The repeated Arctic blasts of below freezing weather has brought fishable ice to most all of Indiana. Even in the far south of the state there are ponds, small lakes and backwaters with good, fishable ice. Hoosier ice fishermen haven’t had it this good in a long time.

Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. And very unfortunately every year, people drown after falling through the ice. Don’t let this happen to you or anyone around you.

Indiana Conservation Officers remind Hoosiers to be careful as they begin to partake in activities such as ice fishing, ice skating or snowmobiling. Remember to put safety first. Take caution when going on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and retention ponds. And watch for others who may venture out on frozen waterways and can sometimes find themselves in trouble.

Similar to needing to drive differently on snowy versus clear roads, safely having fun on ice may require you to adjust from what you have done in the past. The rule of thumb is to believe all ice is thin ice unless proven otherwise.

Here are a few tips to remember when considering standing on or walking on a frozen body of water:

* Assume no ice is safe ice.

* Test the thickness of the ice with an ice auger. At least 4 inches is recommended for ice fishing; 5 inches is recommended for snowmobiling.

* If you don’t know the thickness of the ice, don’t go on it.

* Wear a life jacket or flotation coat.

* Carry ice picks and rope gear.

* Before going on the ice, leave a note of your whereabouts with a friend or family member.

* Don’t test the thickness of the ice while alone.

Wearing a life jacket is especially important when on ice. If you fall through, a life jacket will keep your head above the water until help arrives.

Remember a new coating of snow, while perhaps beautiful, can make for treacherous ice conditions. Snow can serve as insulation, causing water to freeze at a slower rate. When snow and rain freeze into ice, it is not as strong as solid, clear ice.

Another potentially dangerous situation is when you see a pet or other animal in distress on the ice. If it happens, do not go after it. Instead, contact local emergency response personnel, who are equipped to make a rescue.

A few more tips:

* Some bodies of water may appear to be frozen solid but still have thin ice in several unexpected areas.

* Avoid flowing water, such as rivers and streams, when covered by a layer of ice.

* Similarly, water surrounded by sand may freeze with inconsistencies in the thickness of the ice.

* Underground springs, wind, waterfowl, and other animals can also keep areas of ice thin.

Enjoy the winter weather but make safety a priority.

Firewood available at Ouabache State Park

The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Ouabache State Park for firewood. Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff for safety purposes. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as campsites and picnic areas.

Permit sales and cutting are permitted through March 15. The cost of one pickup-truck load is $10. A load is defined as an 8-foot standard pickup truck bed without any modifications. Permits are not available on observed state holidays.

A firewood permit must be obtained for each load at Ouabache’s office from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wood may be cut and removed from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Firewood cut at Ouabache State Park is for personal use only and may not be sold.

Ouabache State Park (on.IN.gov/ouabache) is at 4930 E. State Road 201, Bluffton, 46714.

‘till next time,  

Jack

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.