Snowmobiling, icefishing and wolf watching the Gunflint Trail area

The past few weekends I've spent up the Gunflint Trail snowmobiling, icefishing and wolf watching with my friend Cory Christianson, a longtime fishing guide with Sea Gull Creek Fishing Camp. Lake trout, brookies, splake, and rainbows are abundant in many lakes such as; Gunflint, Loon, Birch, Mayhew, and Moss.

[ all images are clickable to a larger image ]

Minutes later...

We drilled through 30-36 inches of really good hard ice, pushing the limit of our ice auger.

We caught some nice rainbow trout on Birch lake.

It was calm and sunny all day and we didn't even set-up our shelter.

I took a solo trip into South Lake from Gunflint Lake, where snowmobiles have to stay on the Canadian side because the U.S. / Minnesota side is in the BWCA.

A railroad ran on the trail between Little Gunflint and Little North lake, it still exists from the logging days. See rails about 48 inches wide sticking out of snow.

Stream next to portage trail between Little Gunflint Lake and Little North Lake.

What's left of a deer the wolves chased out on the lake surface and devoured. Usually the only remains are bone fragments, hide, blood and what the deer had in its stomach. We got to this one before the ravens and other birds picked it clean. On Gunflint Lake we counted 4 kill sites that were less than 5 days old.

Lone wolf trotting over to above kill site during the day? Usually when you see a 'lone' wolf out in the open, on a lake in the middle of the day, something is wrong. This animal had a bad case of mange, an ectoparasite that causes wolves to loose hair and weight. This animal was probably kicked out of the pack and is on its own. It only had about 25 percent of its hair left, and has been relegated to leftover scraps and to fend for itself.

Well traveled trail by wolves on Canadian side of Gunflint Lake

Recently the People responsible for regulating wolves destroyed at least one wolf with mange, that was hanging out around people and resorts on Gunflint Lake. If you want to see wolves or signs of wolves head up to Gunflint Lake, they are very abundant. As far as I'm concerned wolf populations are out of control and we are being deceived about their numbers. The number of moose are declining rapidly and if you read between the lines of the MNDNR Moose study, wolves are taking large percentages of pregnant cows and moose calves. See my blog post about moose at: http://www.snowmobiletrailsblog.com/2010/02/moose-population-decline-continues-in.html. Don't take me wrong, wolves have their place in the world, but when you see more wolves than deer and moose, something is wrong. On recent hikes in 4 North Shore State Parks wolf tracks were the main tracks we found on the hiking trails and on the rivers.

Popular waterskipping area at the east end of Gunflint Lake where water runs into Gunflint Lake from Little Gunflint Lake.

As the sun dropped below the treeline our great weekend being outside icefishing and snowmobiling was quickly coming to an end. The sense of going back to the grind tomorrow made me envy the wolves and their freedom; lay on a lake in the sun at day and eat deer or moose at night. Nice!

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Interesting links about wolves;

A retired Fairbanks wolf biologist played a key role in confirming what has been declared North America's first documented fatal wolf attack on a human in the wild. http://www.wolfsongnews.org/news/Alaska_current_events_2448.html

Alaska teacher killed and eaten by wolves from Anchorage Daily News

http://www.adn.com/2010/03/17/1187285/state-ends-hunt-for-wolves-involved.html

The death of Kenton Carnegie by CBC News Online

http://www.cbc.ca/sask/features/wolves/2.html

Did a wolf attack a girl in Pincushion Recreation Area above Grand Marais, Minnesota?

Press Release from the Cook County Sheriff Office
http://co.cook.mn.us/index.php/component/content/article/64-press-releases/1059-press-release-dog-attack

International Wolf Center - Ely, Minnesota

http://www.wolf.org/

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North Shore Snowmobile trails - http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/ for lodging and trail info.

Snowmobile rentals on Gunflint Lake; http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/snowmobilerental.htm

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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report Feb 20, 2010

February 20th, 2010 Our group of 3 left Silver Bay and headed to Devil Track Lake for Lunch via the North Shore State Trail. The trail was freshly groomed and made for a quick ride. After a great lunch at the 'Landing' at Devil Track Resort we heading to Hungry Jack Lodge to see the new building. We took the Gunflint Trail up to Hungry Jack. The 'G' trail was not groomed and we wondered why we went that way. However we made it and the lodge is beautiful! We returned to Silver Bay via the North Shore State Trail late in the afternoon, the trail was still great! 230 miles for the day.

Report by Scott S., Hastings, Minnesota. See trailhead option H for planning this route.

Send your report to us!

