Conservation Officer Weekly Report

Minnesota’s Northland Reports – March 3, 2025

District 1 – Baudette area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Hayes Lake as well as area snowmobile activity as riders get out for a last ride before the snow melts. Area wildlife management areas were patrolled, and assistance was given to the Warroad snowmobile safety class.

CO Tony Hams (Warroad North) spent the week checking area anglers, monitoring snowmobile activity, and responding to various complaints. Violations encountered were no license in possession, angling without a license, angling with extra lines, overlimit of walleyes/sauger, failure to have owner ID on an ice shelter, and no shelter license. Snowmobilers and anglers are advised to use caution on the ice with warmer weather causing pressure ridges to move and grow.

CO Coby Fontes (Warroad South) spent the week patrolling Lake of the Woods and assisting with officer water survival training. Enforcement action was taken for no shelter license and possession of dressed fillets. Additionally, enforcement action was taken for keeping an illegal-length walleye and failure to retain the carcass in a measurable condition for a fish that had been altered to conceal its illegal length.

CO Nicholas Prachar (Baudette West) reports increased angling success on Lake of the Woods. Enforcement action was taken on several different anglers for angling with extra lines. Prachar assisted other local COs with a snowmobile safety training class in Warroad.

CO Paul Kennedy (Baudette East) focused most of his time this week checking anglers. He followed up on a report of an ice shelter frozen in on an area waterway. Enforcement action for the week included operating an unregistered snowmobile, passenger under 18 without a helmet, and no license in possession.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls West) assisted North Dakota Game and Fish with an ongoing case, checked area anglers, and monitored ice shelter removal. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a valid license, taking northern pike during the closed season, no shelter license, and a nonresident purchasing a license restricted to residents.

CO Nick Bruesewitz (Karlstad) spent the week working angling activity. Time was spent working Lake of the Woods, where enforcement action was taken for no license in possession, possession of fish fillets on a special regulation lake, and possession of an overlimit.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck North) worked angling activity on Upper Red Lake. Most fish houses have been pulled from the lake, but individuals are moving around for crappies. Most of the snowmobile trails are done for the year, unless the area gets some March snowfall.

CO Brianna Shaw (Blackduck South) spent the week patrolling for angling and outdoor recreational vehicle activity. Shaw was pleased to meet several talented young anglers at the Blackduck Area Kids Ice Fishing Derby. Enforcement action was taken for fail to renew ATV registration.

District 2 – Bemidji area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports speaking at the Fertile Community Center about the duties of a conservation officer. Time was further spent checking anglers and ATV operators. Most permanent fish houses have been taken off area lakes and rivers.

CO Andrew Ladzinski (Bemidji #1) kept busy handling animal-related calls and possession-permit inquiries. Meanwhile, the sudden warmup brought the snowmobile season to an abrupt halt. Most ice shelters also made an early exit, well ahead of the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on March 17 for inland waters in the northern one-third of the state.

CO Andrew Goodman (Perham) patrolled area lakes for panfish anglers and remaining ice shelters. Signs of receding ice on some shores, flowing water, and high-traffic areas were observed. While most lakes have significant ice thickness remaining, Goodman urges anglers to check conditions frequently this time of year.

CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) attended K9 training with his K9 partner Axel. It was the first week of their training and they both learned a lot during the week and are excited to continue. Swedberg also assisted with an investigation involving several fishing violations. He also found the source of a large plume of black smoke and issued a citation for burning prohibited materials.

CO Jordan Anderson (Osage) completed annual required training, continued to prepare for upcoming Academy instruction, and patrolled area lakes. Most shelters have been removed, but owners are reminded to not wait until last minute, as the conditions can change rapidly. Snowmobile riding appears to be done for the season.

CO Angela Warren (Mahnomen) spent time on angling and related activities. Anglers are reminded that 2024 ice angling licenses expired on Feb. 28. Fish house removals were monitored, and people are reminded that fish houses cannot be left at public accesses. Warren also worked snowmobile and ATV activity at the Snodeo event near Naytahwaush.

CO Matthew Boyle (Pelican Rapids) spent most of the week ensuring the remaining ice shelters were removed from area lakes. Large amounts of litter were left behind from some shelters. Citations for litter on ice were written and more shelter owners will be followed up with.

CO Brady Manteufel (Bagley) checked area lakes for activity. Most fish houses were removed and abandoned portable shelters were removed by Manteufel. Ice water rescue, with area first responders, was attended and ATV operation with no headlights on was addressed.

CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent the week working a detail on Lake of the Woods and a snowmobile event on North Twin Lake. Time was also spent checking burbot anglers on Lake Bemidji. Enforcement action was taken for prohibiting unlawful youthful operation of an ATV, fishing with extra lines, overlimit of walleyes, fishing without a license, and depositing litter on the ice.

