe to travel on so be cautious.  Officer Sutherland took enforcement action for not having an angling license in possession.  Cases from deer season were followed up on.  A youth snowmobile safety class was also spoken to about laws.


CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked snowmobile, state trails, trappers, and muzzleloader deer hunters.  He also handled various calls for service during the week.


CO Jimmy Van Asch (Hill City) worked big game, small game, trapping, angling, and snowmobile enforcement in and around the surrounding areas.  The 2016 muzzleloader season came to an end over the weekend with minimal success reported.  Enforcement action was taken for several snowmobile violations.

District 8 - Duluth area
CO Caleb Silgjord (Brookston) spent time during the week monitoring the station for deer hunters.  Assistance was provided to the sheriff’s office when a wanted suspect fled into the woods.  CO Silgjord located the suspect near a residence and was able apprehend him.  After securing the suspect he advised the officer that he “looked like a nice guy, so he didn’t run.”  The fact that the suspect had been on the run for some time in the cold weather with a K-9 unit not far behind may have also influenced his decision.  Time was also spent following up on timber theft cases and ATV and snowmobile law classes were provided to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Academy.


CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) spent much of the week working trapping, archery deer hunters, and finished out the muzzleloader season.  Time was spent working an ongoing trapping complaint and trespassing complaint.  The officer investigated a complaint of trapping harassment and handled incidental furs


CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) spent time investigating a couple trespass complaints involving deer hunting and ATV usage.  Trapping enforcement continues to be monitored and worked.  Officer Duncan also followed up on past investigations, completed office work, and answered questions from the public.


CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked on a shooting complaint with other area officers.  Muzzleloader deer season and trapping enforcement work continued throughout the week.  An incidental caught fisher was handled. Road kill deer permits were issued.  A car killed eagle was turned over to Wildlife staff.  CO Humphrey assisted Jay Cooke Park staff with the special muzzleloader hunt and a complaint involving the removal of beaver dams within the park.  Area ice is starting to take shape.  Some folks were venturing out to check ice thickness.  Reports of areas close to shore with 2”-3” were received.  Caution is advised!  CO Humphrey prepped for an upcoming snowmobile safety class and completed online training

Lake Superior Marine Unit
CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) worked on a trespass investigation, checked late season muzzleloader and archery hunters.  Diehard shore anglers were checked casting from the Two Harbors break wall in sub-zero temps.  Snowmobile trails are in rough shape; freezing temps, more snow, and a chance for groomers to pack the trail before sleds traverse it are all needed for a good start to the riding season.  Enforcement action was taken for ATV, state park, and blaze orange violations.


Lake Superior Unit - vacant.