District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports boat and water safety and sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River continue to be the focus of the work activities. Animal-related complaints were also handled throughout the week. People are reminded that wildlife interactions are going to happen, so give animals space and time.

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending time this week working the Rainy River checking sturgeon anglers and checking boat safety equipment. Violations encountered consisted of failing to validate/attach sturgeon tag to fish, transporting unmeasurable sturgeon, PFD violations and expired fire extinguishers. Anglers reported a good bite throughout the week.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports continued handling of otter catches by trappers and assisted DNR Forestry on a fire investigation. Fondie answered public access questions and when special beaver permits need to be issued as the close of beaver season approaches.

CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent most of the week checking anglers on Lake Vermilion. Crappie fishing continues to be hit and miss day to day. Some time was spent dealing with people storing items at public water access parking lots. Just a reminder that these lots are not seasonal storage areas. Time was also spent monitoring trapping and ATV activity.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and ATV activity. Larson also assisted other agencies with various calls. Violations were related to ATVs on snowmobile trails, and angling and boat registration violations.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV and trapping enforcement. In addition, time was spent presenting at two firearms safety classes in Hibbing, preparing station equipment for the upcoming fishing opener, and following up on open investigations. Violations encountered included trap tampering, untagged traps, and littering.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time assisting the Marine Unit with boating operation training at Deputy Boating School at Camp Ripley. He also spent time working a detail on the Rainy River over the weekend. An illegal-length sturgeon was seized and successfully released back into the river during the detail. Several sturgeon-tagging and illegal-transport violations were also encountered. Zavodnik continues to prepare for what looks like a busy fishing opener to come as future weather and temperatures look favorable.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, trapping, and ATV activity. Panfish anglers reported limited success. A few suckers are being caught or speared. Recent rain has raised water levels and softened ground. ATV operators should consider waiting until the ground firms up before planning their ride.

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