North Shore Snowmobile Trails - http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

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North Shore Weekend Snowmobile Events for February 27 and 28th, 2010

Fishcakes @ Carbine's - Saturday, February 27 Fishcakes on McFarland Lake. Organized ride leaves Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions/parking. This event takes place on McFarland Lake at the end of the Arrowhead Trail / Cook County Road 16.

>>Always have a trail map with you while you ride snowmobile trails.

Annual Trout Derby Picnic and fishing contest - Sunday Feb 28th. Anglers check-in by 9 a.m. Door prizes to be given away. Gunflint Lake boat access. Bring along your Vintage Snowmobile for display. See trailhead option G for location/directions/parking. This event takes place on Gunflint Lake surface infront of public landing and Gunflint Lodge. This event is 45 miles from downtown Grand Marais, Minnnesota up the Gunflint Trail / Cook County Road 12. Fish must be checked in by 1 p.m. Event lasts until about 3pm.

More events click here
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Arctic Cat Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Fire Hazard

Washington, D.C.--(ENEWSPF)--February 23, 2010. The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Arctic Cat Snowmobiles

Units: About 1,300

Manufacturer: Arctic Cat Inc. of Thief River Falls, Minn.
Hazard: Fuel can leak from the fuel pump at the fuel tank mounting screws, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Arctic Cat has received two reports of fuel leakage at the fuel pump mounting screws. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves all Model Year 2010 Arctic Cat 500 Sno Pro models. The model name and number are displayed on the side of the seat and on the engine cowling.

Sold at: Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide from October 2009 to February 2010 for between $7,800 and $8,200.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have been directly notified about this recall by mail.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Arctic Cat at (800) 279-6851 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.arctic-cat.com/.

Source: cpsc.gov
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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report Feb 12, 2010

On February 11th, 2010 - Headed from Lutsen down the North Shore State Trail to the start of the Pequaywan Hoyt Lakes Trail, about 100 miles, trail was freshly groomed. Headed north to Hoyt lakes with a gas stop at The Pequaywan Inn. The trail again was freshly groomed. From Hoyt Lakes we made our way to Babbitt via The Taconite Trail Spur which is a blast to ride. 30' wide and smooth as glass. Stopped in Babbitt for gas and took off down the Stoney Spur Trail which was in excellent condition. At the end of the Stoney Spur you catch the Tomahawk Trail which was really rough for about 8 miles, but we met the groomer heading towards Ely. After that it was good going.


Stopped at The Knotted Pine for gas and took the long way down the Yukon Trail which only had one track over it since the groomer. Caught the North Shore State Trail and headed up to Finland for gas, again, and headed home to Lutsen. All total, this is a 370 mile loop. We did it in one day, but would make for an excellent overnight trip. All the trails we rode were in EXCELLENT condition and those involved should be commended. Come on up to the Shore and experience THE BEST riding in the State. Oh, by the way, spent some $$$ with the local business people so that they will be around in the future. We need them. Happy Trails!   Report by Mark B., Northfield, Minnesota. See trailhead options  K or M for planning this route. Send your report to us!

North Shore Snowmobile Trails - http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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Technology and fog end up bad mix for snowmobiler in Arctic Alaska

The modern GPS tracking device can be accurate to within feet, but it isn't always so. This time, it was off by just enough to lead Hultman Kiokun and his son off a cliff above the Mekoryuk River. Read More at Alaska Dispatches - http://alaskadispatch.com/dispatches/rural-alaska/3954-dying-to-bathe
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North Shore Snowmobile Trails - http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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Snowmobile Drag Races Feb 13th Gunflint Trail Grand Marais

Snowmobile Drag Races - Saturday, February 13 @ Windigo Lodge on Poplar Lake - Gunflint Trail. Sign up at 11 a.m.

Racing starts at noon. Windigo Lodge is approx. 31 miles up the Gunflint Trail from downtown Grand Marais, in the Mid-Trail area, on the left side as you drive up. Large moose statue in front of lodge. In the 40 MPH zone. There are also many trailheads from which you can launch and ride to Poplar Lake. There is usually a plowed parking area on lake surface infront of lodge. See all trailheads http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/#trailheads
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http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

HELP! Lost Quarter Horse. May be using snowmobile trails to get around.

Published Feb 10th, 2010
Updated Feb 13th, 2010 09:20am

Help needed from area snowmobilers!
Lost Quarter Horse. May be using snowmobile trails to get around.

Description: 10 year old gelding, Brown with white mark on forehead - back two feet have whte socks. Wearing a halter. Named El Nino.

