The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding outdoor enthusiasts that no ice is ever 100 percent safe as the Winnebago System sturgeon spearing season opens February 14.
Officials urge spearers and anyone heading onto frozen lakes or rivers to check with local guides, fishing clubs and bait shops for current ice conditions. The DNR does not monitor ice thickness statewide, and conditions can change daily — especially on large bodies of water.
Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Warden and Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator, says shorelines, pressure cracks, ice heaves and currents can create inconsistent ice thickness, posing serious risks for snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs.
Wardens respond to multiple incidents each year involving recreational vehicles breaking through the ice, sometimes with tragic results.
Safety reminders include knowing designated travel corridors, understanding your vehicle’s weight — particularly UTVs, which can weigh nearly 3,000 pounds — driving slowly, and never operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operators should also carry a cell phone, wear life jackets, have a recovery plan in place, and stick to well-known areas with more reliable ice conditions.
For more winter safety information, visit the DNR’s Ice Safety webpage.
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