Conservation Officer Report District-5

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports most of the week was spent at Camp Ripley for in-service training. The catch-and-release spring walleye season on the Rainy River came to a quiet close with snow and rain moving into the area. Trail issues were also handled.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports swings in weather have caused ice conditions to deteriorate rapidly. Tributaries have begun their annual purge, causing water levels to change drastically in short time spans. Angling activity has all but ended for the time being while enthusiasts begin to plan for the next available opportunity. A variety of animal-related calls were handled. Training was completed and seasonal equipment maintenance was addressed.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports after a few days of unseasonable warmth, reality has arrived again as below-freezing temperatures and snow hit the area. Small streams have frozen back over. Ice remains unsafe. Outdoor activities have slowed due to the variable and unpredictable weather and temperature swings. Equipment work was completed, as were various administrative tasks. Numerous phone calls over the week on a variety of outdoor subjects were responded to.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling activity. Larson spent time checking anglers on Lake Vermilion as ice conditions rapidly decreased. Larson also spent time in training at Camp Ripley.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) spent the week instructing at in-service training at Camp Ripley and attended a CPR/First Aid refresher course. Conservation officers were also issued AEDs, which will provide additional support when they?re responding to medical emergencies.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time attending in-service training earlier in the week. He also spent time patrolling the Rainy River. Walleye fishing was extremely slow due to poor water clarity, but some anglers had success catching sturgeon. Zavodnik also attended Wisconsin Officer Breidenbach?s and Officer Scheel?s funeral as an Honor Guard member. He was among thousands who attended to pay respect for the two fallen officers in Wisconsin.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and ATV activity. Recent warm weather started to deteriorate lake ice. Panfish anglers reported limited success. Broughten investigated a complaint of birch pole theft. He also fielded calls regarding nuisance animals, injured animals, and ATV regulations.

Cook vacant.