The date for ice fishing huts staying out overnight on the water in southern Saskatchewan has now come and gone.

As of last night at midnight no shelters south of Highway 16 are allowed to remain on the ice throughout the night unless accompanied by a person.

Kevin Harrison, a conservation officer with the ministry of environment, said the set date is needed because this time of year the conditions can be volatile.

"You know ice conditions they can change," he explained. "If the weather starts to get nice and the weather gets warm, that ice can change daily and hourly. We want people to be safe when they're out there."

If huts are found on the ice without someone present, the owner could face a multitude of consequences.

"If it's still on the ice [overnight] after that March 15 date those shacks can be seized by us and the owners can receive fines and charges," he said. "And all contents, like anything in that shack can be seized as well."

Harrison reminds the public that ice conditions are worsening and to be careful while out on the frozen bodies of water.

Ice huts north of Highway 16 are allowed to continue to stay out overnight until March 31.