Why does the Game and Fish require me to take my icehouse off the lake every day beginning March 15? I’d like to keep it on the ice unoccupied overnight if ice conditions allow after March 15.

Without establishing a set date, some owners forget about their icehouses until it’s too late to retrieve off the ice.  

This results in houses that become trash on the ice and eventually settle to the lakes bottom or wash up on shore.

Establishing a reasonable date provides a needed reminder to icehouse owners.  

The Department fully recognizes ice conditions can vary significantly between winters (early vs late ice out) and within the state.  

Nonetheless, the Department has settled on the March 15th date as reasonable time for most winters to ensure icehouses are removed in a safe manner.