Sault Man Fined for Deserting Ice Fishing Hut
A man from Sault Ste. Marie has been fined for abandoning his ice fishing hut on Upper Island Lake. Benjamin Halcrow faced legal action earlier this year due to violations related to ice fishing regulations.
Details of the Offense
The case against Halcrow stemmed from accusations that he unlawfully placed a fishing hut on the ice without displaying the required registration number. Authorities reported that he failed to remove the hut by the March 31 deadline set for Fisheries Management Zone 10.
Investigation Findings
- The ice hut was found abandoned throughout the winter months.
- By mid-April 2025, the structure had sunk and was encased in ice.
- Residents eventually took action to remove the hut before it could fall through the ice.
The investigation revealed that Halcrow had placed the ice hut on the lake in January 2025. He neglected to show the registration number on the exterior, as required for non-fabric huts and tents over seven square meters.
Legal Proceedings
Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier presided over the case in the Ontario Court of Justice on December 11, 2025. Halcrow was ultimately fined $3,000 for his actions and received a one-year suspension of his fishing license.
Regulations for Ice Hut Owners
Ice hut owners in Fisheries Management Zones 9 to 12 and 14 to 20 must adhere to specific regulations:
- All non-fabric and large fabric huts must be registered.
- The registration number must be clearly displayed on the hut.
- Huts must be removed by the regional deadline to avoid penalties.
For those witnessing natural resource violations, reporting options include the ministry TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. More information about unsolved cases can be found at ontario.ca/MNRTips.
