Every winter, hundreds of thousands of anglers head for the frozen water to fish. Most ice anglers clean up after themselves, but some don’t — and it’s their behavior that was the impetus for a new litter-on-ice law the Minnesota Legislature passed earlier this year.

  Ice conditions so far this season have been highly variable and safety has to be anglers’ top priority. As anglers venture out, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds them that the new law requires people to secure their trash in a container such as a bucket, garbage bag or trash bin, and makes clear that depositing sewage — whether from animals or humans — on the ice is prohibited. The latter, particularly as it relates to human waste, has been an increasing problem in recent years, with some owners of deluxe fish houses (also known as wheelhouses) dumping their holding tanks on the ice before heading for shore.

  The new law makes it easier for conservation officers and other law enforcement personnel to take enforcement action against people who leave trash and waste on the ice.

  “Most anglers leave nothing more than an impression on the ice, and many of them actually take the time to clean up after others because they know trash and waste left on the ice is an eyesore and environmental and human health concern,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “We certainly appreciate that mindset, but the reality is we expect all anglers to bring off the ice whatever they brought on. This law will help all of us ensure that happens.”

  The new statute reads: “A person using a shelter, a motor vehicle, or any other conveyance on the ice of state waters may not deposit garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage, or any other waste outside the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance, unless the material is: Placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance, and not placed directly on the ice or in state waters. For the purposes of this section, ‘sewage’ means excrementitious or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals, together with such other water as may be present.”

  Even though this article comes courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the problems it addresses exist nationwide. So no matter where you live, whether you ice fish or open water fish, hike, camp or just go for a picnic in the park, remember to clean up after yourself and your group. Maybe even go that extra bit and pick up after those that don’t get that we are all stewards of our waters and land.

 To see what adventures are await you in Minnesota, visit their web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/.

My rabbit stew evolved from a fricassee,
Picked up from a guy named Bill, or was it Ted?

With Cottontails, I make it white;
With Snowshoe hares, it’s red.

Rabbits are skinned and butchered afield,
Yielding backstraps and leg quarters right down to the shin.

The meat is wiped clean and allowed to cool,
Then bagged for the carry home with flavor locked in!

Once home, the meat is de-boned, chunked and tenderized
By removing all tough tissue and pounding well.

Then it’s floured and browned in hot butter,
To be covered in liquid and simmered a spell.

The simmering liquid is a magical mix
Of water, bouillon cubes and just the right wine.

That all hungry hunters will appreciate
When they sit down to dine.

My rabbit stew, with potatoes, carrots and onions
And lots of tasty, lean and delicious meat.

Yields real comfort food when served over a biscuit,
Providing those who partake with a singular treat!

With the rabbit population dwindling,
And hunting opportunities decreasing day-by-day.

I shoot far fewer rabbits…eat far less stew
Than I would if I had my say.

Rabbit Stew Night has become an annual event,
To be enjoyed with friends and family, young and old.

Good days afield and past hunts live on again
For all at the table through the stories told.

All of a sudden…I realize
I have not had my fill of rabbit stew.

And, I expect that many of our group
Probably feel that way too.

Someday, when that final messenger arrives,
And says, “It’s time Barney; I’ve come for you.”

I’ll just say, “Hold your damn horses…
Til I get me one last bowl of rabbit stew!”

Another great story from Lloyd’s book Rambling Outdoors: Tales of Forest, Field and Stream. Used with permission. Thanks Lloyd!