Horse left property northeast of Island Lake (22 miles north of Duluth) Sunday afternoon Feb. 7th. Tracked to last known location Alden Lake area, west side of Cloquet River. Headed in an easterly direction. Horse was born/raised in northwest Wisconsin - near Port Wing - likely wanting to return there.

Horse was tracked on the snowmobile trail off North Alden Lake Road heading east toward Alden Lake. He stuck to the trail until it turned north about 1/2 mile west of Alden Lake turned east by southeast.

Track is significanlty larger than deer track. Have not yet confirmed crossing the Cloquet River. No reported sightings. Officials in St. Louis Co, Lake Co and DNR have been notified.
Hoping Snowmobilers can network this info around as widely as possible.

If you sight El Nino Please call Scott immediately 218-393-2779 with any information.
Thanks!
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Updated Saturday 2-13.


We had a helicopter with a thermal image camera in the air last night. No CONFIRMED sightings yet but there were 2 hits. Most likely appeared south of Island Lake, just west of Cty Rd 273/Old Vermillion Trail, very close to the Island Lake Spur snowmobile trail. Likely heading south and looking for other horses and food.
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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 9th, 2010

North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 9th, 2010 from http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

Tuesday Feb 9th... Rode from Lutsen to Silver Rapids Lodge in Ely. The North Shore State Trail hasn't been groomed since the fresh snow, but was a lot of fun to ride. The Tomahawk Trail was good to Isabella, but turned rough until we got to the Jay Matillia shelter. From there to Ely it was fair, with the corners getting rough. From Silver Rapids Lodge we rode the lake trail down to Babbit which was alot of fun, easy miles. The Stoney Spur Trail from Babbit back to the Tomahawk Trail and to the Knotted Pine for gas. Rode the Yukon Trail down to Two Harbors, and took the North Shore State Trail back to Lutsen for the day. This is a great loop to ride, @ 305 miles All in all, trails are in good shape, but after they get groomed, they well be EXCELLENT.

See trailhead option K or M for planning this route.

Send your North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report to us!
http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 8th, 2010

North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 8th, 2010 from http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

Monday Feb 8th... Rode from Lutsen up to Rydens Border Store plowing through 6-12 " of fresh powder. The Grand Portage trails were a blast with some of the best views you can find in Minnesota. Stoped at Lakewind General Store at Devil Track Lake for maps and info, the people there are great. On the way back we rode up the Gunflint to Hungry Jack Lodge. New place is sweet, but the spur trail leaves a little bit to be desired. The off trail riding is as good as you can ask for. Report by Mark B., Northfield, Minnesota.
See trailhead option K or M for planning this route.

Send your North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report to us!
http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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Cook County Snowmobile Club 2010 Events Schedule

Trail Center Ride - Sunday, January 3 Ride to Trail Center for lunch. Start from Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m.

Gunflint Lodge Bistro Ride - Saturday, January 9 leave Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m.

Afternoon ride to Hungry Jack Lodge - Saturday, January 16 Leave 'The Landing' @ Devil Track Resort at 3 p.m.

Ride to Cascade Lodge - Sunday, January 17 Leave Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m.

Fortune Bay Resort Vermillion - Thursday to Sunday January 21-24 Fortune Bay Resort in Vermillion, Minnesota. Standard room $67, Suite $93. Block of rooms are reserved under Cook County Ridge Riders. Make reservations by December 27th. 1-800-555-1714

Drag Race at Devil Track Lake - Saturday, January 30. Sign up at 11 a.m. Racing starts at noon. Antique Snowmobile Display – bring your Vintage Sled. Parking near Devil Track Resort and event on lake infront of Devil Track Resort.

Ride to Moguls in Lutsen for lunch - Sunday January 31. Leave Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m.

Fun Run Casino Night - Proceeds to the Club! Saturday, February 6 Poker Run. Start from Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m. for first card, then to Trail Center, Windigo, and Hungry Jack. Have lunch where you choose and get last card at The Landing by 5 p.m. with Casino night at The Landing with card games, food and drink specials, prizes and entertainment. Money raised goes to the Club! See trailhead option C for location/directions and parking.

Drag Races - Saturday, February 13 @ Windigo Lodge on Poplar Lake. Sign up at 11 a.m., racing starts at noon.Windigo Lodge is approx. 31 miles up the Gunflint Trail, in the Mid-Trail area, on the left side as you drive up. Large moose staue in front of lodge. In the 40 MPH zone. There are also many trailheads from which you can launch and ride to Poplar Lake.

