You can measure the start of winter by the calendar. Or take cues from nature.
Last week, flocks of sandhill cranes winged high over southeastern Wisconsin. Next stop: Illinois.
And at ponds and marshes throughout the region, a coat of crystal covered the water.
The phenological data made a clear case _ winter is here.
For ice fishermen, the change in seasons is welcome news. But it doesn't mean the hole drilling and jigging can commence.
Not yet.
Early ice is one of the most highly anticipated and often productive fishing periods of the year. It also can be the most dangerous as some overly eager anglers venture onto thin ice.
So as Mother Nature performs her annual magic act and turns Wisconsin's waters hard, it's a good time to review ice safety recommendations and prepare gear for the coming season.
"In the safety business, a little work and thought ahead of time can go a long way to preventing accidents," said Jason Roberts, a recreational safety warden for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "Or if an accident does happen, helping people survive it."
The 10-day Wisconsin forecast calls for several days with daily highs below freezing and lows into the single digits. You don't need a degree in physics to know those are ice-making conditions.
How fast the lakes put on ice will be determined by several factors, including water depths and wind conditions.
Roberts said even with the forecast, most lakes won't be safe for ice fishing for some time.
"I hesitate to give an ice depth that's safe, because ice strength and conditions vary so much," Roberts said. "But I generally like to see four or more inches before I walk out."
Roberts, who covers Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties, has just about seen it all in his 15 years as a DNR warden.
One year he was checking anglers on Delavan Lake who had walked out on 2 inches of ice. He called them to shore so he could check their licenses as well as discuss safety.
In the last year alone he responded to two winter accidents that resulted in fatalities, one to a snowmobiler who hit open water on Lake Geneva, another when four men capsized in a canoe in cold water on Lake Beulah.
Alternatively, he said many people are learning and practicing good winter safety habits.
"I'm seeing more and more safety conscious folks out on the ice," Roberts said. "There are always the diehards that seem to have little or no fear, but things are generally getting better."
Roberts said local knowledge is critical to avoiding accidents on the ice. Bait shops can be good sources of information to help visitors learn where to access and travel on frozen bodies of water.
When it comes to gear, he recommends ice fishermen take a boat cushion (Type 4 flotation) and ice picks with them.
If possible, they should wear a float coat or other type of parka that has flotation built into it. Many clothing manufacturers offer such jackets; some also have ice picks attached.
"If you go in the water, it's critical you stay afloat," Roberts said. "Then it's a matter of getting back onto the ice and rolling away from the open water."
Other helpful items are a spud bar to test ice conditions and a throw bag for rescues.
"If you're taking a sled with supplies, adding a couple pieces of safety gear is well worth it," Roberts said.
Safety officials often say "no ice is completely safe" and "the only thing predictable about ice is that it is unpredictable."
Winter brings many outstanding recreational opportunities to Wisconsin. Roberts said the key is to not rush the season and use good judgment.
"If people do a little preparation and pack their common sense with them, they'll be able to safely enjoy all winter has to offer," Roberts said.
