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The FACTS about Portable Ice Hut Registration

Stopping in at my local Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) office I hoped to clarify the confusion over portable ice hut registration.

Bill Murch their communication specialist helped me out with the confusion. 

You can listen to podcast epsiode #071 published this Friday February 8th.

I know its suppose to be a simple procedure, you can phone , fax email or stop by in person to any MNR office.
For addition information regarding portable ice hut registration please check out page 11 of the 2008-2009 Fishing Ontario Regulations.

You DO NOT need to register it in zones 1-8 and 13.  Zones 9-20 excluding 13 will require registration.

You DO NOT need to register your portable ice hut if it is made of cloth or synthetic material If the hut base has less than 21-1/2 ft square feet ( 2 square meters) when erected. Most one man huts DO NOT not need registration. However check the base total square footage when erected to be sure.

Ice hut numbers must be at least 6.3cm (2- 1/2 inches) in height and clearly displayed on the outside of your hut.

It is an OFFENSE under the Public Lands Act to leave your ice hut out after ice break up.

The MNR encourages anglers to stay safe on the ice.

BEFORE venturing out please remember;

Ice does not freeze at uniform thickness across most lakes and river. Check the thickness with a spud bar or auger.

Not all ice is created equal. Pressure cracks, current river mouths all weaken ice.

Clear blue ice is is the strongest. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice that looks honey combed should be avoided.

Use caution when travelling on snow machines or ATVs.  Minimum of 8 inches on solid blue ice, 12 inches or more on opaque ice.

Anglers should check with local ice hut operators or tackle shops BEFORE venturing out.

Responsible anglers inform others where they will be and when they expect to return.

Wear a float coat or floater suit and carry a set of ice picks.

NO fish is worth dying over,,,,,BE SAFE! 

I also phoned my local MNR office found on page 96 of the 2008-2009 fishing regulations. It took all of 3 minutes speaking with an actual LIVE PERSON to register my portable ice hut.

It only has to be registered ONCE.

The registration number is good for all my portable huts.

If I move or sell them I have to contact the MNR to update my file.

So there you have it, simple enough , even an angler can do it!