Tuesday, March 17, 2009

DNR Reminds Ice Fishermen of Shanty Removal Rules

Michigan - The Department of Natural Resources reminds ice fishermen that March is when ice fishing shanties must be removed from ice covering Michigan waters. While dates are established in Michigan law, ice fishermen should be aware that once ice is unsafe for their shanties to be out overnight, they must be removed regardless of whether or not the date in statute has arrived, DNR law enforcement officials said.

Once the dates for various parts of the state have passed, shanties can be placed on ice on a daily basis, but must be removed at the end of each day.

The date to have a shanty removed in the Northern Lower Peninsula is Thursday, March 15. The date for the Upper Peninsula is Saturday, March 31. The date for the Southern Lower Peninsula was March 1.

Persons who own shanties that fall through ice or water are responsible for their removal or face penalties of up to 30 days in jail or a fine not less than $100 or more than $500 - or both. Also, if a governmental agency removes or provides for removal of an ice shanty, the court can require that the defendant reimburse the governmental entity for an amount up to three times the cost of removal.

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