Conservation Officer Weekly Report – District 5

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports the muzzleloader season continues to be the main emphasis, but activity has been slow. Trespass and animal-related complaints were also handled throughout the week. Snowmobile activity should be increasing with the recent snow storm. People are reminded to make sure their snowmobiles have current registration.

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working muzzleloader hunters, small-game hunters and early ice anglers with neighboring officers on area lakes. Enforcement action taken this past week consisted of angling without a license, no license in possession, and being in possession of drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana. Simonson would like to remind people to use caution while participating in early ice fishing activities. Wear ice cleats and ice picks, and check ice thickness frequently.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) addressed questions about muzzleloader deer hunting and the validity of tags. Follow up on some public waters-related violations was completed with the area hydrologist. Questions were answered on various trapping topics. Although the ice is still unpredictable in most areas, spearing and angling activity has begun with moderate success noted.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports heavy snow has started. Caution should be used on newly formed ice coupled with heavy, insulating snow. There was a report of an ATV through the ice on an area lake. Hunting activities were checked with no activity found. Administrative reporting was completed. Equipment work continues.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling enforcement. Anglers were finding mixed walleye success with a few perch in the mix. Larson came across a few violations related to state park usage. He also took a trapping related call. Anglers are hopeful that the snow will not affect the ice on local lakes.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling, small-game, and muzzleloader-deer activity. In addition, time was spent responding to calls and registering furbearers for trappers who were unable to make the upcoming registration dates. Violations encountered included angling with extra lines, allowing dogs to chase deer, and trespassing.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time testifying in court and investigating a trespass complaint during the week. He also worked on completing paperwork and assisted the State Patrol with various calls related to the heavy snowfall over the weekend.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring hunting, fishing, and trapping activity. Few muzzleloader hunters were seen in the woods. Ice anglers have been out on smaller lakes, but anglers report only 4.5 inches of ice and many spots still are open. Broughten also fielded calls regarding injured animals, trespass, and trapping.