Conservation Report District – 5

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports a busy MEA weekend with lots of people enjoying the outdoors, including duck hunting, grouse hunting, riding ATVs, fishing, boating, or the hunting deer. Grouse hunters are still finding lots of birds and a few youth deer hunters also found success for their first time. Meetings in regards to last week?s wetland violations were attended along with site visits. Enforcement action for the week involved license issues and youth ATV violations.

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working the Rainy River and working small-game hunters throughout the area. The nice weather this past weekend had many people enjoying outdoor activities.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports small-game and waterfowl hunters continue to provide positive reports. With the recent unseasonable cold front, some of the ponds and small lakes completely froze over with about three-quarters of an inch of ice along the shoreline. Grouse numbers continue to be strong, with an influx of people in the area over MEA weekend. Evidence that deer hunters are preparing for the upcoming firearm season was apparent. It is up to the individual to know what type of land they are on and what activity is allowed. Angling picked up over the weekend with the upswing in temperatures, and success was reported there as well.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) continued with ATV and small-game activities. He heard numerous comments over the week on the lack of deer. Those hunting the Orr area should plan accordingly, as deer numbers appear significantly down from previous years. Angling and boating continue as weather allows. Waterfowl-hunting success remains sporadic. Phone calls continue on a variety of outdoor topics. Equipment work is ongoing.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and hunting enforcement. He assisted the county with investigating several sewage-dumping complaints and also looked into deer-hunting violations. Enforcement action was taken for transporting loaded guns, fishing violations, and also ATV violations.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked big-game, small-game, and ATV activity. The youth deer season took place over the weekend and a couple youth hunters were checked after bagging their first deer. Grouse hunters also had success as cover continues to drop in the woods. Violations encountered included transporting loaded firearms in a motor vehicle, no licenses in possession, and various ATV-related violations.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring hunting and ATV activity. A high number of grouse hunters were found in the woods this week and reported moderate success. Few waterfowl hunters were encountered. Broughten also found several youth hunters participating in the youth deer season.

Cook vacant.