The holiday season is officially upon us, and many of us are busy making last-minute plans.

None of us, I’ll bet, are planning to die this weekend. But we might do just that … if we’re not careful.

Get your attention?

Good.

Every year, people call or e-mail me with what amounts to the same message: If outdoor enthusiasts were more careful, the number of “accidents” that we’ve come to take for granted could be greatly reduced.

A couple times every year, I write a column to that effect.

The ice isn’t safe.

Don’t drink if you’re going out snowmobiling.

Don’t drive your truck across the lake. Ever … or at least not yet.

And every year, people fall through ice or toss back a few beers before hopping on the sled … and die.

I’d be willing to bet that will be the case again this weekend.

Why? Because that’s what always happens. And no matter what us ink-stained wretches tell each other in our private moments, we don’t have that much power over people. No matter how many times we ask people to think twice. No matter how many times we caution folks to be safe.

The conditions, you should know, are perfectly aligned for a tragedy.

Most of our ponds have a skim of ice. A thin skim of ice. Many of those ponds have a bit of snow on them. Folks are eager to snowmobile, and fish, and snowshoe and skate.

And there are enough impatient souls out there that a few will likely make mistakes they can’t take back. At that point, their survival becomes a matter of luck.

Come Sunday, we’re apt to get another foot or so of snow, which will pile on top of that unsafe ice, and insulate it. Freeze-up will slow down. Conditions will become even more hazardous.

And some won’t worry about it for a second.

On Monday, I’d bet that we’ll be reading about at least one decision that turned out to be a tragically bad one.

I’d like to change that. But us ink-stained wretches … we don’t have the power to change the future.

You do, however. Every one of you.

Have a great weekend. But more importantly, have a safe one.

I hope that come Monday, I can sit down at this desk and tell you that I was wrong, and that we’re that much closer to Christmas without a family or two or three dealing with an entirely avoidable death.

Only time will tell if I can do that.

Maine licenses available

So you’re still not done your Christmas shopping. Don’t worry. It could be worse: You could be one of those who hasn’t started their Christmas shopping. Like … um … me.

If you’re still a few gifts shy of a full tree, good news arrived from Augusta this week: 2008 hunting and fishing licenses are available.

And as has become the custom, more than a mere license is up for grabs.

Here’s the deal: The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife really, really, really wants you to utilize its Internet-based MOSES system to buy your license this year.

The reason is pretty simple. Every time someone buys a license over the Internet, it means one fewer license that has to be manually punched into the system in Augusta. And that means a savings of time and money.

The DIF&W is so determined to get hunters and anglers to embrace the technology – which many, including myself, have done – that they give out some pretty nifty prizes.

Last year, a lucky winner took home a truck … just for using the MOSES system. This year, the prize was a classic Rangeley boat.

And this year, more of us will be winning.

The DIF&W announced that two lucky license buyers will end up winning $2,000 shopping sprees. One will take place at Kittery Trading Post, while the other will be at L.L. Bean.

In addition, 30 more winners will receive their 2009 combination hunting and fishing license for free.

To purchase a 2008 license (and automatically gain entry into the contests) go to www.mefishwildlife.com.

One of the neat features of the MOSES system is that it allows you to print out multiple copies of your license, which you can then stash in the places you’ll need them.

One for the boat? Another for the fly vest? Another for your hunting coat? No problem … and no extra cost. Just push a button and print away.

To me, that feature alone makes the MOSES system a winner. And I’m sure I’ll be using the system again this year.

In addition, you can use the online licensing system to sign up for the any-deer permit lottery or the moose permit drawing.

If you haven’t tried MOSES yet, you might want to. It’s quick. It’s simple. And heck, you might even win a prize.

Happy hunting … and fishing … and shopping.

LURC hearing postponed

If you were thinking of heading up to Greenville for Sunday’s public hearing of the Land Use Regulation Commission, stay in bed.

LURC has postponed the final hearing on Plum Creek’s Moosehead-area concept plan because of the ominous weather forecast.

If you’re looking to give the LURC commissioners a piece of your mind, you’ll have to wait until next year: The new date is Jan. 19. The hearing will be held at Greenville High School from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and from 2-6 p.m.

Two public hearings have already been held, with another scheduled for today in Portland. In addition, LURC has held nine days of testimony and cross-examination from interested parties.

The Plum Creek concept plan has drawn considerable attention over the past two years, with individuals and special interest groups on both sides of the issue making their positions well known.

In a news release, LURC Director Catherine M. Carroll said that postponing Sunday’s hearing made sense.

“Traveling conditions are likely to be poor, not conducive to interested parties having to drive great distances,” Carroll said.

So put the new hearing date on your calendar. And if that doesn’t work out? Well, LURC has already planned for that contingency as well: A snow date for the snow date will be held on Jan. 26, if the Jan. 19 hearing can’t be staged.

Pessimistic? Hardly.

This is (nearly) winter in Maine, after all.

Greenland Point Center available

The Greenland Point Center in Princeton is accepting reservations for holiday parties, family gatherings, business retreats and meetings.

Programming for team and challenge events is available, as is equipment for many outdoor sports. Accommodations and catering are available.

An important thing to remember: The folks who run the Greenland Point Center now have worked very hard to provide a place where they can help pass along the state’s outdoor traditions to a new generation of youngsters.

Any help we give – like considering using the center for family gatherings and business retreats – helps the group with their bottom line … and in turn will help them keep providing that outdoor education option to area youths.

To me, utilizing the Greenland Point Center like this is a great decision. Not only can you have fun outdoors, you can give a gift, of sorts, to those who will take advantage of the educational offerings in the future.

For more information, e-mail greenlandpoint@verizon.net or call 796-5186. For more information about the center, go to www.greenlandpoint.com.

John Holyoke may be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214.