District 5 – Eveleth area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports ice fishing, snowmobile, and ATV enforcement were the main emphasis of the work activities for the week. Trail conditions have deteriorated significantly over the past week. People are also advised to use caution when venturing onto the ice.

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area trails, lakes, and rivers this past week. Snow conditions have made it challenging for people looking to get out and ride area trails. Anglers reported having some success fishing.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports with the snow disappearing on area lakes and trails, snowmobile activity has been reduced dramatically. Those trying to get some riding time in were faced with rough trails and some overheating problems. Anglers have enjoyed an easier time traveling with ATV or passenger vehicles. Most anglers encountered had some fish in the bucket but noted an overall slow bite.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports snowmobile trail activity has come to abrupt halt with rain and temps in the 40s over the week. Trail conditions are poor, with dirt and rock exposed. Angling activity remains light with few anglers observed. Fish house removal has begun as lake conditions are changing rapidly. Equipment work is ongoing.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement. Larson reports that snowmobile trail conditions have significantly deteriorated, and many grassy spots are showing along the trail. Lake Vermillion has become hard packed and icy so even travel on the lake has become difficult by snowmobile. Larson also spent time checking anglers in the BWCAW, primarily on Trout Lake.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked snowmobile, ATV, and angling enforcement. Warm weather took a toll on local snowmobile trails, significantly reducing the amount of traffic observed. Time was also spent attending a meeting at Camp Ripley and doing online training. Good luck to the Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejacket hockey team at State!

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) reports recent warm weather deteriorated snowmobile trail conditions around the area, and panfish anglers have reported moderate to fair success. Zavodnik took part in presenting the law and ethics talk to approximately 13 students, as well as set up the operating portion for snowmobile safety training over the weekend. He continues to monitor area lakes for litter as permanent shelters begin to be taken off the lake.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and snowmobile activity. Anglers targeting panfish or trout yielded limited success. Surprisingly, there were a few snowmobilers out this week. Without new snow, trail riding might be done. Anglers are reminded it is time for a new fishing license and to check ice shelter removal dates.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports that for the first time in several weeks angling activity was again high as snowmobile use dwindled. Success for trout was stereotypically spotty but generally good. Violations included taking fish in closed season, angling with no license, and angling with no license in possession.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) checked anglers and snowmobile riders this week. Ihnen also patrolled his station monitoring ice shelter and litter compliance on area lakes. Additional time was spent working on previous case work.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week patrolling on his snowmobile. Remote trout lakes were checked, and time was spent checking anglers along the U.S./Canada border. Enforcement action was taken for angling and snowmobile violations.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports the recent snow has helped extend the snowmobiling season. Trout fishing is starting to improve as the days continue to get longer. Enforcement action was taken for varying violations.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) attended a Bear Committee meeting and worked on items related to that. Online training was completed, as was equipment repairs and maintenance. Additional time was spent working snowmobile and angling enforcement. Enforcement action was taken for loud exhaust, no snowmobile safety training, and no ski pass.

CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring snowmobile and ice angling activity throughout the area. Time was also spent attending multiple snowmobile safety classes put on within the Northeast Region. Enforcement action was taken for various angling violations.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on ice fishing and snowmobile enforcement for the week. Area trails are deteriorating quickly with the warmer weather. Anglers are reminded to renew their fishing licenses.

District 7 – Grand Rapids area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Vinny Brown (Northome) checked anglers and patrolled lakes, trails, and state forests. Animal-related calls were taken and questions regarding license and fish limit changes were answered. With steady warmer weather, anglers have been seeing a good bite on area lakes.

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

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, responded to animal-related complaints, and assisted the county with an alarm call. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Fennec also attended training and gave a presentation at an area event.

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked anglers and had many contacts with panfish anglers. Sutherland gave a career speech at a local high school. Career goals were discussed and many young people were interested in becoming wardens.

CO Jimmy Van Asch (Pengilly) worked sport fishing, dark house spearing, and snowmobile activity. Assistance was given to the Greenway Snowmobile Club with their annual youth snowmobile safety class. A special thank you to all the instructors and volunteers for putting on the class. Work was completed on pending investigations as well.

CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) monitored angling activity in the area. Most lakes still have sufficient ice, but with warmer weather coming, it is a good idea to make safety a priority when heading out. Hochstein also worked with the Water Survival Training Team to provide instruction to the cadets who are currently attending the State Patrol Academy.

CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) checked angling and recreational vehicles throughout the previous week. Time was also spent following up on complaints involving abandoned property on the ice and investigating a TIP complaint. The recent warm weather has significantly deteriorated area snowmobile trails. A couple of open cases were closed out and required training was completed.

NE ATV officer vacant.

