Official Trail Opening...

**Dirty Birch** · 12-10-2009, 11:23 AM

I just got this in an email from the DNR Outdoor Report – December 10, 2009 posting.

The decision to open snowmobile trails is made at the local level. In addition to snow conditions, factors such as open water, standing crops and landowner agreements all dictate the actual opening date, which is announced by county officials.

SO why is it that it is thought that the trails can't open until all the deer hunting is done? According to the DNR if county officials want the trails open for a Mid August snowfall they could open them! In my area there will be more people out bowhunting late season than were out with a muzzleloader this last week or now with the current doe hunt. I never have understood...if there is snow why the trails couldn't open even if they are other outdoor enthusiast in the woods???

Link to my reference:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/2009/or091210.htm

Not try to stir, just inquiring minds would like to know!

**XCR440** · 12-10-2009, 12:35 PM

Mark, it was always my understanding, in Sawyer County, that the trails that go through PUBLIC land are basically open year round......In other words, if you wanted to take the sled for a rip in August, HAVE AT IT.

Now, I'm sure there are quite a few Private crossings/gates/lakes that won't be open or crossable yet, but you can't tell me they aren't bonziaing through the Chequamegan! At least on the Forest roads anyway......

(Shhhhh, I know I would be!)

**AlumaDoo** · 12-10-2009, 02:13 PM

Well, much to my surprise, Mark and I got the same answer to the "opening day" question. Dane county has opened up 3/4 of their trail system, with some specific bondaries posted. There is still standing corn where some of the trail goes through in spots. I assume the whole state is gonna be in the same boat...spotty crops, open water, and unmarked trails.

**Fishy Doo** · 12-10-2009, 05:32 PM

I think this is how it works...

WI State insurance doesn't go into effect until Dec. 1st. Wis Dnr denies any use of trails until they open the gates for use. Once gates have been unlocked and opened every mile of state funded trail HAS to be inspected for proper signage. After that it is up to individual counties to proclaim their trails open. That usually takes the two weeks after Dec 1st.

**Dirty Birch** · 12-10-2009, 07:46 PM

Whoops! Too much beer!

**Dirty Birch** · 12-10-2009, 07:50 PM

XCR 440, now you now why my tongue is stuck on that pole...because I open my mouth too much!

**AlumaDoo** · 12-12-2009, 06:58 AM

Kim and I trailered across the river yesterday into Iowa cty, knowing they were opened up, rode to Mazomanie in Dane cty and ate supper. By the time we got our food I got a text from a buddy saying Sauk cty opened at 6pm. So, for now, all of the surrounding couties around us are open...woo hooo, now I can leave from the yard. Game on, and Giddy Up!!!!!

**RyanH** · 12-12-2009, 10:29 PM

Spanky how are the trails. Never thought I would go south to ride but if good I may try it. Wanna ride?

**AlumaDoo** · 12-13-2009, 07:21 AM

We were only on about 20 miles of trail, and it was a "there and back" kinda trip just to get the first trip in Friday evening. We were'nt out at all Saturday but there was a ton of traffic. Most trails are groomed and looked pretty busy from all the road crossings we saw in Sauk and Dane cty. Now it's 33* already Sunday morning, so any amount of traffic today might do them in. Hopefully we'll get the 2" tomorrow to at least keep them white. A couple sunny days and they'll go quick. It's first ridin for lots of folks out there.