DNR conservation officers weekly reports

District 5 – Eveleth area

February 7, 2017 — CO John Velsvaag (Cook) checked anglers and snowmobilers this past week. CO Velsvaag also followed up on several old complaints and assisted with a BWCAW patrol. Area trail conditions improved slightly and ice conditions are much better than last week.

CO Marc Hopkins (Tower) spent the week working snowmobile and angling enforcement. The trails are in good condition, but the lakes are a little rough yet. Hopefully the snow system this week will improve snowmobile travel on Lake Vermilion. The officer also spent time in court on a gun case from earlier this season.

CO John Slatinski (International Falls #2) reports the recent snowfall conditions are once again starting to improve on area snowmobile trails. There was a vintage snowmobile ride in the area which always draws interest when participants are seen on the trails. Assistance was given for the start of the Arrowhead 135 race. Officer Slatinski also spent time monitoring angling, spearing, and snowmobile activity, along with responding to calls for assistance.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling and snowmobile activities. Angling activities remain limited with few fish being observed caught. State snowmobile trail activities were monitored.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) primarily worked anglers and snowmobiles during the week. The officer assisted the Hibbing PD with a stolen vehicle incident by helping locate the vehicle, searching for suspects, locating footprints that matched the suspects, and help arresting the two people involved. A deer had to be euthanized after it became entangled in the cables of a hanging bird feeder. Enforcement action was taken on a number of snowmobile violations.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent a lot of time patrolling area snowmobile trails. Great riding and trail conditions brought out a large number of snowmobilers. Several snowmobilers were cited for operating unregistered snowmobiles. Angling remains slow on most area lakes. Some

February 7, 2017 — CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports trail conditions continue to slowly improve thanks to recent snow and cold weather. Angling reports have been poor, and activity has slowed but local trout lakes continue to be active. Violations included angling without a license in possession and failure to display snowmobile registration.

CO Marty Stage (Ely 2) worked with other officers in the Ely station focusing on snowmobile and angling activity. Officer Stage also assisted the US Border Patrol. Recent snowfall has created much better travel conditions on the area lakes.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) attended training in Duluth during the week. He also checked weekend snowmobile traffic as many people rode in the Cook County Ridge Riders Fun Run. The weather was great and lots of people talked about how impressed they were with the trail conditions and are thankful to the groomer operators.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports time was spent checking anglers and enforcing snowmobile laws. Violations included operating vehicles on snowmobile trails, snowmobile speed, and snowmobile registration violations. Trail conditions are improving with the new snow. Groomers are doing a good job with what they have to work with. Be sure to express your appreciation to the local club volunteers.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity. Time was spent on area snowmobile trails this week. CO Schottenbauer also assisted with water survival training at the State Trooper’s academy.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored angling activity on area lakes in Cook and Lake Counties. Trout fishing has slowed. The snowmobile trails are in excellent shape. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobile activity.