Be Careful On Early Ice Covers
Ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground springs still feeding lakes and rivers.
Those eager to take advantage of winter’s snow need to keep safety at the forefront of their preparations. Be extra careful on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice! Stay alert to the rapidly changing ice conditions commonly found in the early parts of winter.
“Early in the season especially, ice conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly on Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes. The ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground springs still feeding lakes and rivers, thinning the ice in spots,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. “No matter if you’re on foot, on a snowmobile or in UTV, it’s important to remember that ice is never 100 percent safe.”
The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but they are monitored locally. Local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops are the best sources for local current ice conditions.
However, the best idea for safe winter fun is to enjoy outings without travel over ice.
Conditions Vary Between And Across Waters
If the outing does involve travel over a waterbody, remember every waterbody has its own characteristics. Check if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows, is spring-fed or has currents, all of which can thin the ice.
Some smaller lakes can have aerators that are run throughout the winter either covering a large area towards the center of the lake or may have smaller aerators placed by private property landowners adjacent to their shore and/or piers.
Equally as important is to stay alert for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water and often are created, move or grow with changes in temperatures and high winds.
Here are more safety tips:
- 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.
Take Extra Care With Recreational Vehicles
Last season, several ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles went through the ice or drove into open water, resulting in six fatalities.
Keep these safety tips in mind when operating recreational vehicles during winter.
- Remember that UTVs are heavy. They are the heaviest recreational vehicle out on the ice, often being close to 3,000 pounds. This is similar to a car or truck.
- Roll your window down when traveling on the ice and make sure you can easily open you door – drive slow and turn the radio down so that you can use eyes and ears to watch and hear for potential issues coming up.
- Make sure you have life jackets or some other type of floatation for every occupant of the UTV.
- Recovery for the UTV or other vehicle is the responsibility of the owner/operator. After 30 days, the owner can be fined each day after 30 days.
- Recovery rates for the machine can also be very expensive.
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
Refer to the Wisconsin Snowmobile Regulations for laws for operational restrictions, safety tips and more.
The DNR also encourages all snowmobilers to take a safety education class. According to Wisconsin law, anyone at least 12 years of age and born after Jan. 1, 1985, must have a valid safety education certificate to operate a snowmobile. Sign up now as classes fill fast.
If the worst happens and you happen to fall in, here’s what to do:
- Carry a couple of hand-held spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket or inside your sleeves to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- If you fall in, remain as calm as possible and while attempting to assist yourself out of the water, call for help as soon as you can. Anyone who attempts to rescue you also is recommended to use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through as well.
Visit the DNR’s Ice Safety webpage for more information on staying safe on frozen waterbodies.
Hunters: Help Your Fellow Wisconsinites Experiencing Food Insecurity By Participating In Deer Donation Program
Donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program, which helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state.
According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, more than 700,000 Wisconsin residents (about 12% of the state’s population) received food assistance in 2024, and demand is expected to rise.
Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated more than 100,000 deer, totaling over 4 million pounds of ground venison, to help Wisconsinites in need.
Wisconsin has a network of venison donation partners, including county land and water conservation departments, food pantries, charitable organizations, USDA-Wildlife Services and participating meat processors, who all help implement and administer the program.
Deer harvested outside Wisconsin cannot be donated. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services requires deer harvested in certain counties to be tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) before or at the time of donation. Hunters interested in donating a Wisconsin-harvested deer to the DNR’s Deer Donation Program should follow these steps:
- Field dress the deer. Please handle the carcass as if it were destined for your own plate. A couple of bags of ice placed in the cavity will help preserve the carcass in warm weather.
- Register the deer through GameReg. Please note the registration confirmation number and keep it on hand when dropping off the deer. If your deer was harvested from a county that requires CWD testing, please ensure you complete the required CWD testing before or at the time of donation. An up-to-date list can be found on the Deer Donation Program webpage.
- Call ahead. Contact a participating processor before dropping off the deer to make sure they have space to accept it. More processors may be added later in the season, so check back if you don’t see one currently in your area.
- Bring the deer to the processor. If donating a deer being tested for CWD, inform the processor and provide the CWD barcode number. The processor will not distribute the deer until the results are known.
Note: If you don’t have your Go Wild customer number, game registration numbers or CWD testing information, please log into your Go Wild account or contact DNR Customer Service staff to retrieve that information.
Hunters and non-hunters may also support the Deer Donation Program through a monetary donation in person at any Wisconsin hunting license sales location or online through their Go Wild account.
Visit Wisconsin’s Deer Donation Program webpage to learn more about the program.
Hunters participating in the Deer Donation program are encouraged to reduce the chance of introducing lead fragments to donated venison by using lead-free ammunition or taking simple steps to reduce risks when utilizing lead bullets. Lead is toxic to humans, even in very low amounts. |
Create Your Own Holiday Wreath With Foraged Materials
Special craft projects can be a fun way to add a unique touch to your holiday décor, and the winter issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine has just the thing for you! It’s a do-it-yourself wreath project, with details on how to create a winter wreath using foraged materials. With just a little effort, you’ll have a winter wreath that celebrates Wisconsin’s natural beauty, supports local ecosystems and reduces waste.
There’s plenty more packed into the magazine’s latest issue, from highlights of Wisconsin’s beautiful frozen features to news on flora and fauna of the state. You can access the winter digital edition online or subscribe to receive the print edition mailed directly to you (allow 4-6 weeks for initial delivery). The print issue also includes a beautiful 2026 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks calendar!
Order subscriptions online, including renewals and gift subscriptions, or call 1-800-678-9472 to sign up for yourself, family and friends. BONUS: Use the promo code iEXPLORE to save $2 of any subscription.
Photo Credit: iStock/DRIFTLESSSTUDIO |
Deer Hunters Are Encouraged To Take Advantage Of Late Season Opportunities
Although the 2025 nine-day gun deer season is now closed, additional harvest opportunities remain available throughout the late fall and early winter.
Late Season Firearm Hunting Opportunities
- Statewide Antlerless-Only Hunt – Dec. 11-14
- Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt – Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2026, in select Farmland
Zone units
Hunters may use any unfilled antlerless harvest authorization during any of these hunts, but the authorization must be used in the zone, county and land type designated on the harvest authorization. Only antlerless deer may be harvested during the statewide antlerless-only and antlerless-only holiday hunts, regardless of weapon type.
Wisconsin’s archery and crossbow seasons remain open statewide through Jan. 4, 2026. These seasons extend until Jan. 31, 2026, in metro sub-units and certain deer management units. There have been changes to the deer management units across the state, so hunters are encouraged to review the hunting regulations and refer to the season structure map on page 11 for information about extended seasons in the area they hunt.
Hunter Safety
It’s important for all hunters to do their part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following the TAB-K firearm safety rules:
- T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
- K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until safe to shoot.
Additionally, any time a firearm deer season is taking place, at least 50% of all hunters’ clothing above the waist must be blaze orange or pink. This requirement includes archery hunters and small game hunters. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this rule.
Photo Credit: Bob Haase |
Last-Minute Gifts For The Nature Lovers On Your List
The holidays are almost here, and if you’re scrambling for a last-minute gift, consider giving a gift that gives back with DNR merch.
We’re extending our Cyber Week deals through the end of December, so you can still get free shipping on orders over $50 and purchase the 2025 Wisconsin State Park System commemorative ornament for $12.
All orders placed on or before Dec. 15 will be shipped ahead of the holidays, so there’s still time to get the perfect gift or stocking stuffer. |
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