Fewer On The Ice?

[2 dogs]

Is it my imagination or are there substantially fewer folks on the ice this year even where there is excellent ice?  I have noted last year there would be 25 vehicles and lots of folks with shanties and tents on our lake here in NE Wis. but this year hardly anyone in spite of 12 inches of excellent ice. We went out Saturday and there were only two other parties on a 2500 acre lake. I have heard reports that fishing in general and ice fishing in particular was falling off but is it that dramatic and why so. It is an excellent family activity and my grand kids love to go as do the dogs and all my buddies. I would hate to think that others will just no longer go but rather stay indoors and play on the computer.

[cstolp]

I think that it is just the goofy weather.  I think people have heard too many bad reports this year and don't want to take the perceived risk.  Besides I think too many people are getting into ice fishing now.  I like a little solitude.