By Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Pat Novesky

Lincoln/Oneida County DNR Conservation Warden Pat Novesky

Here’s to wishing everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday season! I think it is the perfect time to squeeze in some outdoor fun and prepare for more fun in Wisconsin’s great outdoors in the new year.

Let’s start with one of the area’s favorite sports – snowmobiling. Make sure your snowmobile is registered before going out on public trails/lakes. Registration can be done in a few easy ways:

• Register through the GoWild website — https://gowild.wi.gov/
• Mail in your renewal
• Or visit a DNR Service Center

Also, don’t forget a trail pass is required for operating a snowmobile on any trail or corridor in the state.

I also recommend taking a snowmobile safety course. Information about registration, regulations and the safety course can be found at: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/snowmobile/ .Or, you can go to the dnr.wi.gov website and search “snowmobiling.”

Another popular favorite is ice fishing. There aren’t any major changes to fishing regulations but here are a few tips to ensure your season safe and successful.

Most importantly know the ice conditions. We at the WDNR do not monitor ice conditions. Your best bet to the get latest and best ice condition report is to ask your local fishing club or outdoor sports shop.

Remember ice is never 100 percent safe. Please don’t go out on ice that you’re unsure about – and check with your local experts about the conditions.

Also, carry proof of your fishing license on your person, it’s required by law. Acceptable forms of proof are:

• Original or reprint (paper copy) printed from your online WDNR account
• conservation card
• authenticated Wisconsin driver’s license
• WDNR- generated PDF image on your electronic device.

Remember, no matter what outdoor fun you have planned, please let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

Happy holidays and enjoy the new year.

If you have information regarding natural resource violations, you may confidentially report by calling or texting: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay report information to conservation wardens. OR you may contact warden Patrick Novesky at (715)453-2188 EXT 1262 or Patrick.Novesky@wisconsin.gov