With warmer weather showing up every now and again, all signs point to spring showing its face soon.

According to a provincial release as the ice fishing season comes to a close, the Ministry of Environment is reminding anglers that the deadlines to remove ice fishing shelters are coming up as well. It is March 15th for shacks south of Highway 16, and then March 31st for ones to the north.

"Plan to remove your ice shelter before it becomes unsafe. Spring weather can be unpredictable, leading to unsafe ice conditions, sometimes earlier than expected." 

It's noted that owners must not only remove all structures from the ice, but their accumulated litter as well. People must do their due diligence and transport the structures away, not leave them on the shore. The release states abandoned shelters pose an unnecessary risk to everyone who enjoys our lakes as we move into the summer as pieces of shelter can cause injuries and litter our shores.

While the cold weather does still exist, be extremely cautious while travelling on ice. Ice thickness is variable from area to area, and any sign of slush, thermal cracks and pressure ridges are all indicators of unsafe ice conditions.

Check out the Anglers Guide available online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing for more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, and if you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan's toll-free Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561, or call #5555 from a SaskTel cellular device.

Violations can also be reported online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.