Woods & Water by Dick Herfindahl

 

What was I thinking when I was wishing for a little more winter-like weather? Old Man Winter has definitely turned up the volume while taking the thermometer down.

With that being said, I have to once again mention the fact that there have been numerous folks falling through the ice while driving vehicles of all varieties out onto the ice. Cars, trucks, ATV’s and snowmobiles have been falling through the ice all over the state.

There have been reports of vehicles going through the ice at Clear Lake in Waseca, Madison Lake and snowmobilers have fallen through the ice on Minnesota Lake. The Minnesota DNR has put out on media numerous warnings about no ice being safe ice. We recommend checking the ice every 150 feet and paying close attention to thickness guidelines. Don’t drive a car or small truck unless there’s a minimum of 8 inches of ice and a minimum of 12 inches if you’re driving a medium-sized truck.

This year, the ice seems to be exceptionally unstable when it comes to venturing out on any body of water without knowing for sure that the ice is thick enough. I love to fish and I love to eat fish, but I do not feel that there is a fish swimming that is worth risking my life over. With that being set, please be careful if you venture out for a little “hard water” fishing.

I have heard that there are some nice crappie being caught on a “night bite” on Fountain Lake, along with other panfish, some bass, walleye and pike. Pickeral had been giving up some nice perch early-on, but the size has not been the best lately.

It was only a week or so ago that I was telling myself that I was glad that I didn’t own a snowmobile because of a lack of snow. I even felt sorry for those that did own one. Now that we have snow on the ground, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those that ride.

Snowmobile riders throughout the state would welcome a fresh round of snowfall, but despite less-than-ideal conditions in some areas, they’re hitting lakes and trails with a fervor.

Minnesota has more than 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, about 21,000 of which are maintained by local snowmobile club volunteers. Add in the thousands of lakes on which people ride and there’s no shortage of opportunity to experience Minnesota atop a sled.

Every year, however, multiple riders are killed or injured while riding a snowmobile.

“Snowmobiling is fun and exciting – and is a great source of physical activity – but every time they fire up the engine snowmobilers should make safety their priority,” said Bruce Lawrence, recreational vehicle coordinator for DNR’s Enforcement Division. “By keeping a clear head and using common sense, snowmobile riders can go a long way toward ensuring a safe ride.”

Here are some key safety points to keep in mind:

• Don’t drink and ride – alcohol and snowmobiling are a bad combination.

• Wear a helmet and proper clothing.

• Drive slower at night and be prepared for the unexpected.

• Check local trail and ice conditions.

• Cross with care.

• Avoid riding alone.

• Ride safe, stay on the trail and respect private property.

• Smart riders are safe riders — take a snowmobile safety training course.

To legally operate a snowmobile in Minnesota, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976 must have a valid snowmobile safety certificate. Options for classroom and online safety courses can be found at mndnr.gov/safety/vehicle/snowmobile/index.html.

 

Boat hosts still needed for Governor’s Fishing Opener

Until next time, we have been getting good responses for our need of fishing hosts, but we still have a long way to go in reaching the number of hosts needed to make this event a success. I would like to encourage anyone who is a registered boat owner and would like to participate in the Governor’s Fishing Opener by being a boat host to sign up online. The easiest way to do that is by going to www.mngovernorsopener.com look for the search box and type in boat host, click on search glass and it will take you to the page. Select boat host information and follow the instructions. You may also stop by the CVB office to pick up a registration form or call me at 507-383-2231 for more information. This is our chance to showcase this great community that we choose to live in and one that we are proud to call home.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers during the year of 2019. They are the reason we are able to enjoy all of these wonderful freedoms we enjoy today.