I found this article on social media and thought I would share it....
Ice fishing rules
I’m an “old guy” 67. My family has had a skid house on millacs since before I was born. I started ice fishing on Milacs around 7. I learned to drive on the lake at 12. (1963, YES A STICK ) I was the designated driver. LOL. There are some rules I have learned through the years. They are all still current today. Although I have violated some of them through the years. In light of this past storm I think they are still relevant. They are listed not in importance, but as I muse about them
1. Never go out on the lake without a full tank of gas.
a. The lake economy can use it and you will use the gas eventually. Right.
2. Always make sure you have enough L.P to last 4 days.
a. Don’t be cheap, It could cost you a life.
b. Along those same lines. Old fashion candles. I have kept my house warm with those.
3. Make sure you have a shovel in your vehicle.
a. This is one I violate. Only because I stay close. However I am going back to my old ways. In light of the last storm.
4. Another thing your vehicle should have is jumper cables, or a boost pac of some sort.
a. Big storms are always followed by cold weather. Running a vehicle at idle does not keep a battery charged, because of running the heater, lights, seat heater etc.
5. A tow strap of some sort is a must.
a. Chains are tough to find. But if you can, not a bad idea
6. DO NOT PARK CLOSE TO THE HOUSE.
a. Extra weight causes flooding.. That is in caps for a reason. It is important. Floodng and cold weather could freeze the house in, combine that with the extra weight of drifts around the house, you are in trouble. If you have ever tried to chisel a house out, you know what I mean. I can always tell a rookie or renter, because of how close they park to the house.
7. A simple thing, but park your vehicle with the back facing the wind.
a. Snow will pack into the engine compartment and you are in trouble.
8. Slow speed: There is a VALID reason
a. When I was younger we didn’t understand the principle of an ice wave. Now with the show :Ice road tricking we do. Basically, what happens, the weight of a vehicle presses the ice down and creates a wave in front of us. That wave in front of us hits or causes a crack in front of us. If it hits a crack, no matter how far, it could make that crack larger. So even though it may not affect you, the person on the other side could be in deep doo-doo. So Slow down. The speed limit is there for a reason. Any resort owner will tell you it is not fun bridging a crack. If you have ever driven across a bridge, you will know it is not fun.
9. Road access pass:
a. This fee is for the privilege of driving across a landholder’s (resort) property to access the lake. It is NOT to pay them for plowing the roads and NOT for making them responsible for plowing the roads. The reason they are plowed is to give their full-time customers (private) customers access to their houses. Private owners pay anywhere from $400 to $1000 for that privilege.
b. A side benefit of using a resort for access is they have tested the ice. ( how would you like to be the first person out on the ice, testing thickness.) not me. That’s for sure. They know where the problems are. People that go cross country through a public access are begging for trouble. Then they get pissed because a resort wont help them. Remember, they have 75-250 privates that come first. Remember, Ice is NEVER safe.
c.
10. The resort owners and workers are just everyday people wanting to make a honest living. They work hard and not given enough credit for what they do trying to keep people safe everyday when people are out having fun enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. Instead of saying I don’t want to pay that money to cross your property, feel good knowing you helped out several families put food on the table and teach their young kids the meaning of hard work and service. So others can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Please think of this the next time you make the option of on your own or resort access
11. You know, they predict these storms far out and advance now. With the advent of smart phone a great read, there is no reason to be caught unawares.
a. Bring food and water just Incase you will still eat it at home if not out there
Now I will give a small add for Macs Twin Bay on Milacs. His crew is awesome with many years of working the ice. Not to mention a 2 time world champion Walleye fisherman working hard to put you on fish. Way to Go Kevin:
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Topic: Words of wisdom (Read 3315 times)