District 8 – Duluth area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) started off the week with a report of a deer that had broken through a window of a residence and was stuck in the basement. Peterlin, a Minnesota State Trooper, and another family member on scene were able to capture the deer, restrain it, and carry it up the stairs and out of the residence. The deer was then freed and released back to the wild. The rest of the week consisted of ice angling enforcement on Lake of the Woods and other area lakes.

CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) patrolled area lakes and rivers for angling activity. Fish house removal dates are either here or approaching quickly, so please plan accordingly when prepping for removal with warm weather in the forecast. Area snowmobile trails are in rough shape, which led to increased complaints of ATV use on trails. Schmidt handled numerous complaints involving nuisance animals.

CO Tony Elwell (Cloquet) followed up with ongoing cases this week. Ice angling activity was monitored, as was ice shelter removal on area lakes. Calls about injured animals were fielded.

CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) worked sport fishing, snowmobile, and ATV/OHM enforcement this week. As we transition into ATV/OHM activity, riders are reminded to check that their recreational vehicle registration is current and displayed. Additionally, time was spent checking area lakes for angling activity and ensuring shelters are on track for the removal deadline of 11:59 p.m. on March 3.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) checked ice anglers and houses with the impending removal deadline. There still seems to be consistent ice on area lakes but shorelines are starting to look a little rough. Almost no snowmobiles were seen out and about this week. Off-highway motorcycle/ATV activity is picking up.

CO Gabriel Soriano (Hinckley) worked with district partners at a local high school outreach event helping seniors prepare to enter the professional workforce. He also spoke alongside CO Hand at a snowmobile safety course. Several area lakes were checked, with many anglers removing their fish houses. People are reminded to remember their ice safety basics and know that the recent weather has caused a lot of change in ice conditions on some lakes.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) spent the week checking ice anglers and working on contacting people who still have their ice shelters on the lakes. Please look at the Minnesota fishing regulations booklet and remove your shelter as applicable to your area. Time was also spent on patrolling other state-administered land.

CO Sara Mooers (District 8) monitored local bodies of water. Snowmobiling activity has decreased, coinciding with an increase in ATV-related complaints. Mooers also discussed owls with representatives from the Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources Research Institute.

Duluth East vacant.

Statewide Marine Unit
CO Joe Kulhanek (Marine Unit – Metro) spent the week preparing for an upcoming airboat operator course. He also spent time checking local anglers and performing equipment maintenance as the seasons change and boats are being seen on the river.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit Duluth) checked a few snowmobiles as riding conditions drew to a close on the lower shore. Officer water survival training was delivered to cadets at the State Patrol academy. Commercial fisheries items were handled. Enforcement action was taken for commercial violations.

CO Mitch Lawler (Marine Unit Alexandria) checked scores of anglers across Douglas and Otter Tail counties who were out trying their luck for late-season panfish. Sunfish success has been high with some large crappies also mixed in. Ice conditions are variable. High temps melt surface ice, then it refreezes at night, which leads to ice integrity quickly degrading. Lawler and CO Douvier attended a career fair for Alexandria High School students and had lots of conversations about the career of a conservation officer.

District 9 – Brainerd area

Last updated: 2025-03-03

CO Emmitt Winkels (Brainerd Lakes Area) focused on ice fishing activities. Winkels also monitored areas where ice shelters were already becoming a hazard on the ice. Time was also spent attending the Crow Wing County Skate with a Cop event.

CO Luke Belgard (Pine River) worked angling, ATV, and small-game enforcement this week. Calls for service were addressed. Anglers are reminded that the final day to remove fish houses from area lakes is Monday, March 3. With current ice conditions, fish house owners should have ample ability to get shelters removed by the deadline.

CO Calie Cook (Crosslake) spent time checking anglers and ATV riders throughout the week. More and more people are out in ATVs around the area. Cook wants to remind people that anyone under the age of 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet on an ATV. Yes, even on a side-by-side.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd #2) completed a field training assignment this week. Guida completed necessary training paperwork and maintained equipment. A Skate with a Cop public relations event was attended in Brainerd. There were about 200 participants.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) continued checking anglers targeting crappies, sunfish, and trout. Anglers have done well at removing shelters from the lakes by the deadline. Some are still driving trucks onto the ice, but the accesses are getting difficult.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time checking anglers and monitoring shelters on area lakes with the removal deadline approaching. Ice conditions are good throughout the area but with the upcoming forecast shorelines are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Anglers are reminded to use caution and have self-rescue equipment with them while chasing late-ice panfish.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) took enforcement action this week for unattended and extra lines, fishing without a license, no helmets on kids, and recreational vehicle registration issues. Nuisance-animal calls were also handled.

CO Matt Brodin (Brainerd #1) spent time on Lake of the Woods. It seemed most people were catching fish, with sauger being the most prevalent. Brodin conducted aeration inspections on local lakes. Enforcement action was taken for walleye overlimits, possession of filleted fish on a special regulation lake, and no fishing license in possession.