Minnesota Department of Natural Resources weekly CO reports

Monday, January 9, 2017 — Conservation Officer (CO) John Velsvaag (Cook) checked snowmobilers and anglers this past week. Snowmobiling conditions have improved but low temperatures kept people away. Slush conditions have improved with the cold on area lakes and rivers.

CO Marc Hopkins (Tower) reports the cold weather this week made it difficult for outdoor activities. The crews have been out clearing and grooming the snowmobile trails, and snowmobile activity increased this weekend. (Current trail conditions can be found on MNDNR website). The officer found numerous ice shelter violations and enforcement action was taken. The walleye bite on Vermilion was good this weekend, and most of the anglers the officer checked had fish.

CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports fishing activity was steady over the last week of subzero temperatures, although most anglers reported little success. Snowmobile activity was low, but conditions were good on the trails and lakes around Ely. Violations included fishing without a license, unmarked ice house, and fail to display ice house license tag.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) had received a disturbing call in early December about a deer with an arrow lodged in its head below the eyes. By the time the officer arrived, the deer was long gone. But this time, there’s good news. The party called back a couple days ago reporting that the deer had returned, that the arrow had fallen out, and that although there were wounds where the arrow had been, the deer seemed otherwise healthy and was feeding happily at their bird feeder.

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports more snowmobile and ice fishing activity being observed as trail and ice conditions are starting to improve. Most of the officers time was spent training new officers in snowmobile enforcement along with conducting an area youth snowmobile safety certification class. People are reminded there is no such thing as safe ice.

CO John Slatinski (International Falls #2) reports with recent snowfall area snowmobile trails are beginning to take shape and use of them is increasing. Officer Slatinski attended required training and, along with another local conservation officer and VNP Rangers, graduated a local group of youth from a snowmobile safety education class. Time was also spent monitoring cross country ski trail use. Users are reminded state and grant in aid ski trails require the user to obtain and carry on their person a cross country ski trail pass. Enforcement action involved driving conduct on a snowmobile, no ski trail pass, and fishing/spearing shelter violations.

CO Colleen Adam (Ray) reports the snow event this week added pressure to the lake causing some flooding/slush and postponing the ice road until things improve. Local snowmobile clubs and NPS crews have area trails set and in great shape, waiting for the Arrowhead State Trail to get groomed. Snowmobile enthusiasts can find plenty of miles to ride on the lakes and connecting trails. Warm up at the local businesses that welcome the winter patronage. Fishing is mostly limited to snowmobile and portables.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports sub-arctic temps kept outdoor activities to a minimum. Area lakes and snowmobile trails were monitored with little activity observed. Fishing reports are slow. 

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) primarily worked anglers, spearing, and snowmobiles during the week. Sub-zero temps kept activity to a minimum. Enforcement action was taken on an unregistered snowmobile, no trail sticker, and operating a snowmobile on a public highway.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) patrolled station lakes and checked anglers. Numerous anglers were cited for angling without a license. One particular angler tried to use his brother’s angling license as his own. The angler’s poor choice of actions was uncovered by CO Frericks when he recognized the individual from when he issued a previous citation during deer season. The angler again was cited and his brothers’ angling license was seized. Several snowmobilers were cited for operating unregistered snowmobiles. Full sized vehicles are showing up on Virginia area lakes. Snowmobile trails remain rough in places but are being groomed.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked fishing activity and found a few more anglers out. Some snowmobiling is occurring and some trails have been groomed.