All ice fishing shanties must be removed from ice on water bodies in the state by Friday, March 15, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

This is to prevent navigation hazards for boats caused by shanties that remain after the ice has melted away (ice out), and those that fall partially through the ice, which may be difficult to remove and also create hazards for snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles on the ice.

State regulations that require ice shanties to be removed are based on the average date when good ice still exists on waters, not on the actual thickness of ice.

Shanties must be removed by March 15 even if the ice on a water body is still thick.

DEC can ticket shanty owners who don't remove their shanties, and they face a maximum possible fine of $100.

DEC notes that after March 15, ice fishing shanties can be taken on and off the ice when in use, but cannot be left empty on the ice.