District 7 - Grand Rapids area

CO Vinny Brown (Northome) checked beaver trappers, handled calls involving incidental animal catches in beaver traps, and conducted ATV enforcement. Brown located a wildfire that spread quickly and was eventually extinguished with the help of several aircraft and firefighters. Walleye spawning areas were patrolled to prevent illegal walleye fishing during the spawn.

CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked ATV, small-game, and fishing activities. He patrolled campgrounds and trails. Numerous game and fish-related questions were answered. He also responded to wildlife-related complaints.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) monitored trapping activity, investigated possible arson fires in the area and assisted with a motor vehicle accident. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Fennec also attended training and assisted with a break in where the suspect fled into the woods. Enforcement was taken for trespass, license violations and trap tag issues.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked open-water panfish fishing activity in the area. Crappies and bluegills are starting to stage outside the shallows with the warmer weather. Sutherland is also seeing many ATV riders in the area. Enforcement action was taken for unregistered ATVs and angling without a current license.

CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) monitored turkey hunting over the opening week. Most hunters checked reported a successful hunt. Several anglers took to rivers and streams in search of suckers and redhorse. Recent rainfalls helped but grass and brush fires remain common.

CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) checked turkey hunting and angling activity throughout the previous week. Time was also spent investigating a complaint on a WMA. Holt monitored recreational vehicle activity and followed up on a public water complaint.

NE ATV officer vacant.

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