DNR reports

Wild tales

Jon Paurus (Alexandria) was investigating a hunting complaint when he heard what sounded like a cat howling. A short time later a cat was seen running up a tree with a fisher in hot pursuit. When the fisher grabbed a hold of the cat they both tumbled nearly 25 feet to the ground and more howling was heard. The officer approached to within 10 yards of the fisher and cat when the cat again attempted to run up a tree. The fisher again snatched the cat and both fell to the ground. The fisher then skillfully proceeded to finish the cat off. As the fisher caught its breath after the kill, it noticed the officer and picked up the cat and scampered off.

Lake County

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) concluded a wildfire investigation and took enforcement action for a couple violations associated with the fire. Equipment maintenance issues were taken care of in preparation for the upcoming winter season. Complaints related to baiting are coming in on a near daily basis. Checked pair of new trappers and educated them about trapping requirements and restrictions within the lynx zone.

Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) checked trappers, grouse hunters, anglers, and ATVs. He responded to a trespass complaint near Wilson Lake but there was no violation. He advised an off-road vehicle operator in Finland about illegal operation.

North

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked area grouse hunters this past week and a few duck hunters. Also checked ATVs and took several calls on the upcoming deer season.

Marty Stage (Ely) checked ATVs and some anglers. Archery hunters could be found out and about and a few grouse hunters are still prowling around. A roadkill deer was reported. Calls have begun to come in from concerned people about hunters illegally baiting for deer. White and some brown “salt licks” are OK, but any other ingredients on a block other than minerals (such as protein or molasses) is illegal. Just because they sell it at the local feed store doesn’t mean it’s legal. Call a local officer or the TIP line if you observe a location where someone has placed bait for deer and the officer will discretely determine if there is a violation.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports many wolves have been reported being caught in fox or coyote trapping sets. Released one cooperative wolf and one uncooperative wolf. They both ran off with no apparent injury. Trap tampering reports also came in and people are reminded that they are not to touch a trap regardless of whether or not they agree with trapping. If you have any concerns about traps or trappers, call a local conservation officer and don’t risk criminal charges. Contacts for no helmets on youth while riding ATVs and for riding in unlawful places were also made.

Mary Manning (Hovland) continued to check grouse hunters and trout anglers. Assisted in releasing two grey wolves from legal, leghold traps. There’s an increase in trap tampering incidents and reminds folks to leash their dogs when walking roads and trails and to leave all traps alone. It is a crime to touch, spring, or otherwise disturb a trap. Attended a presentation by Thunder Bay Police Department on gangs in the border country, worked a joint detail with U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers at the Pigeon River entry and took two reports of swans in the area.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) monitored waterfowl hunters, small game hunters, and trappers throughout the week. A shining complaint was worked and bear hunting investigations were followed up on. Worked with a state park manager on several issues. Responded to nuisance animal and trapping complaints.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent several nights working deer shining complaint areas. Some follow-up work on a couple TIP calls was also investigated. Many small game hunters and tree stand builders were out during the week. A car-kill moose was also attended too, which involved taking several blood samples for our wildlife biologists.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reports several watercrafts were stopped and inspected for invasive species. Most watercraft owners were understanding of the cooperative efforts by various organizations dedicated to slowing the spread of invasive species. Another illegally taken buck was investigated.

Tags: lake county, outdoors, minnesota