What does everyone think will happen going into the ice fishing year? Do you think contests like the Brainerd ice contest will still happen??
We are hoping they will. We have a group of 8 that come up every year. 5 hour drive. And we enjoy it. Up there 3 days and spend our $. It’ll be a shame if it’s shut down.
I can’t imagine it will go on unless they limit participation and maybe draw a 6′ circle around the holes. The permits will come from the DNR which takes it marching orders from Walz.
No way a gathering of over 10k goes on in 2021. Still waiting for the virus to go away since the miss count tho.
Maybe everybody that shows up will get a free vaccine shot!😉
I help out with a smaller derby in Detroit Lakes and as of right now we are planning for a cap of 250 folks, which sucks. We generally get in that 800-1,000 range. We are looking at complementing our limited in-person derby with something virtual, probably through an app-based service like Fish Donkey. It’s a bummer, the myriad derbies around the state are a nice excuse to plan a weekend in Jan/Feb, and generally support some great causes.
It’s funny, I got the 2021 Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza informational booklet in the mail a few weeks and there is not one mention of Covid anywhere in it or what any contingency plans might be. Almost like the virus doesn’t exist. They seem to be full steam ahead with the January 30, 2021 date. Was debating about getting the discounted tickets at Fleet Farm, but I have to question whether this event even takes place.
I have never been to the one in Brainerd, but I assume they bus you to the lake with remote parking. If that is the case I would say almost zero chance of that happening in 2021
We went to FF and purchased our tickets at the discounted rate. 
Maybe they are continuing to sell tickets until having to call it off WEEKS before the event. If it’s called off, they ask you if you would like a refund, or consider it a donation. That was the result of a walleye fishing tournament that was cancelled this past spring.
Maybe they are continuing to sell tickets until having to call it off WEEKS before the event. If it’s called off, they ask you if you would like a refund, or consider it a donation. That was the result of a walleye fishing tournament that was cancelled this past spring.
There’s no news or indication refunds will be offered. Our group is buying the early tickets on this premise: If the ticket isn’t used the money goes to charity. Not expecting or wanting a refund.
Whether they cancel or we do it’s the same. $35 donation to a good cause.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>kirk charipar wrote:</div>
Maybe they are continuing to sell tickets until having to call it off WEEKS before the event. If it’s called off, they ask you if you would like a refund, or consider it a donation. That was the result of a <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleye fishing tournament that was cancelled this past spring.There’s no news or indication refunds will be offered. Our group is buying the early tickets on this premise: If the ticket isn’t used the money goes to charity. Not expecting or wanting a refund.
Whether they cancel or we do it’s the same. $35 donation to a good cause.
I remember years back they did have to cancel due to poor ice conditions.
What I don’t remember, did they just roll the prizes over to the next year? Or did they raffle them off the year in which you bought your ticket?
Maybe they are continuing to sell tickets until having to call it off WEEKS before the event. If it’s called off, they ask you if you would like a refund, or consider it a donation. That was the result of a walleye fishing tournament that was cancelled this past spring.
^^^This
I say there is less than a 10 percent chance of the event taking place. Unfortunately it will hurt the charities and the surrounding businesses.
I doubt the Jacyee and Ducks are going to happen.
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