Helping some friends take their ice shack off Lake Wausau this weekend. Had to chop some pallets up that were frozen in the ice at the corners of the shack…decided to burn them and have a few beers around the campfire….when I tried to leave the ice, the DNR blocked my vehicle and the police took my DL. They accused us of burning down an ice shack….I told them the shack was on the trailer….so they escorted me back on the ice to where the shack had been. The other guys were still there, watching the tip-ups, waiting for the fire to burn down. They took everyones DL and fishing licenses….threatened to fine everyone for having an open fire on the ice, burning lumber, violating air pollution standards. Wanted to know who else had shacks around there as some slobs had left garbage, furniture, etc. when they pulled out….
DNR: 
Damn Near Russia…..finally had to admit we hadn’t burned down our shack, as it was right there on the trailer! 
After a good 30 minutes or threatening and harrassing they said they would come back the next day and check to make sure No Ashes were left on the ice! Came with chainsaws on Sunday and cut up the ice and ashes and hauled them home….. 
So….long story short…..carry out all your wood and only burn in an approved burn device!
Caught a fat 30 inch northern before the DNR ruined our day… 
March 3, 2008 at 2:59 pm
#1257928