With the sturgeon spearing season coming to an end, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers of some upcoming deadlines.
The DNR has shared that deadlines to remove shanties from public waters are currently underway, with the first coming last week in southern portions of the state.
However, locally, all shanties on inland waters south of Highway 64, including Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Systems, are to be removed no later than the end of the day on March 8th.
Additionally, any local shanties located on Lake Michigan are also required to be removed on or before March 15th.
Anglers are still able to use their portable ice shanties after these dates if the weather allows it, but they must be taken off the ice daily and when not in use.
As these deadlines approach, the DNR is again urging fishers to remember that no ice is ever 100% safe.
While the DNR does not monitor ice conditions, they recommend checking in with local fishing clubs or bait shops for current ice conditions before heading out for removals.
The DNR finished their statement by noting, “Owners having difficulties removing their shanty should seek help from their local fishing club, vendors, and other anglers. The removal deadlines are to ensure shanties are removed and to avoid the additional costs and hazards of shanties breaking through the ice.”
