Conservation Officer Report: Wolf Release | Sports & Recreation

The Minnesota DNR provided the following summaries of last week's activities by Conservation Officers:

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) assisted an area trapper with the release of an accidental trapped timber wolf. The release was successful as the wolf disappeared in the woods. Weekend work consisted of patrolling on foot the opening of trout season in the BWCA. Several lakes were checked with many people enjoying the weather. One memorable contact involved a father spending time with his sons while catching lake trout on a remote lake that borders Canada. During conversation it was found that Officer Duncan has checked his traps during the trapping season many times. Contacts like these make the job enjoyable when you run into the same sportsman in different areas of the state.

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) assisted Officer Duncan and a local trapper with a wolf caught in a trap. The wolf was released without incident. Officer Schmidt checked local lakes and rivers for anglers. Officer Schmidt taught the laws and ethics portion of snowmobile safety at the Savannah Drifters class in Floodwood.

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reports that lots of anglers are venturing out onto the ice on area lakes, however the fish bite has been slow. Please be sure to check for current registration on any recreational vehicles you may be operating and have your fishing license on hand as required. Several calls of injured animal were fielded. Angling with extra lines, no current registration, no angling license in possession and illegal operation of ATV were some of the violations encountered during the week.

CO Matthew Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) reports continuing training with COC Vang. Officers worked ice angling activity on Grand Lake in Duluth area. Anglers checked reported slow activity. Ice conditions were good enough for vehicles to start driving out onto the lake. Officers also worked snowmobile enforcement on the North Shore State Trail leading into the Finland and Silver Bay area. Snow conditions were fairly good but only a couple dozen sleds were out riding. Enforcement action was taken on fishing license issues and snowmobile registration issues.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) and COC Williams checked several local lakes around Duluth where fishing activity has picked up with mixed angler success. They also assisted local officers with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area trout opener and report good success from many anglers. Violations found included several Snowmobiles and ATVs with expired registration, and several anglers with license not in possession.