UPDATE -STOLEN/MISSING ice hut White Lake

[smokercraft]

Got my ice hut back. Got a call from MNR today saying that somebody dumped an ice hut off behind the museum in White Lake last week. MNR a traced the registration numbers back to me. I went and got it tonight. It was all in one piece other than the lock was broken off and the contents gone. Didn't lose much, just a jigging rod, some jigs/line and a small propane heater.




Hi guys
My ice hut went missing from White Lake within the last couple of days. I went to retrieve it this morning and it is gone.... tie down anchors/ropes were all cut with a knife and there are 4 wheeler marks from where it was towed away. It was on Pickerel Bay. They left all of the blocks etc on the ice and it looks like it was removed quickly. I asked around at Cedar Cove etc and checked White Lake marina and no luck. Looks like someone stole it. If they wanted to get a hold of me they could find me by the registration numbers (CA000496) The shack is unique so should stand out. It is 4x8 all white coroplast with red tuck-tape seams. The inside is all spray foamed with one jigging hole in the floor. Windows on 3 sides. Inside was a small propane heater, ice chisel, chair and a jigging rod with a few lures. I can confirm it was still there last weekend. If anybody sees or hears anything or has any info please send me a pm or let me know. Just built it this year and would hate to not see it again. Thanks

[RyanW]

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[banjo]

I am pretty sure the Ice Hut Removal Date... was March 15. You should have had it off by then. Maybe contact the Ministry and ask them. Or check where the tracks lead...maybe a good samaritain just removed it off the ice for you and it's on shore somewhere. Or they thought you had abandoned it.

[smokercraft]

yes, it was supposed to be off on the 15th but couldn't get to it because of the slush. I am pretty sure the ministry or a good samaritan took it as they left all the wood/blocks/rope etc there. Just grabbed the shack and went. I picked up the rest. 5 days after the deadline is not a long time... especially the way this season has been.

[smokercraft]

the tracks looked like they were headed towards the far end of the lake... it was only 100 ft offshore. The ice road is still active with people driving all over the lake so there was no fear of the ice being gone anytime soon

[StarTzar]

the tracks looked like they were headed towards the far end of the lake... it was only 100 ft offshore. The ice road is still active with people driving all over the lake so there was no fear of the ice being gone anytime soon

I'm with you on this one. Someone borrowed it long term.

[RyanW]

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[smokercraft]

Well if I had to guess, it looks like it was taken wednesday or thursday of this week. You honestly think that the ministry is sitting and waiting for the deadline and then going out and towing huts away? If so, do you not think they would have removed the blocking/ropes etc as well rather than just leave it on the ice? With the registration numbers on the hut, you would think they would contact the owner..... I am 99.9% sure that someone scooped it.......

[banjo]

I honestly think that the Ministry does their job and enforces an Ice Hut Removal Deadline.
Is that the case this time?... I have no idea. Maybe someone has been planning to steal ice shacks all winter... or maybe someone thought that since the ice shack was not removed at the deadline, that it was abandonned and instead of it becoming crappie structure, they decided to take on the job of removing the shack? Is it stealing? Or did it get repossessed?
I will definitely keep an eye out for someone trying to sell an ice shack based on your description. I do feel for you and think it sucks but I am not sure what anyone can do for you.

[smokercraft]

nothing anyone can do. Just asking that if anyone sees or hears anything, please let me know. Thanks

[smitty55]

That's a bummer man. I'm surprised you still had your stuff in it seeing as it was past the due date. I highly doubt it was the ministry, unless the fine is in the mail. Sounds like someone figured they got a free shack, but maybe you'll get lucky and it was someone trying to help. I have a good bud up that way who I'll get to put out some feelers for you. Good luck

Cheers

[smokercraft]

Thanks Smitty,
wasn't much inside really.... just stuff i always left in it. Cheap jiggin rod/chair and my ice chisel

[smitty55]

So I talked to my buddy, and he wasn't overly surprised at all. He said it's seems to be getting far worse in the last few years. Ice shacks getting broken into. Cottages, specially on the north shore getting broken into and atvs getting stolen. He's been in the area for over 60 years and he's never seen it so bad, so it's kind of a bad reflection on society these days. More people would rather steal than work for their money. Sad.
Anyway, Danny knows a lot of folks up that way, so he'll put the word out. Myself, it being such a unique looking shack that can't be disguised by a coat of paint, I have a hard time thinking it will remain in this area. Unless someone complained and the fine is in the mail. But I highly doubt it from the way it was removed.

I'm not much of a social media guy, but it certainly can be a very productive venue for spreading the word. Maybe post the theft on FB with pictures to get the word out. You could contact the Arnprior Fish and Game club, and put small posters with a pic of the shack out at local public places, even up in the Frew. I would also consider reporting it to the local OPP. Sure can't hurt. Even post a pic here and on OOD and OFC.

Cheers

[RJ]

MNR wouldn't be removing it without contacting you first to try and get you to do it.

Hope she turns up for ya!

RJ

[smokercraft]

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