Some pro strategies regarding ice hut removal

WELL-MEANING OUTDOORS MAGAZINES, BLOGS, television shows and websites provide hunters and anglers with great advice most times. The wealth of knowledge shared regarding ice fishing techniques is no exception.

Yet, quite often, the pros keep the best techniques to themselves so that they can maintain an edge over their competitors. I liken this to magicians who are willing to show you how to pull a rabbit out of a hat but not willing to share tips on how to clean the inside of that hat after you’ve kept a rabbit in it.

Sure, when it comes to ice fishing, the experts will share the basics: jigging and live bait techniques, how to use electronics and where to fish and so forth. But they still keep the technique that raises the enjoyment level of the sport from good to superlative to themselves.

I’m talking, of course, about the best ways to

avoid helping a friend remove his ice hut from the lake.

I only mention this now because, in many areas of the province, ice hut removal deadlines are approaching fast. This means the average ice angler will soon be discovering that they have more “friends” than they previously thought.

Beware though, most anglers who need help removing an ice hut will not hit you with the blunt approach. No, they’ll trick you into being a good person, if possible. Therefore the first step in avoiding this back-breaking effort is to recognize the subtle signs.

For instance, if an ice angler you hardly know sends you a thoughtful card and a dozen roses, take this as a hint they will soon be calling and asking for help to get their ice hut off the lake. Likewise, don’t be fooled if that same angler invites you to go fishing on the very last day of the ice hut removal deadline.

I’m not saying don’t go, of course. That would be ridiculous. I’m just suggesting be prepared with credible excuses that will help you avoid the work when the fishing is done.

It used to be that the simple declaration of having 12 slipped discs and a sciatica problem was enough to get you out of the job. But that’s not always the case anymore. Some savvy ice hut owners I know now keep an assortment of back and lumbar supports as well as a good supply of Rub A535 in their huts for just such an occasion. Worse still, they know how to use it.

No, if you are going to avoid helping a “friend” remove an ice hut these days, you are going to have to up your game.

I prefer to fake being in a coma, but sometimes that’s just not practical. In lieu of that, I have found a simple response is often the best.

For instance, when a “friend” calls to ask for help removing an ice hut, say “Sure, I’ll help. I told my doctor I’m not going to let this chronic explosive diarrhea keep me from getting out there. Would you mind picking me up though? My truck is being professionally cleaned.”

This will work on most occasions but again is no guarantee. In fact, it loses effectiveness in inverse proportion to the hut removal deadlines proximity and the sheer size of the hut.

If the truth were to be told, the best way of avoiding ice hut removal duty is planning a trip that will keep you outside of the country for the two weeks leading up to the removal deadline.

Having said all this, it is easier to help your “friend” remove a hut than go to all this trouble.

Figure out what you want to do and be prepared. As I said, in many parts of the province, the deadline is looming.

I just hope you get this column in time. The Internet is horrible here in Bora Bora.