CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls#1) reports fishing success on Rainy Lake has picked up with more fish being seen in the livewells. Lots of people are still out enjoying the water with boats and personal watercraft. Animal-related complaints and ATV-related complaints were also addressed throughout the week. Enforcement action for the week included an overlimit of fish, illegal-length fish, license issues, extra lines, and boat safety equipment violations.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports having a busy week checking anglers on Rainy Lake, Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. Anglers reported having some success finding hungry fish. Boat and water safety checks were conducted as well. Enforcement action taken this week was for no license in possession, operating a Class II ATV on a state highway, operating an ATV with no lights, and not displaying registration properly.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time mainly patrolling area lakes. As the warm weather and bug hatch continues throughout the region, anglers have found it difficult to find and pattern active fish. Many boating safety checks were made throughout the week, with the majority of boaters found to be in compliance. Violations encountered included fishing without a license, extra lines, and failing to have a sufficient number of wearable life jackets on board the watercraft.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports that despite the extended time with hot weather, angling, boating, and ATV activity remain high. Recreational boating activity has increased as people take to the water for respite from the heat. Anglers had been reporting a tough bite, but more positive reports have been heard the past few days with overcast skies. He assisted campground staff with noise and nonpayment complaints as well as a downed telephone line. Violations encountered included an overlimit of walleyes, illegal-length walleyes, using extra lines, and various boating safety equipment violations.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) attended the funeral for retired Conservation Officer Joyce Kuske. She met with members of the Cook County ATV club and worked ATV enforcement during the week. Manning spent a few days working in the BWCA, including with U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Belmore. In a first for both, Belmore and Manning took a report of an armed bear in the BWCA. A camper reported a bear stole a backpack containing his handgun (and several delicious-smelling snacks) from a portage landing and ran off into the woods. They were unable to track and locate the bear or the pack. The officers responded and, after searching the area, located and recovered the partially shredded pack, numerous empty snack wrappers and the undamaged firearm.
CO Amber Ladd (Aitkin) followed up on a complaint where an angler decided to launch his boat from his truck by backing over the posts at a carry-in access only. While out on the lake, the angler also decided to help himself to some fishing poles that were in another person’s boat parked at their dock. Unfortunately for this angler, several lakeshore owners keep a watchful eye and were able to get good photos for Enforcement to follow up on.
CO Chad Thesing (Albany) dealt with numerous incidents during the week, including wetland complaints, aquatic plant cutting complaints and cutting down a tree with an eagle nest in it. Enforcement action centered around boaters and angling activity. Enforcement activity included no PFD, litter, no weed roller permit, no license in possession, and no fire extinguisher.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) patrolled in the BWCA and on other station lakes and ATV trails. The water levels are extremely low, making some river routes and portages difficult. One individual was arrested for 3rd degree boating while intoxicated after being found over twice the legal limit. The fire danger is very high, and Bear Head State Park staff reported several campsite guests leaving fires still burning in fire pits. Citations were issued for failing to extinguish campfires in each case. Other enforcement action included fishing without a license, no/insufficient PFDs, no navigational lights after sunset, glass in the BWCA, and failure to display watercraft registration.
