The Northwoods region of Minnesota is known for its vast wilderness areas, frozen lakes, and abundant wildlife. This environment is also home to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) law enforcement agencies, which work tirelessly to protect the region’s natural resources and ensure public safety.
District 6: The Upper Peninsula of Minnesota
In the Upper Peninsula, or “Up North,” the DNR law enforcement agencies reported a slow start to the angling season. Snowmobiles were still on the lakes, but the snow quickly melted, making it difficult for riders. Violations were reported for angling without a license and fishing without a license.
- CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reported low angling activity and focused on patrolling the lakes.
- CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent most of his week patrolling for snowmobile and ATV operators, as well as focusing on fishing activity.
- CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers along the border and Lake Superior and completed online training and equipment maintenance.
- CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) patrolled angling, snowmobiling, and trapping activities, and performed equipment maintenance.
- CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) checked crappie anglers and worked on spring cleaning his equipment.
- CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) monitored ice anglers and assisted with an all-female firearms safety field day in Willow River.
- CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and trapping enforcement.
District 5: The Iron Range and Surrounding Areas
In the Iron Range and surrounding areas, the DNR law enforcement agencies reported a good portion of the week was spent at Camp Ripley for annual in-service training. Fishing activity on the Rainy River was dampened by cold, snowy, rainy, and windy weather.
- CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reported working at Camp Ripley and attending training.
- CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) worked the Rainy River and attended training.
- CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) attended annual in-service training and worked through ongoing cases.
- CO Troy Fondie (Orr) attended training and checked angling activities.
- CO Sean Cannon (Cook) checked ice anglers and monitored ATV activity.
- CO Aaron Larson (Tower) investigated fire violations and checked for ATV activity.
- CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) spent most of the week at Camp Ripley for in-service training.
- CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) investigated a garbage-dumping case and patrolled for ATV activity.
- CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) monitored ice fishing, trapping, and ATV activity.
Enforcement Education and Reminders
The DNR offers various education courses and training sessions for law enforcement, hunters, and the general public. These courses cover topics such as wildlife safety, hunting regulations, and law enforcement techniques.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| DNR Enforcement Education Courses | Covers topics such as wildlife safety, hunting regulations, and law enforcement techniques. |
| DNR Enforcement Youth and Adult Snowmobile Safety Courses | Covers snowmobile safety and regulations. |
| DNR Safety Training Course | Required for anyone born after December 31, 1979 to hunt in Minnesota. |
- Anyone born after December 31, 1979, must take a DNR Safety Training Course and receive a certificate before purchasing a hunting license.
- Residents born after December 31, 1976, must possess a snowmobile certificate to operate a snowmobile in Minnesota.
- Anyone born after July 1, 1987, must complete the ATV Safety Training online course to operate an ATV on public lands and waters.
Air and Water Enforcement
The DNR law enforcement agencies also reported on air and water enforcement activities.
- CO Jason Jensen (Brainerd) flew a wolf-telemetry flight and monitored forest roads.
- CO Charles Scott (Brainerd) conducted flight training and worked on yearly training.
- CO Ryan Hanna (Grand Rapids) completed annual training at Camp Ripley.
- CO Tim Gray (Bemidji) assisted District 2 and completed trainings for upcoming survey flights.
- NR Pilot Gracie Zeller (Brainerd) attended an annual fire suppression refresher training.
Reminder: Stay Safe in the Northwoods
The Northwoods region of Minnesota is a beautiful and unforgiving environment. Visitors and residents alike must take precautions to stay safe and protect the region’s natural resources.
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