An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January 2023 eNewsletter.
By DNR Conservation Warden Zachary Seitz
It’s hard to believe it’s time to start a new year calendar. As you know, January is known as a month for those resolutions to accomplish something or create a new habit.
It’s all too common for those well-intended personal pledges to get pushed into a long-forgotten drawer or fade into the February sunset.
However, I have an idea to make the resolution fun and worthwhile.
Let’s help each other stay safe as we enjoy the incredible outdoor opportunities with our friends and families, or just precious time on our own. Now is as good a time as any to make those personal pledges to keep yourself safe, as well as others with and around you.
My Top 10 Tips Include Your Pal, Trip Plan & Phone
Look over these winter safety tips every time before you go trapping, hunting or fishing, especially if ice is involved.
- Bring a buddy. Enjoying the outdoors with a friend is more fun and certainly safer.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to get back. This has obvious benefits, but not everyone thinks to do this. The important community sharing aids in getting help to you quicker in the case you are in danger and do not have a working phone. And this brings me to my next point…
- Bring a cell phone. Being able to take pictures of what you shoot or catch creates memories for a lifetime. More importantly, a cell phone can get you help faster than waiting for a passerby. And you may the one helping ANOTHER in need of help.
- Have a plan for if something goes wrong. Like what? Here’s an example: Let’s say you fall through the ice. Do you have ice picks to help you get out? Do you have flotation in you clothing or are you wearing a life jacket? How will you warm up? Do you have an extra set of clothing? How will you get help? If your phone gets wet, will it still work?
- Make sure you wear creepers when on the ice. This will help prevent you from slipping and falling. It can be easy to slip, especially early season.
- No ice is safe ice. This may be the most important to tip to keep front and center. Ice can be unpredictable, especially in areas with current or springs. Ice may be thick in one spot but five yards away it may be different. Always use an ice spud when going to new areas on the ice.
- Driving on the ice is always a risk – consider alternatives to driving a vehicle on the ice. One idea is to use a recreational vehicle or walk with your two legs.
- Pay attention to what ice looks like before you walk on it. Clear ice is stronger than ice with bubbles in it (so long as they are the same thickness).
- Make it a habit to check in with local sporting goods stores or bait shops prior to going out on the ice. They will likely have the most updated report on ice conditions.
- Know the limits of your equipment. The truth is some stuff just doesn’t work as well in 10-degree weather.
Safety should always be the #1 priority. Please consider these tips and do whatever will keep you safe this winter.
I hope to see you out there enjoying Wisconsin’s natural resources this winter.
Happy New Year!