The weather we have been experiencing the past couple of weeks kind of reminds me of the old saying “waiting for the other shoe to drop.” You can tell it really wants to snow or turn really cold but so far it seems to be hovering. In a way this time of year almost gives me a kind of peaceful feeling. Its not quite winter but as the thin layers of ice begin to form on our lakes and ponds we get reminded that it won’t be too long.

This is the time of year when patience will pay off for those of us that ice fish. As I drove past the channel the other day and observed a thin layer of ice I had to wonder how long it would be before someone would be venturing out on it. It is the time of year when ice for all practical purposes will not be safe enough to walk on. Four inches of ice is the recommended thickness to be considered safe by the DNR.

There will always be some that think a couple of inches will be ample enough for them and will try their luck. I have never been comfortable walking on ice so clear it resembles a glass tabletop. There isn’t a more sinking feeling than having the ice under you start to do a slow sag as you try to make a hasty retreat towards dry land. As a kid I was lucky enough to escape a time or two with nothing more than a boot full of water and a wet pant leg. Looking at the overall picture, I really don’t think there is a fish swimming that is worth risking your life for.

The following are the DNR guidelines for ice safety:

General ice thickness guidelines

For new, clear ice only

2 inches or less — STAY OFF

4 inches — Ice fishing or other activities on foot

5 inches — Snowmobile or ATV

8 to 12 inches — Car or small pickup

12 to 15 inches — Medium truck

Remember that these thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.

DNR conservation officer reports

“Mail call.”

Conservation officer Tom Sutherland (Hill City) received a call on an unidentified furry animal in an individual’s mailbox. After driving to the individual’s home, officer Sutherland opened the mailbox to see a beady-eyed creature looking him in the eyes. After examining the creature it appeared some young pranksters had placed a deceased woodchuck in the mailbox to gain a laugh. The owner of the mailbox didn’t see it that way. They thought they were going to have a heart attack when they casually opened their mailbox to retrieve the morning paper.

This guy should have known better

Conservation officer Tim Collette, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, came across an angler that told the officer that he did not have a current license, but planned to get one when he went to work that day. When asked where he works, the man said he worked in the fishing department of a local sporting goods store! When asked how many times people had asked him when a new license was needed, the man admitted that he had answered that question many times and knew exactly when it was. Appropriate action was taken.

It was hard for these guys to give you a straight story — Conservation Officer Bret Grundmeier, Hinckley, responded to a fire call at just after midnight and found two individuals watching an old, run-down house burn. The individuals tried to explain how they were trying to tear apart the house and burn it a little at a time when the burn pile got too close to their house. It was a challenge for the two to get their story straight or even stand up, due to the case of beer and bottle they were into.

A snack before I go

Conservation Officer Mitch Sladek, Big Lake, had a report of a bear treed by a yellow lab in the Zimmerman area. CO Sladek advised the concerned citizen to remove all food, garbage and bird feeders, and then remove the dog from the area. The citizen complied but forgot a bag of dog food. The bear did come down from the tree, but proceeded in eating the bag of dog food before leaving the area never to be seen again.

How a misdemeanor becomes a gross misdemeanor

CO Adam Block, Prior Lake, reports an angler was arrested after giving his brother’s name and date of birth to the CO. The angler did not have a fishing license but he knew his brother had recently purchased one. After the CO looked at the driver’s license photo on his squad computer, of the name given to the officer, he pointed out to the angler that he had falsified his identity. The angler stated he was not aware COs could look up driver’s license photos online in their patrol squads. The angler indicated someday technology is going to ruin the world. The angler became angry when he was informed he committed a gross misdemeanor crime by trying to elude a misdemeanor offense.

You make the call

An angler told CO Bret Grundmeier, Hinckley, said he wasn’t using an extra line but just trying to keep the minnow alive. The extra hook and minnow was 10 feet out from the boat and suspended 8 feet deep under a bobber.

Over the limit and behavior out of bounds

CO Mike Martin, St. Cloud, discovered an angler with 12 crappies in his bucket and still fishing, two fish over. Several of his friends saw the angler about to receive his summons and became vocal about the officer “picking on” their friend. The other anglers also said that the first guy was fishing with them so he wasn’t over-limit. After investigating that they were in fact fishing together the three men were issued summons for the 21 crappies, uncleaned, they had in addition to the 30 cleaned crappies in their cooler — 21 fish over the limit.

Deer season not off to good start

It doesn’t look like this year’s deer hunting season will be breaking any records. The first weekend was cold and rainy which doesn’t encourage much deer movement, but on the other hand there have been some pretty nice bucks reported in our area.

Standing corn continues to limit deer and pheasant-hunting success. There seems to be some birds around, so look for the latter stages of the season or as soon as the corn is removed to produce more ringnecks.

A few anglers are fishing for walleyes on the Minnesota River, but most are waiting for ice to form. That has started to occur on the ponds and along shorelines.

Until next time, play safe, good hunting and enjoy the outdoors.

Please continue to show your support for those that have chosen to proudly serve their country.