WILLMAR -- Anglers are beginning to drive vehicles on the area's ice-covered lakes, and that is triggering a plea for caution.
Kandiyohi County Sheriff Dan Hartog urges anglers to "use extra caution'' when going out on the early ice.
There should be 12 inches of ice for vehicle travel on lakes, he said. The smaller, shallower lakes in the area have anywhere from 8 to 12 inches of ice, or the minimum recommended by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for cars and small pickup trucks.
But the DNR and sheriff are quick to point out: There is no such thing as safe ice.
Ice thickness typically varies on a lake, and this year's early snow cover adds to the danger. The snow can hide areas of weaker ice.
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Anglers should make certain of the ice thickness before venturing on lakes with vehicles. It's always a good idea to check with local resorts and bait shops first.
The DNR also encourages anyone venturing on the lakes to wear a life vest under their winter gear, and that includes people on snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. People in cars and trucks should keep their windows down, unbuckle their seat belts and have a plan for exiting.
Whether driving or walking, anyone on the ice should also carry a pair of ice picks.
The Sheriff's Office has not received any reports of people breaking through the ice so far this season, according to Hartog. He's hoping anglers will heed the advice to be extra cautious and make this a safe ice fishing season in the area.