Valentine's Day Ride - Sunday, February 14th. Riders will decide destination... Meet at Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions.

Poker Run - Sunday, February 21 Start from Devil Track General Store at 10 a.m. for the first card, then to Trail Center, Windigo and Hungry Jack. Get last card by 2 p.m. Entry fee and prize for highest and lowest hand. See trailhead option C for location/directions/parking.

Fishcakes @ Carbine's - Saturday, February 27 Fishcakes on McFarland Lake. Organized ride leaves Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions/parking.

Annual Trout Derby Picnic and fishing contest - Sunday Feb 28th. Door prizes to be given away. Gunflint Lake boat access. Bring along your Vintage Snowmobile for display. See trailhead option G for location/directions/parking.

Overnight ride to Grand Portage Lodge and Casino - March 6-7th Sat - Sunday. Organized ride leaves from Devil Track General Store at 9 a.m. See trailhead option C for location/directions/parking.

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Moose population decline continues in northeastern Minnesota - News release from MNDNR

Two moose enjoy a warm spring day along the Gunflint Trail. Moose on right gave birth to calf moments later in water.

Moose population decline continues in northeastern Minnesota

(Released February 8, 2010)

According to results of an aerial survey released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the moose population in northeastern Minnesota continues to decline.

Survey results revealed lower moose numbers and the proportion of cows accompanied by calves continued a 13-year decline and dropping to a record low of 28 calves per 100 cows.

“These indices along with results from research using radio-collared moose all indicate that the population has been declining in recent years,” said Dr. Mark Lenarz, DNR forest wildlife group leader.

Moose populations are estimated using an aerial survey of the northeast Minnesota moose range. Based on the survey, wildlife researchers estimate that there were 5,500 moose in northeastern Minnesota. The estimate, while not statistically different from last year’s 7,600, reinforces the inference that the moose population is declining. In addition to the decline in the calf to cow ratio, the bull to cow also continued to decline with an estimated 83 bulls per 100 cows. Aerial surveys have been conducted each year since 1960 in the northeast and are based on flying transects in 40 randomly selected plots spread across the Arrowhead.

A study of radio-collared moose in northeastern Minnesota between 2002 and 2008 determined that non-hunting mortality was substantially higher than in moose populations outside of Minnesota. Lenarz indicated that, “combined with the reduced number of calves, the high mortality results in a population with a downward trend.”

The causes of moose mortality are not well understood. Of 150 adult moose radio-collared since 2002 in Minnesota, 103 have subsequently died, most from unknown causes thought to be diseases or parasites. Nine moose died as a result of highway vehicle accidents. Two were killed by trains. Only six deaths were clearly the result of wolf predation.

Analyses by Lenarz and other scientists have indicated a significant relationship between warmer temperatures and non-hunting mortality. “Moose are superbly adapted to the cold but intolerant of heat,” said Lenarz, “and scientists believe that summer temperatures will likely determine the southern limit of this species.”

As recently as the 1980s as many as 4,000 moose inhabited northwestern Minnesota, an area of agricultural land interspersed with woodlots. The population declined dramatically during the 1990s and currently numbers fewer than 100 animals. In contrast, the northeastern population occurs in wetland-rich forested habitat which presumably provides thermal cover in a warming environment.

In August, a Moose Advisory Committee convened by the DNR released their findings which will be used in the development of a legislatively-mandated research and management plan. They indicated that while climate change is a long-term threat to the moose in Minnesota, moose will likely persist in the state for the foreseeable future. The plan should be ready later this spring and will be open to the public for comment.

The Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa and 1854 Treaty Authority contributed funding and provided personnel for the annual survey.

A copy of the aerial survey report is available online at:
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/hunting/moose/moose_survey_2010.pdf
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IQALUIT, Nunavut - Hunters on snowmobiles a way of life in G-7 venue

from Business Week

And authorities are telling them not to worry much if, say, a gun-toting man goes by on a snowmobile. Government finance chiefs of the seven big industrial ...
read more at Business Week
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9DLKIK01.htm
 
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North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 5th, 2010

North Shore Snowmobile Trail Report February 5th, 2010 from http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/

February 4th, 2010 We rode the north shore state trail on Wed Feb 4th from south of Two Harbors to Finland. Then rode to Isabella and then down to the Brimson trail and south back to our cabin. 190 miles and the trail were great!!! All of them were smooth and lots of snow. The DNR lists the trails as good but they are very good to excellent. Report by Jon W., Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. See trailhead option I for planning this route.  Send your report to us!

North Shore Snowmobile Trails - http://www.snowmobiletrails.com/
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