It seems Mother Nature is getting down to wintertime business, with sub-zero temperatures across much of the Midwest. Safe ice for fishing in Indiana has been confined to the far northern part of the state; even with the chill up north, ice conditions have been less than acceptable in many locations.

I learned the hard way about safe ice when I was a youngster. Thankfully, while snaring suckers on Big Flatrock River, I was over shallow water and just suffered a severe chill from an unexpected dunk in the frigid water.

On the quick trip home, my blue jeans were freezing and I was afraid if I didn’t hurry, I would wind up too stiff to walk, like the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” For me and fishing on river ice, the lesson was learned.

Another close call came following a freeze-up that lasted well over two weeks. With daytime temperatures in the teens and nighttime temperatures well below zero, one of my favorite ponds had a good nine or 10 inches of ice; heck, ice that thick is almost enough for a small car.

At the time, I was still using a spudbar to cut my holes in the ice. While walking over to some of the deepest water in the pond, I was gently lifting and tapping the ice with the spudbar. I noticed the color of the ice under the skiff of snow looked to be darker than the surrounding area.

As I continued walking, I dropped the bar ahead of my next step … and it broke through what was, at best, only an inch of ice. I immediately retreated in the direction of safer ice. Lakes and ponds can have thin ice in areas where springs well up – another lesson learned.

Safe ice should be the top priority when it comes to fishing, skating or just enjoying wintertime activities on the water. Indiana’s Conservation officers are constantly on the watch for individuals “on thin ice” and want to educate the public about what are acceptable levels of ice for outdoor activities.

“It can be a cold and painful lesson Mother Nature teaches us,” says Col. Michael Crider, head of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division.

“Ice fishermen aren’t fair-weather fishermen, that’s for sure. Those unprepared or uninformed are likely to have a date with disaster sometime during their ice fishing years.”

Crider suggests the following simple safety rules to minimize the risks associated with ice-related activities:

•For foot travel, 4 inches of new clear ice is recommended. If you go by snowmobile or ATV, make 5 inches the minimum.

•Don’t consume alcoholic beverages.

•Never fish alone! Always take a buddy and let someone know where you are going.

•Wear a lifejacket under your winter gear. It not only will keep you buoyant should you fall through, but will provide additional warmth.

•Carry ice picks or ice awls. The tools will allow you to pull yourself out of the water and onto the ice. Should you go through, remain calm. Turn in the direction you came from. Extend your hands and arms forcing the ice picks solidly into the ice ahead of you.
Kick your feet and pull yourself out onto the ice. Do not stand up! By rolling away from the hole, your weight is spread out until you can reach solid ice.

•Carry a signaling type whistle. A whistle may be the only way to let someone know you are in trouble. A cell phone can be a valuable survival tool as long as it remains dry. A length of rope can also be useful.

•Stay away from areas on lakes having inlets or outlets. Be mindful about flowing water if fishing on a channel between two lakes. Ice fishing on Indiana’s reservoir impoundments can pose particular concerns; pay close attention to fluctuating water levels.

•Remember to think ahead and have a plan.

Two in critical condition following snowmobile accident

Indiana Conservation officers are investigating a snowmobile accident that occurred on Jan. 11. Two men, ages 23 and 40, from Wolcottville, Ind., were taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne after being pulled from the water by Orange Township Fire Department personnel. The victims remain in critical condition, at press time.

The victims had been operating their snowmobiles with two other men, ages 20 and 22. The four riders entered the lake on the northwestern corner of the Main Basin. They were operating in a single file line, when the third and fourth operators observed the first two snowmobiles break through the ice and go into open water.
The first and second snowmobile operators were pulled to shore at approximately 9 and 9:10 p.m. Emergency agencies at the scene were Conservation, Orange Township Fire Department, Ligonier and Kendallville fire departments, Noble County and Lagrange County EMS, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.

Geocache challenge

Geocache is the latest fad among outdoor lovers, combining satellite mapping technology with a techno-scavenger hunt – finding free stuff is cool.

GPS-guided treasure hunters will be scouring Spring Mill State Park during the park’s third annual Geocache Challenge. The theme for this year’s event is “Things That Once Were, Are No Longer.”

All participants must check in at the Nature Center on Feb. 7 between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. to get the coordinates to the first cache. The challenge offers a unique tour of park property and will take most people about two to three hours to complete. Hot drinks will be available at the Nature Center.

Possession of a GPS unit is necessary to participate in the event. Geocache Challenge is free; however, park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-Indiana residents will apply. To learn more, visit www.geocaching.com

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.