McClory: Time for some safety tips on dealing with winter ice

December weather, with some nights in the single digits and alternating days of rain, snow, wind, bright sunlight and wide ranging temperatures, has created varying ice conditions across the state. MassWildlife reminds outdoor enthusiasts including ice fishermen, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers and hikers, to always exercise caution when venturing on or across ice-covered waters. Test the ice frequently as the thickness may vary in areas exposed to the sun, wind, or underwater currents and springs. Clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds is the strongest with a minimum of two inches needed to support a single person. Five inches of clear, blue ice will support a group of people. Ice strength drops significantly, however, if water is flowing underneath or if the ice is permeated with slush or snow. Honeycombed ice, which is created as the surface ice melts, is the most dangerous and should be avoided unless a safe layer of solid ice is found below. If you do end up in the water, don’t panic. Call for help and then extend your arms and kick your legs to help pull your body back up. Act quickly as the air trapped in your winter clothing will initially help keep you buoyant. Roll or crawl away from open water in the direction of the ice that supported your weight before. Get to the nearest source of heat and shelter as quickly as possible to prevent hypothermia.There is no need to put the hunting equipment away quite yet. If you are up to braving the ocean elements and don’t have hunting out of your system, sea ducks as well as regular ducks are still open until mid-January. Waterfowlers and other outdoor enthusiasts who venture out in small craft this time of year are reminded to make safety a priority. With few boaters on the water in the late fall, the chances of a quick rescue are greatly diminished. Cold-weather boat users can take action to prevent such a tragedy by always wearing a lifejacket and clothing that protects them from the effects of cold water. Cold water removes heat from a human body 25 times faster than cold air. Immersion in cold water can cause “cold shock,” including the possibility of cardiac arrest, involuntary gasping for air (which can result in immediate drowning) and a high potential for losing consciousness.Don’t forget, you will need a new fishing and hunting license. Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2010 are now available for purchase online and at license vendors across the state. License fees support MassWildlife’s efforts in habitat protection, stocking fish and pheasants, biological projects, education programs and endangered species restoration. Hunting and sporting license buyers are reminded that they must show either a previous hunting license or a hunter safety certificate from any state or Canadian province in order to purchase those types of licenses.Deer hunting results are finally starting to be published. Based on preliminary deer registration tallies, New Hampshire hunters harvested 10,390 deer during the 2009 season. This preliminary statewide total kill was down about five percent from the actual 2008 deer kill of 10,916. I have to admit, I’m surprised; I would have thought a lot less. I’ll keep you posted as more harvest figures from other New England states get published.In closing, we want to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.All for now.