FYI--ice hut regs

[sonny]

OFAH FILE: 842

December 12, 2008

For immediate release

 

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MNR updates ice hut regulations

Revisions define ''portable'', clarify registration and removal requirements

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After receiving input from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

(O.F.A.H.) and other stakeholders, the Ministry of Natural Resources

(M.N.R.) has updated its regulations with regard to portable ice huts. The

changes better reflect the commercial products that are available to winter

fishing enthusiasts today, and bring the regulations back in line with the

practice of previous years.

 

''The Ministry has made it easier for Ontarians to get outside and enjoy ice

fishing on Ontario's lakes, and that is something we actively support and

encourage,'' said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader. ''The changes

ensure that winter anglers can take full advantage of the great flexibility

that portable ice hut products offer.''

 

Under the revised regulations, ice hut registration and ice hut removal

dates do not apply if the hut is ''...a tent made of cloth or synthetic

fabric that has a basal area of seven square metres (or approx. 7'x10') or

less when erected.'' This is an increase in size from the previous base area

of two square metres, and means that the majority of today's commercially

available portable ice huts now fall within these specifications.

 

The M.N.R. still requires registration of permanent ice huts in many

Fisheries Management Zones, and registration numbers must be clearly

displayed on the hut. Permanent ice huts must be removed on or before

specified dates. It is an offense under the Public Lands Act to leave any

ice hut out after ice break up. Anglers are encouraged to check the

provincial fishing regulations summary guide for specific details.

 

The new ice hut regulations take effect immediately, and the changes should

appear in the next reprint of the Fishing Ontario 2008-2009 Fishing

Regulation Summary. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/fishing.

 

With 83,000 members and 655 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers

and Hunters is the leading fishing, hunting and conservation organization in

Ontario. For more information visit www.ofah.org.

 

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Contact

 

Jeremy Holden

Fisheries Biologist

(705) 748-6324

 

Lezlie Goodwin

O.F.A.H. Communications Coordinator

(705) 748-6324 ext 270

 

It sure is nice they cleared this up!!!