Conservation Officer Weekly Report – District 5

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports lots of people out in the woods preparing for next weekend?s firearms deer season opener. A few animal-related complaints and trespass issues were handled during the week. He also winterized his patrol boat.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports that as the firearms deer season approaches, hunters have been busy preparing hunting shacks and camps. Grouse hunters are having some success now that the underbrush has finally shed its foliage. Most waterfowl hunters are reporting a lull in activity and are waiting for the northern flights to make it through the area. Deer are becoming more active near roadways and an increase in reports of car-hit deer have been heard.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports decorative tree thefts from state land continues throughout the area as the holiday season approaches. Angling, boating and hunting activities were monitored. He heard numerous complaints from hunters regarding the lack of deer. Watercraft storage and maintenance continues to be worked on.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily small-game enforcement. Larson checked grouse hunters throughout his station who have been finding better luck bagging birds. He also checked trapping activity in the area.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked small-game, ATV, and archery deer activity. Time was spent preparing for the upcoming deer firearms opener and responding to calls for service. Call activity included trespassing complaints, TIP information, illegal ATV use, and littering. Multiple investigations are ongoing.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent the majority of the week as one of the interview panel members for the upcoming CO Academy. Zavodnik also fielded several inquiries regarding the upcoming rifle season.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring hunting and trapping activity. Small-game and waterfowl hunters reported limited success. Many deer hunters were observed preparing for the upcoming firearms deer season. Broughten fielded calls regarding trespass, littering, and ATVs causing damage.