The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers that ice shanty removal deadlines are beginning today.
The first deadline is February 20 for shanties on Wisconsin–Iowa boundary waters. Additional deadlines follow in the coming weeks:
Wisconsin–Minnesota boundary waters: March 1
Inland waters south of Highway 64: March 8
Wisconsin–Michigan boundary waters: March 15
Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior, and inland waters north of Highway 64: March 15
Permanent shelters, or those not removed daily, must be off the ice by those dates.
An exception is the Fox River downstream from the De Pere Dam in Brown County, where shelters must be removed daily and whenever not in use.
Portable shanties may still be used after the deadlines, but they must be taken off the ice at the end of each day.
The DNR reminds anglers that no ice is ever 100 percent safe and does not monitor ice conditions. Fishermen are encouraged to check with local bait shops and fishing clubs for updates.
Anyone having difficulty removing a shelter should seek help from local clubs or fellow anglers. Removal deadlines are in place to prevent shanties from breaking through the ice and creating hazards and added costs.
To report an abandoned shanty, call or text the DNR Violation Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR.
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