Conservation Officer Report | Sports & Recreation

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

CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reported lots of angling is happening on area lakes now that cold weather has improved ice conditions. Several reports of injured deer have been fielded. Dogs chasing deer calls have also been increasing. Investigations and follow up continue from a few left over deer hunting violations. Time was also spent answering questions and handing out information at a local Powwow event.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spoke to a high school class about the job of a Conservation Officer. A couple days were spent working on a trapping harassment complaint. Officer Duncan worked several days up the Gunflint Trail for the opener of winter trout fishing. A small game violation was investigated that will require continued follow-up and investigation.

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) followed up on a TIP complaint that will involve continued investigation. Officer Schmidt assisted District 6 officers with the winter trout opener in the Grand Marais area. Contact with many fishermen was made over the weekend. Several telephone calls were returned.

Sgt. Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers along the North Shore, attended a USCG meeting about a Duluth port event, and checked ice anglers in the Duluth Harbor.  He also met with USCG personnel about upcoming logistical needs of the DNR Marine Unit.

CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) completed Step 2 of field training with COC Vang. Inland trout anglers were checked on an icy and cold opening morning. Some fish were seen in the bag, with violations encountered for extra lines and no trout stamp. Snowmobile trail conditions remain rather poor due to lack of snow. Shore anglers along Superior are finding fish to be rather inactive the last few weeks. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Lake Superior Marine Unit) completed Step 2 of field training with COC Williams. They worked some trapping investigations, anglers along Lake Superior, and inland lakes. They also worked the trout opener on the Gunflint Trail. Enforcement action was taken for angling, snowmobiling, and ATV violations.