2026 North Country Icebreaker- Presented by Irish Setter Boots

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2026 North Country Icebreaker- Presented by Irish Setter Boots

Event Start Date: 1/23/2026 5:00 PM

Event End Date: 1/25/2026 9:00 AM

Timezone: CST

Sign Up For This Event
There are currently 298 spaces left.
Ticket Price: $85.00
Tier Name Price
Indivdual Ticket (With Kids) $85.00
Individual Ticket (No Kids) $85.00
Couple Ticket - 2 Adults (No Kids) $150.00
Couple Ticket - 2 Adults (With Kids) $150.00
Table Sponsorship- 8 Total Seats $600.00

🧊 The NORTH COUNTRY ICEBREAKER is back!🧊

❄️ The 2026 North Country Icebreaker

Presented by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
📍 Breezy Point Resort | Breezy Point, MN
📅 January 23-24, 2026

The North Country Icebreaker is BHA’s biggest gathering in the Midwest — and one of our most anticipated events of the year! Join us at Breezy Point Resort on the iconic Pelican Lake for a weekend of ice fishing, fellowship, and celebration of our public lands and waters.

This annual tradition brings together hunters, anglers, and conservationists from across the country for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy mentored fishing instruction, hands-on demos from industry pros, games, raffles, and prizes, and of course, incredible food—including the crowd-favorite Wild Game Cookoff Competition!

Whether you’re a seasoned ice angler or brand new to fishing through the hardwater, the Icebreaker is the perfect way to connect with like-minded folks, learn new tactics, and experience the freedom and access that public waters provide. Ice fishing is one of the best examples of how public access creates opportunity, and we’re here to celebrate that together.

🎣 What to Expect

  • Fishing & spearing demos from experts

  • Hands-on instruction for anglers in our enclosed, heated ice houses

  • Conservation and Wild-Game Cooking presentations & seminars

  • The Wild Game Cookoff competition

  • Games, raffles, and prizes

  • Family-friendly fun for all ages

  • Delicious meals and great company

This event is open to both BHA members and non-members, and proceeds directly support BHA’s work for public lands, access, stewardship, and education across Minnesota and beyond.

🏠 Lodging

Discounted lodging is available through Breezy Point Resort for Icebreaker attendees.
Reserve early — rooms fill fast!

Book online or call (800)-432-3777 and mention Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to receive the group rate.

Options include:

  • Hotel-style Kings, Double Queens, and Whirlpool Suites

  • Deluxe Condos, Vacation Homes, and Multi-Bedroom Retreats

  • Fish House Rentals

  • Or bring your own ice house!

🎟️ Ticket Options

All tickets include access to all weekend activities:
Friday Welcome Party, Demos, Seminars, Saturday Dinner, and Door Prizes.

  • $85 / Adult

  • $150 / Couple

  • Kids 12 & under: FREE!

  • Table Sponsorships Available

Please select your ticket type based on whether you’re bringing kids under 12.
Attendees who select a “With Kids” ticket will be contacted for food planning.
Kids over 12 count as adults.

Ticket Examples:

  • 1 Adult + kids under 12 → 1 Adult (With Kids) ticket

  • 2 Adults + kids under 12 → 1 Couple (With Kids) ticket

  • 1 Adult + 1 Kid (over 12) → 1 Couple ticket

🔥 Want to Get Involved?

🌲 Why It Matters

Funds raised at the North Country Icebreaker help fuel BHA’s mission to keep public lands and waters in public hands, strengthen access, and support conservation efforts across Minnesota and the nation.

Come for the fishing. Stay for the fellowship. Leave inspired to fight for the wild places we all love.

2026 North Country Icebreaker FAQs

Is this event open to the public?
Yes. The North Country Icebreaker is open to the public. We welcome BHA members, families, and non-members (though we hope you’ll consider joining while you attend).
What is the fishing like this time of year?
Pelican Lake offers incredible fishing for a range of species—including panfish, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, perch, and walleyes. Check out our friends at OnX Fish to explore and plan your fishing.

Fish house rentals:
  • Breezy Point Fish House Rentals
    Houses 7am–9pm; most have cooktops & bathrooms; all have rattle reels.
    Matt: 218-232-4088  |  Jessica: 218-232-4068
  • Pelican Lake Guide Service
    Full-day rentals & sleepers. (Add links for Facebook/website if available.)
    Joe: 218-209-9693  |  Meranda: 218-256-8855
What other activities are going on while I am here?
Check the Breezy Point Resort Winter Activities page and the Breezy Point Events Calendar for local attractions. (Add the URLs as links here.)
What ticket should I purchase if I have kids over 12?
  • 1 Adult + 1 Kid (over 12) = 1 Couple Ticket
  • 1 Adult + 2 Kids (over 12) = 1 Couple + 1 Individual
  • 2 Adults + 1 Kid (over 12) = 1 Couple + 1 Individual
  • 2 Adults + 2 Kids (over 12) = 2 Couple Tickets
What do I need to enter in the Wild Game Cookoff?
Regional wild-game cookoff; winner represents Minnesota Chapter at the 2026 North American Rendezvous (location TBD). Bring your own harvested wild game and ingredients. Amateur event—jump in and have fun!

Requirements & Key Dates
  • Buy an Icebreaker ticket, then tell us you want to enter.
  • Signup deadline: January 23, 2026.
Cooking Tools
  • Camp Chef outdoor grill (2 burners)
  • 10″ skillet, griddle, table
  • Five-piece cooking set, cast-iron pot
Judging (1–10)
  • Hosting
  • Dish Presentation
  • Flavor
  • Represents you as a hunter/angler (tell a story)
  • Creativity
Rules
  • Start with raw ingredients (exceptions: home-cured wild game; home-canned sauces/broths—not as main course).
  • No precooking or prep; no professional chefs (ask if unsure).
  • Main ingredients may be harvested/caught/foraged anywhere. (Note: national competition requires state-based sources.)
  • Time limit: 1 hour start to finish.
  • Max 2 chefs per team; max 5 teams.
  • Bring your own equipment.
  • Provide enough for 4 judges (audience samples welcome).
  • No domestic meat. Bonus for minimal store-bought/commercial ingredients.
  • Teams that sign up but don’t attend: pie-in-the-face penalty.

View Resort Map Here

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