District 8 - Duluth area

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) spent time preparing equipment for the upcoming fishing opener. He contacted several anglers chasing panfish and catfish before the opener kicks off. Some anglers had limits of crappies, and it appears the bite will only get better. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license and ATV registration violations. The disappearance of two calves was also investigated as a possible wolf-depredation issue.

CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) spent much of the week working angling and ATV activity. ATV-related complaints on closed trails and private property continue, along with multiple complaints of OHMs operating on roadways.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) continued to monitor spring fish run activities, which included night smelting activities and past walleye netting and spearing locations. Duncan also fielded ATV-trespass complaints and motor vehicles operating on state snowmobile trails. A couple car-hit bears were also taken care of during the week.

CO Tony Elwell (Cloquet) spent time preparing equipment for the upcoming fishing opener. ATV patrols were conducted, and anglers and turkey hunters were checked. A TIP call involving a potential trout-fishing violation was fielded, and a Wetland Conservation Act investigation was started. Spring panfish success has been hit-or-miss on most area lakes.

CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) worked turkey hunting, fishing, and ATV/OHM enforcement this week. Enforcement action was taken for various violations, including operating an ATV without headlights on, failure to display current ATV registration, expired ATV registration, and youthful ATV passengers without helmets on. Helmets and seatbelts (when equipped) are legally required to be worn by ATV operators/passengers under 18 years of age but recommended for all.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) spent the week preparing for fishing opener with maintenance on boats and trailers. The Nemadji trails were re-opened, and signs were removed. ATV/OHM riders were checked throughout the week. Investigations continued throughout the week.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) spent time this week conducting patrols for ATV, hunting and fishing activity. A case involving an unlicensed hunter was investigated. With the help of Lt. Mohs and his K9 partner, the turkey and other evidence was found near the road. The Minnesota-Wisconsin border-water fishing opener was worked as well.

Hinckley vacant.
Statewide Marine Unit
CO Arnaud Kpachavi (Marine Unit - Metro) focused on training and watercraft activity during the week. He assisted with instruction at the annual Deputy Boating School at Camp Ripley. He also patrolled Lake Minnetonka and observed a very good crappie bite.

CO Joe Kulhanek (Marine Unit- Metro) spent the week instructing sheriff?s deputies from around the state at Deputy Boating School. Calls were returned to the public as well as anglers checked on area waters.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit Duluth) instructed at the Division?s Deputy Boating School. Deputy sheriffs from around Minnesota received instruction in watercraft operation and enforcement, alcohol investigations, and water survival. Equipment transfers were handled, and preparations made for the upcoming boating season.

CO Mitch Lawler (Marine Unit - Alexandria) instructed throughout the week at Camp Ripley, teaching sheriff?s deputies effective water patrol techniques. Anglers were checked as angler panfish success increased. One angler was cited for fishing without a license.

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