The coldest of the winter weather is perhaps still on the horizon so a Department of Natural Resources Police Captain is putting the call out now for outdoorsmen to play it safe.

DNR Conservation Police Captain John Williamson says whether you're headed on the water to ice fish, fish from your boat, or do some waterfowl hunting, have a life jacket, especially in the winter.

If you're hoping to get out and do some ice fishing whether it's local or elsewhere in the upper-midwest, Capt. Williamson says to watch the weather and make sure the water is going to freeze. He reminds of some of the conditions to be on the lookout for.

Capt. Williamson says ice fishing is a great recreational activity where you can catch several types of fish that may not be as active during the warm weather months, especially the farther north you go.

For regulations on fishing in Illinois, Capt. Williamson directs everyone to dnr.illinois.gov.