McClory: How to stay safe while on ice in winter

Our winter weather, with nights in the single digits and a wide range of temperatures plus alternating days of rain, snow, wind, bright sunlight, has led to 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 because 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. If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase “Reach-Throw-Go.” If you are unable to reach your friend from shore, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.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, the seasons for 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 should 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 that you will need a new fishing and hunting license. Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2011 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. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course in the winter and spring months of 2011? Volunteer instructors teach the 15-16 hour course, which is usually scheduled over five or six weekday evenings. Courses are occasionally conducted on weekends. Topics covered during the Basic Hunter Education course include safe handling of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. It is the mission of the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program to protect the lives and safety of the public, promote the wise management and ethical use of our wildlife resources, and encourage a greater appreciation of the environment through education. All classes are pr