I'm a first-year ice angler. I've invested this year so far in safety gear, auger, flasher, 2 rods, some tip-ups, and some tackle. My budget is pretty much shot after that. Thankfully I've been able to get out in some decent weather lately, but I'm thinking of putting together a DIY shelter of sorts. Wondering if anyone here has built something like this. I'm thinking more like a tent than a structure. Appreciate any advice!

I've used an old coleman dome tent with a big square section cut out of the floor, leave enough of the floor so the tent will still stand on its own. Then I use 8 inch lag bolts to fasten the tent to the ice using the normal stake corners.

Previous thread:

Homemade Shelter

you can buy a pop up turkey blind for around $50 from places like sportsmans guide, almost cheaper and easier than DIY...

Used on Chequamegon Bay. Four 4x4-8' long four small hinges, one 6" circle of 3/4 plywood, and four spreader pieces. Cover with Menards tarps and staple to the 4x4's.
Set the base at 7x7x7x7feet. The door might be tricky without a zipper, but I'm guessing you'd figure out something. My first one was like my dicription; My new one has fancier cloth for covering.


If you decide to go this route, I can get pics of mine and help you through.
Kent
There are a couple of pics in this link: ice teepee

They aren't cheap to buy, but they are cheap to build.
and they don't blow down!! :)
Company that sells them.
ice teepee company

If I were you, I'd keep checking craigslist. There are some bargains that are likely cheaper than DYI.
The other way to catch more fish while keeping warm is to drill a lot of holes and keep walking around from hole to hole. That's my personal preference unless it is single digits. shelter

Thanks everyone for the advice!

Lundojam, it’s funny you should link to that particular shelter on CL as I just got off the phone with the owner and am headed over to grab it later this afternoon. It will need a little tlc but I can handle that. The fact that it was made in Harmony MN made me chuckle as I have family down there and didn’t think they produced anything but hogs and Amish goods! My aunt will have stories about HECO, I bet.

This should tide me over while I figure out how to make a tipi—- which seems like a great solution.

Thanks again folks!

Great minds think alike. :) Go get 'em.

You can buy Hub shelters very reasonable both new and used, they work great.