Conservation Officer Report District-5

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports checking tip-up anglers this past week and working ATV enforcement on area lakes and county roads. The Rainy River continues to make little progress with the ice disappearing slowly after cold weather moved in.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports snowmobiling and angling activity have both slowed considerably in the area. Recent snow has created difficult conditions on area lakes with considerable slush. Those who are still looking for the last fish through the ice have reported unfavorable results. Shoreline checks were conducted for waters-related projects that are typical for this time of the year. Permits should be applied for well ahead of the time as this can delay projects. Open cases were worked on and equipment was tended to.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area lakes and local forest roads. Fish house removal was checked. Snowmobile activity was non-existent given the lack of snow. Little fishing activity was noted over the week given the poor travelling conditions. Wolf activity was prevalent and field patrols note that the snow has crusted over, making for ideal hunting for these predators. Another winter storm on the horizon this week would further stress the deer herd.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and shelter removal enforcement. Violations found were related to the shelter removal deadline and snowmobile registration. Larson also took a call related to an injured deer.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling activity and checked local lakes for shelters left out after the removal date. Time was also spent transitioning seasonal equipment, attending training, and assisting in getting an injured barred owl to Wildwoods rehab facility.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time following up with anglers who haven?t removed their permanent ice shelters off the ice yet. The cool and windy weather has shut down outdoor activity as of late, but with the lack of snow on the ice, he expects angling activity to increase once the cold weather breaks.

Cook vacant.