Weekly CO report

District 8 - Duluth area

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) continued to monitor angling and small game hunting activity. He addressed concerns about unattended decoys being left out in a lake for several days, wildlife possession permits were issued and aquatic invasive species violations were addressed.

CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) followed up on a complaint related to, Wildlife Management Areas, nuisance animals, and ATV/OHM areas of concern. The officer attended an open house for trail planning in the Cloquet Valley Forest. Time was spent patrolling lakes/public accesses for angling and waterfowl activity. Hot temps have hindered the hunting/fishing a bit but users enjoyed boat and water activities in the last week of September.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) participated in a division training with many officers around the state. Fishing enforcement was worked on both inland and Lake Superior and ATV complaint areas were monitored. Several grouse hunters were checked throughout the week, as well as archery deer hunters. Officer Duncan also completed commercial taxidermy inspections.

CO Anthony Elwell (Cloquet) spent time this week monitoring small game, waterfowl, and archery-deer hunting. Warm temps continue to stall success for most small game and waterfowl hunters. Elwell spent time training this week and observed heavy ATV activity this weekend with the unseasonably warm weather. Fall colors are starting to show themselves.

CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) worked small game, waterfowl, big game, and sport fishing enforcement this week. Time was spent at training and taxidermy inspections were completed.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) patrolled the area for hunting activity and saw some out for turkey opener. Fishermen were checked and recreational ATV/OHM activity remains high. A few archery hunters have had success and had contingencies in place for finding deer quickly in the warm weather.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) attended/instructed a firearms training. Patrols in the area State Forests and other State land was conducted for ATV and hunting activity. Large game hunting activity has been continuously patrolled. Waterfowl hunter, anglers and boaters were checked out on the water. Success this week was varied and only a few violations were found. Time was also spent on equipment maintenance.

Hinckley vacant.
Statewide Marine Unit
CO Arnaud Kpachavi (Marine Unit - Metro) continued training COC Emma Wehking. During the week, they worked shore anglers, watercraft enforcement, and waterfowl hunting enforcement. Enforcement action was taken of angling and watercraft violations.

CO Joseph Kulhanek (Marine Unit - Metro) spent time attending training, checking waterfowl hunters, and enforcing boating regulations on a busy Lake Minnetonka. CO Kulhanek continued training a conservation officer candidate from the last academy, and the warm weather brought out a lot of recreational boaters. Enforcement action was taken for hunting and boating violations.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit Duluth) attended training for new equipment. Questions were answered regarding angler harassment and ATV operation on public roads. Commercial enforcement items were handled for Fisheries. Enforcement action taken for commercial and ATV violations.

CO Mitch Lawler (Marine Unit Alexandria) began working with his new COC this week. They patrolled several lakes, checked multiple anglers, and found violations. Personal Watercraft being operated during restricted times (1 hour before sunrise to 9:30 AM) continues to be a problem in the area.

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