Snowmobilers: prepare now for upcoming season

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages snowmobilers eager to take advantage of winter’s snow to keep safety at the forefront of their preparations. This includes staying alert to the rapidly changing ice conditions commonly found in the early and later parts of winter.

“The biggest thing we want folks to remember is that no ice is completely safe,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “On a sunny day, ice that may have been thick enough to drive on in the morning may be unsafe by the afternoon, especially during the early part of the season.”

This rule also applies to ATVs and UTVs. Last season, several ATVs and UTVs went through the ice, with two resulting in fatalities. Local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops are the best sources for current ice conditions.

The DNR also encourages all snowmobilers to take a safety education class. According to Wisconsin law, anybody at least 12 years of age and born after Jan. 1, 1985 must have a valid safety education certificate to operate a snowmobile. Sign up now (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation) for a spot, as classes fill up fast.

Visit the DNR’s ice safety webpage (https://dnr. wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/IceSafety) for more information on staying safe on the ice and refer to the Wisconsin snowmobile regulations (https://widnr. widen.net/s/gmes43nhcy) for laws for operational restrictions, safety tips and more.