Years back, I felt it was a huge step in the wrong direction when they took permit sales away from the clubs and put it online. The face to face interaction between a permit buyer and a club volunteer was key.  

Great little video that sums things up pretty well.    After listening to it I found myself thinking of the province of NB, never rode there but those that I know all seem to have the same comment, lots of older machines still on the trail, not sure about youth though, I believe trail help is still healthy and I thought the government is pretty involved too in their system.  Perhaps an anomaly though in the sport based on what I hear and if actually accurate.  But you need systems all over the place to be able to operate effectively, that I’m not so sure is possible in this day and age. 

Wifey had a couple surgeries this winter, so no sled for me. Got out for a couple side road rips but thats it. Missed early spring salmon fishing on top of that but got out the last 2 mornings. Still a few salmon lurking around. Ate them all day yesterday and just about to clean one for the freezer. Threw 2 back.    So nice to be back on the water.    

You are right.    It seems that the season doesnt begin until mid-Jan and as you mentioned, April riding is pretty much the norm lately in Northern Ontario.   The weather patterns are definitely changing whether we want to believe it or not.