It’s safe to say that winter has arrived in many parts of Michigan. Winter offers plenty of great opportunities to continue recreating outside.

 “This is the time of year when conservation officers see many people eager to kick-off the snowmobiling season, ice fishing and other outdoor winter activities,” said Lt. Tom Wanless of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. “These are great activities that encourage social distancing, but please keep safety in mind. Dress for the weather, check the forecast before you go out and if you’re snowmobiling, please ride sober and at a safe speed.”

Regardless of your favorite winter activity, here are some tips to help prepare for heading outdoors:

• Wear light layers that can easily be added or removed – it is possible to overheat even during the winter.
• Carry the appropriate equipment for your activity, such as a flashlight, rope, ice picks or ice claws.
• Have spare equipment available in case something breaks.
• Stay hydrated and fueled – bring water and snacks.
• Recreate with a buddy.
• Inform others about where you will be and how long you plan to be gone and schedule check-in times.
• Carry a two-way communication device that receives service in remote areas.
• Be mindful of your health – if you’re not feeling well, don’t go out.

In Michigan, all snowmobile operators between ages 12 and 16 are required to obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile on any trail or public land. Riders can earn a snowmobile safety certificate online at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.

The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile trail safety campaign emphasizes the importance of riding sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail.

If snowmobiling off-trail, stay on public lands, avoiding private property, active logging operations and sensitive areas like forest plantations; use stock exhausts only; know where you are going before you go.

Snowmobling is a fun activity that can be done safely, however, riders should remember that excessive speed is the main cause of fatal and serious injury snowmobile accidents.

During winter 2019-20, there were 14 fatal snowmobile accidents in Michigan, with  one fatality recorded so far during the 2020-21 season.

If you plan to head onto the ice to fish or ride, conservation officers warn that there is no reliable inch thickness test to determine if ice is safe. Ice thickness can be checked with a spud or auger.

“Anyone going onto the ice should use extreme caution,” Wanless said.. “Avoid ice that is covered by snow. Snow acts as an insulator and may weaken the ice.”

Ice is often unstable at river mouths or other areas where there are currents present or creeks and streams feeding into lakes.

For more ice safety tips including what to do if you fall through the ice, go to Michigan.gov/IceSafety.

When deciding which feeder to use, consider using a tube, hopper, suet or platform bird feeder, rather than spreading the seed directly on the ground. This will help prevent uninvited guests, like squirrels and bears, from visiting. Be sure your feeder is inaccessible to deer and elk, too, as feeding these animals is banned in the Lower Peninsula and in the Upper Peninsula’s core chronic wasting disease surveillance area, which covers portions of Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties. A mess-free birdseed can help keep the ground clean and a fence around the feeder can keep it out of reach. You can find more tips on the DNR Bird Feeding Tips page. Learn more about CWD and the deer and elk feeding ban at Michigan.gov/CWD.

If you live in black bear range, don’t worry about your winter bird feeders! Most black bears should be settled in for their winter hibernation. Just mark your calendars to take your feeders inside come March, when bears exit their dens and begin searching for a replenishing meal.

Are you a birding beginner? Listen to the Wildtalk Podcast episode “This Podcast is for the Birds” to hear from MI Birds, a public outreach program by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR, on resources to help you get started.

Learn about all things Michigan birds by following MI Birds on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visiting MI Birds online.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov or 517-284-9453.

In 2019, nearly 85,000 people from across the country rang in the new year by collectively hiking more than 176,366 miles on guided hikes. Michiganders contributed more than 3,000 of those miles.

Michigan is one of many states adapting its First Day Hikes to a virtual or self-guided format. First Day hikers can spread out in state parks or on nonmotorized trails. The goal is to have all Great Lakes State participants collectively hike, cross-county ski, ride (horse or bike) or snowshoe 2,021 miles or more New Year’s Day. Participants choose the route and distance, while setting the tone for a year of outdoor fitness and fun!

“Everyone could use a little more fresh air and one more reason to get out of the house,” said Elissa Buck, DNR Parks and Recreation Division event coordinator. “This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, start ticking a few items off your bucket list.”

Always dress appropriately for the weather. Although outdoors, please remember to stay at least 6 feet from people who don’t live in your household and wear a mask if you’re going to be near others.

To sign up, visit Michigan.gov/FirstDayHikes to RSVP. After you’ve hit the trails, you can log your miles on the same page.

Find more ways to enjoy Michigan’s winter wonderland, including snowshoeing, skiing, winter camping, ice fishing and more at Michigan.gov/WinterFun.

Questions? Contact Elissa Buck at 989-313-0000.

Your safety is your responsibility, so always make sure you’re prepared. Dress warmly and bring a life jacket, ice picks and a cell phone that will have signal while you’re on the ice. Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris and areas with weak ice, which will appear milky.

Never fish alone (but make sure to practice proper social distancing of at least 6 feet if you’re with people who don’t live in your household), and always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Use extreme caution if temperatures begin to rise or fluctuate during the season. Repeated thawing and refreezing of ice weakens its integrity, decreasing its ability to support additional weight of people, snowmobiles, ORVs and shanties. Deteriorating ice, water currents and high winds increase the probability of pressure cracks, which can leave anglers and others stranded on ice floes or at risk of falling through the ice.

Visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety or watch this ice safety video for more in-depth tips, including what to do if you fall through the ice.

Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy time out in nature. Check out the DNR’s ice fishing page for more info on techniques and where to fish.