Conservation Officer Report – District 5
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports another busy weekend with snowmobile and ice fishing activities on the big lakes. People are reminded to use caution and common sense as the weather warms up and the ice conditions change. Also, it might be a good time to get the shelters off the ice on Rainy Lake even thou the deadline is not until March 31. Enforcement action for the week involved snowmobile speed, no angling license, failure to stop a snowmobile at a stop sign, and loud exhaust.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending time this past week monitoring crappie anglers and snowmobile activity. This past weekend had a good number of people out enjoying the outdoors.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports snowmobile trail conditions remain in very good condition. Although the number of snowmobilers has dropped from previous weekends there is still a lot of activity in the area. Crappie anglers have been out breaking in their new angling licenses, but success has been mediocre at best. A group of campers was encountered who were thankful the weather has tempered a bit. Equipment maintenance was tended to and questions about shoreline/waters projects were answered. Reminder to check for permit requirements and obtain them if needed before starting projects on shorelines or waterways.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling and snowmobile activities over the past week. Comments continue about high numbers of wolves. Weekly field patrols revealed plenty of wolf sign across the work area. Area forest roads and logging operations continue to be checked. Fishing remains poor overall.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling and snowmobile activity. Maintenance was done on station equipment and time was spent attending an MDHA meeting in Mt. Iron and a snowmobile event at North Woods School in Cook. A reminder that the ice shelter removal deadline of March 21 is quickly approaching.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time patrolling area snowmobile trails. He also worked a snowmobile detail around the Grand Marais area with several other COs and surrounding law enforcement entities. Several angling and snowmobile violations were encountered over the course of the week.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and snowmobile activity. Fewer anglers were found on area lakes this week. Anglers who were out reported limited success. Snowmobile trails were in good shape but due to the high snowmobile traffic, lack of new snow, and upcoming warm weather they are expected to deteriorate fast. Broughten also fielded calls regarding nuisance animals, firearms safety, and new fishing regulations.
Cook vacant.