Saskatchewan anglers are being urged to take back their ice fishing shacks.
In a media release Wednesday, the Saskatchewan government said all ice fishing shelters located on bodies of water south of Highway 16 have to be removed by March 15.
Shelters in areas north of that highway must be removed by March 31.
“Every year, ice fishing shelters are abandoned on the ice,” the government said in its release. “When the ice melts, these can pose a danger to boaters, water-skiers and others enjoying our lakes. Pieces of abandoned shelters can also wash up on shore, causing environmental hazards.”
The shelters must be moved to a place from which they can be transported to the owner’s home or property. Litter also has to be removed from the shelter’s location.
If shelters aren’t removed, their owners could be prosecuted and the shacks and their contents could be confiscated.
The government reminded people to be careful on the ice, which is losing thickness due to recent warm temperatures.