By and large, the leaves have changed colors and dropped to the ground. We’re greeted in the mornings with a blast of cold air in our lungs and shiver down our spine. There’s a layer of frost on the car and icy puddles. Yes my friends — snowmobile season is nearly upon us.
Many snowmobilers have been living the past few weeks in their garages, polishing their rides, planning trips and visiting local dealerships, checking out all the new accessories they can add to their sleds. For those who have yet to purchase their new snowmobiles, the deals are plenty as all four manufacturers have excellent incentives. If you haven’t already got your sled all figured out, now’s the time.
So with the new season nearly upon us, there are few things to remember and live by. Safety issues are always at the top of everyone’s minds, but often get overlooked due to the sheer fun and excitement of hitting the trails.
The one thing we have to remember about snowmobile-related accidents is that they’re all preventable. With the proper preparation and the use of common sense, we could get through the winter without incidents. The main causes of accidents are night riding, unmarked ice crossings, alcohol and a combination of all three.
Before heading out, I always do my own safety check. By looking at the garage floor or the snow around the snowmobile you can quickly see if there are any fuel or oil leaks. Starting off your ride gently and not right to the handlebar will let you know if your throttle is sticking, and a quick stop ensures the brake’s in operating order.
The one thing that all riders should be aware of before heading out on a ride is the weather. It takes a few minutes on the internet or in front of the television. If the region’s in for a storm, don’t head out. White-outs are not something that only affects cars. And should you be on a lake in a storm, it can be an outright terrifying experience. So make sure you stay on top of the weather reports before riding.
Something else to watch for, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area, is stay on marked trails. Hopping on unmarked trails can lead you in circles, which could leave you in the middle of nowhere running on fumes, or worse, out of fuel.
Lake or river crossings should always be done on marked trails. Club folks know the area and if they’re not venturing on the ice, neither should you.
So while we have some time before there’s enough snow to ride, let’s think of things you should bring with you. All new sleds come with a tool kit, but sometimes they go missing. Always make sure one’s in your storage compartment. One of the simplest, smallest things you’ll need is a pocket knife. It’s amazing how many times you’ll use it.
A tow rope should be with you in the event the sled is inoperable. Extra spark plugs are a good idea, and never, ever leave without an extra belt. (Been there, done that, never again!)
Let’s make this season the best one yet with the most miles ridden and the fewest incidents on the trails.
While an appeals court decides if felony animal mistreatment charges should be dropped against three Waupaca County men accused of torturing and killing deer with snowmobiles, Action 2 News learned the land where the mutilated deer were found will be open to snowmobilers this winter.
“I’ve made up my mind and I’m going to open it and that’s it, I won’t go back on my word,” Virginia Niemuth said.
Niemuth’s threat to close off her land was initially in reaction to the dismissal of felony animal cruelty charges against brothers Rory and Robby Kuenzi. Felony charges against a third man, Nicolas Hermes, were suspended.
But the judges’ rulings are being appealed, and Niemuth says she’s had time to think about it and change her mind.
“Last year the trail run right through here where the snowmobilers killed the deer,” Niemuth showed us.
Niemuth told the Waupaca County Snowmobile Association to move its trail this year but not completely off her land, as she had threatened, just farther away from her sheds.
“We’re all pretty happy — the snowmobile club, myself personally, really thank Jenny for finally saying yes,” the snowmobile group’s Dennis Behn said. “Was pretty leery about it, but finally she said we could go.”
For the 5,000 some registered snowmobilers in Waupaca County, her decision is huge. Without the Niemuth property they would have faced a 20-mile detour.
Three snowmobile trails connect right on Virginia’s property.
“I guess I was just so bitter about the whole thing, but the more I thought about it, it isn’t the snowmobilers and it isn’t the deer hunters that are causing the problem.”
The farmer who discovered the mutilated deer agrees.
“You can’t punish everybody for what a few people did,” Randy Yorkson said.
All Virginia has are what she thinks are a couple of easy-to-follow requests: “Stay on the trails and don’t harm the animals.”
