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State Rep. Curt VanderWall, left, and Dennis Eade, executive director of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association, testify before the House Natural Resources Committee.
VanderWall bill offers more flexibility for ice shanty owners
LANSING — Legislation introduced by state Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) increases the flexibility of rules regulating ice shanties placed on Michigan waterways.
VanderWall’s bill gives the Michigan Department of Natural Resources the ability to adjust ice shanty removal dates each year based on weather conditions. Current law sets precise dates by which ice shanties must be removed from specific waters.
“Some winters may be warmer, some colder,” said VanderWall, the 101st House District representative. “It just makes more sense to allow the department to determine the dates based on weather conditions each year.”
Furthermore, the legislation will offer increased privacy protections for the owners of ice shanties, who are currently required to put their names and addresses on the structure.
“Not everyone wants their name and address visible to anyone who happens to walk out on the ice,” VanderWall said. “My bill offers more options. You’ll be able to choose whether you want to put your name and address, driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number on your ice shanty.”
Dennis Eade, executive director of the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association, joined VanderWall today to testify in support of the bill before the House Natural Resources Committee.
“This is a bill that gives a little more flexibility to the shanty owner as to how they are identified,” Eade said.
VanderWall noted the additional identification options in his bill are consistent with other types of sporting equipment, such as tree stands and animal traps.
House Bill 4787 remains under consideration by the House Natural Resources Committee.
The 101st House District includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties.
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