Record snowmobile deaths leads to warnings from DNR

"I woke up and I just knew I had to be on the trail this morning. I didn't call in I had somebody work for me," said one snowmobilers who only referred to himself as "Marty".

While trails are in good condition now, the Department of Natural Resources reminds snowmobilers to be cautious. A series of freeze-thaw cycles have created some slick or bumpy sections that are not easily seen. So warden urge snowmobilers to watch their speed and drive sober.

"You know if you're going to go out to a tavern, if you're going to go out to party or anything like that, make sure you drink some soda, drink water and drink after you're done riding overall," said Conservation Warden Ryan Caputo, who spend part of the morning on the trails.

Such warnings come after a record setting 14 snowmobile related deaths for this season. With inconsistent winter weather, the DNR says traveling on ice is riskier.

"Ice is never truly safe. And especially with the freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw, like you're saying, people need to be especially more aware. Pay more attention to ice conditions before they go out there," Caputo added.

Such warnings are not lost on long time snowmobilers like "Marty"

"You've got to know the trails. You don't want to be maxing out your machine on a trail you don't know. Once you know the trail, you know where the safe spots are and where you need to be careful."