shelter ventilation question

I have a super old school shelter made by HECO, picture attached. Last year was my first year ice fishing and I got this on the cheap. I never needed a heater last year, but this year I’m planning to fish further north in more remote areas and I’m thinking a small heater will be a good idea. The only ventilation holes in this shelter are the grommet holes seen at the top — 4 of them, one near each upper corner. The door can be zipped up a touch as well to let air in the bottom. Is that enough ventilation to run a Little Buddy? The shelter is 4 x 4 x 6.

Thanks!

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They’ve got a sensor that shuts off if oxygen is low but a CO detector is cheap for peace of mind. I wouldn’t worry at all for normal use but wouldn’t advise taking a nap in that small of a shelter w/o some sort of ventilation

Depending on the fabric, you may get quite a bit of ventilation through the fabric as well. But I’d definitely err on the side of caution, I had big scare fishing solo in my insulated Clam once with a Little Buddy and always leave a door cracked now.

Thanks for the replies fellas. I’m trying to determine if I need to modify the shack in any way to be safe.

@moustachesteve I’d have to drink a LOT of Hamm’s to take a nap in a 4×4 shelter I’ll look into a CO detector as well.

@bigwerm I’m solo 99% of the time and this is my fear. The fabric is like a thick, rubbery canvas. I’m not sure there’s much penetration possible. I would be planning to leave the door zipped up a couple of inches on the bottom to let air in, just trying to determine if that’s sufficient with the 4 small holes up top.

Generally speaking you’ll be just fine. NEVER sleep with a ventless heater. NEVER place the heater between you and the only exit. The half life for CO is around 5hrs I believe but it still doesn’t hurt to get some fresh air every now and then.

Really the most logical solution would be to put tip ups outside so you’re forced to occasionally leave the shelter to check flags

Again, appreciate the info folks.

Yeah steve, that’s how I typically fish anyway. I like to move around, grill some brats, stretch the legs, get fresh air, etc. But I’m getting ready for a trip to Ely and I’ll be fishing in colder weather and at darker times of the day than in the past. I can see myself hunkering down in the shack with a dead stick and a jigging rod for the early/late bite.

Would be fun to chase trout if you get that Ely area access figured out. My hub fishes two very comfortably

moustachesteve wrote:

Would be fun to chase trout if you get that Ely area access figured out. My hub fishes two very comfortably

I’ll PM ya when I get some dates in mind!

moustachesteve wrote:

Really the most logical solution would be to put tip ups outside so you’re forced to occasionally leave the shelter to check flags

If tip up action slow you may not get outside enough. Better to put the cooler outside.