The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is issuing a final call to clear the lakes of ice shanties. A set of deadlines has been announced, tailored for different regions and the bodies of water they encompass, to ensure the safety of both the environment and the ice fishing enthusiasts.
To prevent hazards from abandoned ice shanties, the DNR has set removal deadlines. Shanties on Wisconsin–Iowa boundary waters must be removed last Thursday, those on Wisconsin–Minnesota boundary waters on Saturday, inland waters south of Highway 64 by March 2, and those on Wisconsin–Michigan boundary waters by March 15.
For Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior, and inland waters north of Highway 64, the deadline is March 16. This staggered schedule takes into account differences in ice conditions, fish spawning times, and the protection of ecosystems.
Failure to meet these deadlines could result in penalties. The DNR advises fishers not to wait, as weakening ice and warm weather can make removal harder and more dangerous. Complying with the deadlines helps keep Wisconsin's waterways safe and accessible for everyone and protects the environment. Removing shanties is both a legal and communal responsibility to preserve these natural resources, as per Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
