Last Call For Ice House Removal

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers about the upcoming deadline to remove their ice fishing shelters. Structures must be off lakes in the southern two-thirds of the state by the end of the day on Monday, March 7. For structures on lakes in the northern third of the state, the deadline is by the end of the day on March 21. If shelters are not removed by the deadline, owners will be prosecuted and structures may be confiscated and removed, or destroyed by a conservation officer. After removal date, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended. Storing or leaving shelters on a public access is prohibited. The DNR recommends outdoor enthusiasts check ice thickness by using an auger or spud bar before venturing onto a frozen pond, lake or river. Ice is never 100 percent safe. The DNR also asks anglers to do their part in helping keep lakes clean by picking up all the trash, even if it doesnt belong to them.