BY BOB AND GINNY RIEGE

With Fishing for a Cure done and many people participating in the Paint the Town Pink events our time on the ice may be a little limited for this year. We many have a lot of winter left, but there are some deadlines to pay close attention to.

Fishing for a Cure and PTTP events were spectacular and we are very proud of all the people that partake in these events.

More importantly was the sense of community that came together on the ice that day. There were parents, kids, grandparents, dogs and all were fishing for cancer research. After the event the Eagles club was packed with a crowd eager for the live auction and raffle prizes. It was a job well done by the organizers and all who contributed to make this a tremendous success.

One thing that really struck me, during this event, is that this year is also the year of the portable fish house. With thin ice from the Twin Cities south, this year, portable fish houses are becoming the norm. These structures come with names such as the Clam, and Fish Trap. The important thing is that they allow you to take others out on the ice and yet be mobile. One thing that many modern ice fisherman want to do is to move from location to location. With February coming to a close, many will have to remove permanent wheelhouses off the lakes very soon, but with a portable, you can venture on the ice in March.

The DNR has released the following dates to all anglers:

Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than midnight for each of the dates given in the following categories as follow: Border Waters — Minnesota–Iowa – Feb. 20; Minnesota–Wisconsin – March 1; Minnesota–North and South Dakota – March 5; Minnesota–Canada – March 31

Inland Waters

Dates of removal are determined by an eastwest line formed by U.S. Hwy. 10, east along Hwy. 34 to Minnesota Hwy. 200, east along Hwy. 200 to U.S. Hwy. 2, and east along Hwy. 2 to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.

South of line – March 3, 2014

North of line – March 17, 2014

If shelters are not removed, owners will be prosecuted, and the structure and contents may be confiscated and removed, or destroyed by a conservation officer.

After removal dates, 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.

It is unlawful to improperly dispose of ice fishing shacks anywhere in the state. Please clean up around your shack and check with local refuse providers or landfills for ice shelter disposal information.