Weekly CO report
District 7 - Grand Rapids area
Last updated: 2025-05-19
CO Vinny Brown (Northome) made boat safety checks, enforced aquatic invasive species laws, and checked anglers. Enforcement action was taken for possession of fish within the protected slot. Wildlife-related calls were handled, and assistance was given to other law enforcement agencies. A theft complaint was investigated involving a trap used for wildlife studies. The investigation resulted in the recovery of the stolen trap.
CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) worked ATV, small-game, and fishing activities. He patrolled area trails. Numerous game and fish-related questions were answered. He also responded to wildlife-related complaints.
CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, responded to TIP complaints, and monitored off-highway vehicle activity. Fairbanks and his K9 partner Fennec also assisted in a warrant pick up and attended training. Enforcement action was taken for angling in a closed area, license issues, and illegal OHV operation.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked a cooler and slower first week of the walleye and northern pike season. Some individuals found bass biting more than other fish, with few walleyes being caught. The larger lakes like Bowstring and Winnibigoshish seemed to produce better in the area. Sutherland worked trapping issues and took enforcement action for angling without a license and operating an unregistered ATV.
CO Jimmy Van Asch (Pengilly) reports working sport fishing, boating, ATV, and AIS enforcement activities. Anglers were greeted with a drastic change in weather over the weekend, slowing productivity. Enforcement action was taken for several angling, license, and boating violations.
CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) spent time checking anglers and monitoring boating activity. The ATV trails are now open and beginning to see some use. Recent rainfalls were very welcome as they greatly reduced the fire danger in the area.
CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) reports it is illegal to fish the Mississippi River within 300 feet below the Pokegama Reservoir Dam. Numerous complaints have been received and addressed. Time was also spent on boating safety and assisting stranded boaters. Holt investigated a wildfire and attended a youth firearms safety field day. Enforcement activity involved AIS violations, angling license violations, and fishing in closed areas.
NE ATV officer vacant.