Regardless of when regulations tell you it’s time to remove your ice fishing shack from your favourite spot, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests is recommending you do it now.
Conservation Officer Micah Plourde says the unseasonably warm weather makes it unsafe on the ice.
If your shack isn’t removed on time, legal action could be taken.
“Ice hut owners are responsible for removing all the debris and their garbage as well,” Plourde mentions. “And it can result in charges if individuals leave their ice shacks or leave garbage behind.”
Leaving your shack out there to end up in the water causes environmental and public safety concerns, once spring boating season arrives. Plourde ways there can be floating blocks and skis that broke or were cut off the shacks, tarps, and various other debris.
“So it’s important that all that stuff is removed as well, and that will keep he lakes clean and will also provide a safer environment for the boaters.”
All the regulations surrounding ice fishing can be found at www.ontario.ca/page/ice-fishing .