Weekly CO report

District 8 - Duluth area

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) spent most of the week focusing on deer-hunting activity. Violations were addressed for taking antlerless deer in lottery areas without permits, shining violations, transporting uncased firearms, and operating ATVs during restricted hours. He also investigated a report of wanton waste where a large buck was located with its antlers cut off and none of the meat was utilized.

CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) and COC Kennedy continued working the deer season. Some hunters reported success, with one young hunter excited to share the story of his first hunt. The officers assisted working a detail with neighboring COs. Enforcement action this week included operating an unregistered ATV and operating an ATV within the roadway.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) continued to work the firearms and archery deer season. A couple possible hunter-harassment complaints were investigated, and a shooting deer from the roadway case was investigated that resulted in charges. Many hunters were contacted throughout the week who were enjoying their hunt legally. Several deer carcasses have been found dumped at different locations around the area. The dumping of deer carcasses is illegal and if the person is caught, they will be ticketed for litter.

CO Anthony Elwell (Cloquet) conducted firearms deer-hunting patrols throughout the station this week and answered calls for service. He also investigated ongoing cases. Hunting success remained good through the week, with some decent deer being harvested. Violations encountered included taking antlerless deer without a permit, failure to validate a site tag, failure to tag big game, transporting illegally taken big game, transporting a loaded firearm, license-possession violations, and various ATV violations, including operating an ATV during closed hours.

CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) continued checking hunters afield this past week. Time was spent following up on complaints of baiting, late shooting, dogs chasing deer, and taking an overlimit of deer. Enforcement action was taken for various violations, including juvenile ATV passengers without helmets, Class 2 ATV passenger restrictions, failure to transfer ATV ownership, failure to renew ATV registration, licensed deer hunters operating ATVs during closed hours, shooting deer from the roadway, and failure to validate a deer tag. Firearms deer hunters are reminded that ATV operating hours are prior to shooting hours, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and after shooting hours.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) continued to work a busy deer season in the station. TIP calls were investigated, and baiting cases continued to wrap up. A few smaller bucks were seen hanging at camps, with most hunters reporting seeing does/fawns in the stand. An investigation into a TIP of a deer shot from the roadway led to charges. Enforcement action for the week included failure to validate a deer tag, allowing illegal youth ATV operation, operating an ATV during closed hours, and hunting deer with the aid of bait.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) spent the week continuing to work on big-game hunting violations as well as small-game hunting violations. Many calls were handled within both the Hinckley and Pine City stations. The most common issues were people shooting outdoors without a big-game license target shooting, hunting without a license, failing to validate site tag, and trespassing issues. Patrols for ATV violations were also conducted.

Hinckley vacant.
Statewide Marine Unit
CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit Duluth) handled commercial violations from the Lake Superior Fisheries Office. Assistance was given to a warden from another state with an ongoing license case, and preparations were made for the winter season. An ATV and OHM law and safety talk was given at an area high school. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and commercial violations.

CO Mitch Lawler (Marine Unit - Alexandria) continued to patrol the areas of Douglas and Todd counties for deer-hunting activity. Compliance was overall very good with one exception: Several guns were being transported, loaded in motor vehicles, which resulted in citations.

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