District 5

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area forest roads and public access sites. Small-game hunting was a nonevent as little activity – and even fewer birds – was observed. Ducks remain scarce and Fondie heard multiple comments from duck hunters about the lack of ducks. Other time was spent returning phone calls CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week checking anglers, monitoring ATV activity, and working the ongoing bear-hunting season. The bite continues to be hit and miss on area lakes with water temperatures not dropping due to some warm days. The youth waterfowl and small-game opener was worked, with very few hunters seen out. That was not surprising with the warm weather and thick cover in the woods.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily ATV activity and small-game enforcement. He spent most of his time checking grouse hunters over the opening weekend. Few grouse were taken, and success was low. Violations were related to blaze orange and various ATV violations. He also assisted with a call about a lost person.