‘Sled Safe’ Weekend is Jan. 31 – Feb 2
An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2025 eNewsletter.
By Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator
As we head into the winter, my thoughts always go to two topics: early ice safety and snowmobile season. Right up there on my season list is the importance of communicating with others to make every Wisconsin outdoor excursion a fun and safe event.
As the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association members are aware, our state is known for its waters, which are inviting any time of the year to human and winged creature alike. However, it is best to admire the beauty of ice covers on our treasured waters from the shore – especially when the early winter temperatures are bouncing like a ping pong ball.
After we have the first cold nights, we start to see the early ice. It may look solid to the naked eye, but it’s not. There can be, and often are, cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you will not see.
The ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground springs still feeding lakes and rivers. These factors, and more, are why no ice is ever considered safe – no matter the month.
- Please remember the DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but they are monitored locally. Local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops remain your best sources for local current ice conditions. However, the best idea for safe winter fun is to enjoy outings without travel over ice.
WINTER’S POPULAR OUTDOOR FUN
Photo credit: iStock/c3nsored
Two of the most popular winter activities including ice fishing and snowmobiling. Wisconsin is a destination state for fishing and for snowmobiling. Wisconsin has one of the most successful snowmobile programs in the country. The numbers don’t lie.
During the past five years, we have averaged 230,000 registered sleds; we host 25,000 miles of trails. Along with registration, snowmobilers are required to purchase a trail pass for every snowmobile if operated on a trail system. This additional funding assists with maintenance costs. Approximately 600 dedicated snowmobile clubs work hard to promote their sport and coordinate with counties to maintain the trails, ensuring that residents and nonresidents alike enjoy the Wisconsin winter.
A tragic part of snowmobiling are the fatal and serious injury crashes that occur every year. All these crashes are preventable. Speed, alcohol and careless operation are top factors in fatal incidents.
Around 67% of fatal snowmobile crashes involve alcohol or drug use. During the past 10 years, snowmobile fatalities have been slowly decreasing. In 2014, there were 22 fatal incidents, while in 2023 there were 16.
The 2023-2024 season was an anomaly with the mild winter resulting in many trails never opening and three fatalities statewide. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation wardens have risen to the challenge and addressed it with focused enforcement efforts. Patrol, environmental factors, education and media outreach have all contributed to safer trails.
Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in Wisconsin is increasing. The DNR OHV program continues to pivot and adjust to the changes. Often, this involves leaning on the help of others since the workload never decreases.
The department also conducts an all-hands-on-deck safety enhancement campaign each winter called “Sled Safe”. This is a coordinated and publicized effort taking place over one weekend to reduce snowmobile crashes and keep snowmobilers safer on the trails. This year, it will be Jan. 31 – Feb. 2.
Enforcement makes a huge impact but is not the only answer. Ultimately, we can’t choose for people to make good decisions, and I often think about ways we can educate and communicate to recreators before something happens.
TEAMWORK TO SPREAD SAFETY MESSAGES
About two years ago, the OHV and boating programs began to partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). They were interested in branching beyond the normal motor vehicle focus and exploring opportunities to promote safe operation in the recreation vehicle world.
Along the same lines, I desire to use as many avenues as I can to make the trails safer. We have been able to coordinate safety messaging with neighboring states. This includes handouts for public events and press releases to media outlets around Wisconsin. MADD also has unique opportunities to work with families impacted by intoxicated drivers and, in some cases, spread a safety message through public service announcements and interviews.
There is certainly more to come as we work towards reducing fatal incidents. Teamwork truly makes a difference. And this takes me back to communication, which has a vital role in snowmobiling and ice fishing. Here are some safety tips I share for early winter ice:
- Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a personal flotation device or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.
- Take an extra pair of mittens or gloves so your hands can remain dry and warm.
- Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
- Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
- Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas – or at night.
- Have a plan in place noting where you will be and when you plan to return. Along with leaving a written note of your plans, it is also recommended to keep a charged cell phone.
Stay safe and let’s enjoy a fun-filled winter in the new year!