Major Tim Acerno, coordinator of the N.H. Fish and Game Department’s Snowmobile Safety and Enforcement Program stated, "Operating a snowmobile can be very rewarding, giving you the chance to see and experience many areas of the state that often aren’t accessible during our cold winters. But, it can also turn out to be very dangerous, and even life threatening, depending on weather, trail conditions and particularly operator behavior. Snowmobilers need to take a few precautions before venturing out," Acerno said. 

Most important is to be prepared for extreme conditions, both weather and otherwise. While cold temperatures can be very dangerous, if you are wearing clothing that is appropriate for your choice of winter activities, the adventure will be a memorable one. Lt. Acerno had these safety reminders:

1. Every operator and every machine have different capabilities. You must know what your abilities are and understand the capabilities of your snowmobile. If you identify these levels and stay below them, you are virtually guaranteed a safe and enjoyable ride.

2. Trail conditions are forever changing, so make sure that you operate at a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions. For example, at night or when operating in low-visibility conditions, reduce your speed so that you are able to identify and avoid sudden hazards on the trail or lake. Operators must always be aware of the conditions of the trail or frozen body of water when operating a snowmobile, because, like the weather, they are constantly changing.

3. Do not operate a snowmobile after drinking alcohol. New Hampshire has strict laws prohibiting operating any type of recreational vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you take the chance, you will lose your privileges to operate any type of recreational vehicle or motor vehicle and pay substantial fines. The Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association continue to promote Zero Tolerance while operating a snowmobile. Don’t drink and ride.

4. Be especially careful next weekend (February 10 and 11). Thousands of anglers will venture out onto New Hampshire lakes to catch the elusive trophy fish during the annual Rotary Derby.

5. Always be careful to test the ice safely, even though we have experienced freezing temperatures and weather forecasters promise it will be even colder this week. Many factors effect how ice freezes. Ice thickness will not be the same throughout a lake. Always check the thickness and condition of the ice before going out and while you are heading to your secret ice-fishing spot. Avoid inlets, outlets and other areas of a lake where there is current, such as springs or natural formations. The ice in these areas will be thinner and not as strong. 

6. Avoid objects that are imbedded in the ice, such as rocks, etc. These objects attract and are warmed by the sunlight and tend to weaken the ice.

And, I might add one more thing to Lt. Acerno’s list, the subject of skimming. All too many snowmobilers seem obsessed with this practice of leaving the ice, skimming across open water to the next ice pack. There have been numerous incidence in the past of snowmobilers doing that and going down into the waters, some even drowning. Skimming is illegal in New Hampshire and can result in heavy fines, costs of recovering your machine and loss of privilege to operate. Skimming is a very dangerous practice and is only allowed under specific, supervised competition conditions with rescue personnel on hand. 

With that said, let’s all be cautious and enjoy a truly safe winter of snowmobiling.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com