The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding snowmobile operators and riders to use caution and focus on safety this winter when conditions are right for snowmobile riding.

  “Every year throughout the state, our officers respond to accidents involving snowmobiles, many of which could have been prevented had reasonable and proper precautions been taken,” said IDNR Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. “We want winter recreation enthusiasts to have a good time, while at the same time focusing on safety.”

  There were 15 reported snowmobile accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities, during the 2017-2018 season in Illinois.

 In most instances, knowing the trail and traveling at a reasonable rate of speed for trail conditions can prevent accidents. It’s also important to be alert and sober. In North America, more than half of snowmobile fatalities involve intoxicated operators.

 While the IDNR encourages everyone to take a snowmobile safety course, state law requires that persons at least 12 years of age and less than 16 years old must have in their possession a valid Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate of Competency issued by IDNR in order to operate a snowmobile alone. Details on safety course options are available on the IDNR website at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/SnowmobileSafety.aspx

  Basic Safety Tips for Safe Snowmobiling

 * Never consume alcohol before or during a ride.

 * Know your equipment, and make sure that equipment is in proper working order.

 * Wear sensible, protective clothing designed for snowmobiling, like a full-size helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips, and flying debris.

  * Avoid wearing long scarves, which may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile.

  * Know the terrain you are going to ride.

  * Be aware of trails or portions of trails that may be closed.

  * Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities; when not familiar with the thickness of the ice or water currents, avoid these areas.

 * Know the weather forecast, and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area.

 * Always use the buddy system and never ride alone or unaccompanied.

 * Travel at a reasonable rate of speed for visibility and conditions.

 This article came to us courtesy of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and it contains great information to keep in mind wherever you live or ride your snowmobile.

 For more info on everything outdoors in Illinois, visit their web site at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov.

  While serving in the armed forces back in the day, I became friends with a fellow outdoors enthusiast named Milo Pernham. We were so fanatic about fishing and would sneak off to the nearest waterway, river, creek, pond, whatever. We formed a very strong bond that endured long after we were discharged.

  Milo was from Waccamaw, South Carolina and I of course lived in northern Ohio. We kept in touch and there were many times when I would travel south and we would fish for stripers in the Santee, mackerel off Myrtle Beach and go crabbing near Calabash.

  Milo would come north for some of the best bass fishing on the planet in the Sandusky. We went perch and walleye fishing on Lake Erie and crappie fishing in farm ponds.

  Sometimes we would meet half way and fish for bluegill and sauger in the TVA lakes of Kentucky and Tennessee.

  One winter, maybe 1994, late in January, Lake Erie froze thick enough to be used safely for ice fishing. All the local fishermen were getting excited about the possibility for some ice fishing. It had been several years since the lake’s ice had been thick enough to safely venture out onto.

  I wasn’t a great fan of ice fishing. My limited experience was back when a teenager having spent several shivering days waiting for hours while nothing happened in a tiny cold shanty. However, I thought this might be an adventure for my Southern friend and me as well.

  I called Milo and after some effort, convinced him that he needed to try ice fishing since I was sure it was a sport South Carolina waters never offered. He was hesitant, stating his dislike for cold and ice. Especially ice. Except in his sweet tea.

  I finally persuaded Milo to come on up and he arrived on a Thursday. I wasn't expecting him until the weekend and explained that I had to attend a Ducks Forever planning meeting in Sandusky the next day. A year earlier, I had leased a small lot just big enough for a tiny camper and my boat at Turtle Point north of Oak Harbor. Sandusky is only a few miles further east from there, so Friday morning I dropped Milo off at the camper, planning to drive to the meeting leaving Milo to get everything ready. Milo agreed saying he didn't see any problem with that. He seemed really excited at the prospect of trying this new form of sport fishing.

  "Hey man, I been fishing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Don't sound too difficult. I can handle it!" he assured me.

  I gave him some last minute instructions on checking the ice thickness and tips for cutting through the ice.

  That afternoon when I arrived back at the camp Milo was sitting in the camper with the heater on high. And now, he didn't seem too enthusiastic about the ice fishing that lay ahead.

  I questioned his change of heart and he replied, "I don't know 'bout you, but it appears there's an awful lot of work in this ice fishing business!"

  I asked, "How so?"

  "Well”, Milo answered, "I been at it fer 'most three hours and only just now got a hole cut big enough fer the boat!"

  Have you ever felt like you were alone...been overlooked...neglected...no one cares? These feelings all stem from the human race caused by someone in the human race. Take note! Do not allow these people to make you feel this way! Maybe they feel better or stronger by doing this.

  Wake Up! You are never alone. Look to nature and its creatures. They are always there and close by if you take the time to look. They will never desert you. I feel they are always glad that you are there and will put on a show for you. Notice what they are doing, how they do it; and it seems to me they know you are watching and will look at you.

  I really feel you can erase the alone feeling given to you by the human race and feel better within yourself by watching nature. I feel you and nature will be happier...so give it a try. Nature can bring a smile to you and change your life for the better. It just takes some quiet thought time and looking around. Gee, even on a quiet personal day on the lake one of nature’s creatures may visit you! You are never alone with nature.