The Montpelier Bridge Photo by Corey Hart of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Ice shanties in Vermont must be removed before the ice becomes unsafe or loses its ability to support the shanty out of the water, or before the last Sunday in March, – whichever comes first. MONTPELIER — Spring is in the air, and it is time for people to get their fishing shanties off the ice before it becomes unsafe. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department sent out a notice reminding ice fishermen that state law requires ice fishing shanties be removed before the ice weakens. Shanties must be removed before the ice loses its ability to support the shanty out of the water