With me in South Dakota I'm kind of spoiled no closing day I agree Lee as soon as ice out have at it. But there would be problems for some people with their definition of ice out, Now does that mean the ice is gone completely ? Does it depend on the region you live in ? Does it mean the whole entire State has to be ice free ? Does it apply to streams, rivers, lakes ? Then there is the safety issue ( high water ) I say just have open season all year long. Most people won;t take advantage or it anyways because of weather conditions, Only the few would brave the conditions. Others would be hunting. So the spawn is pretty much protected Mother Nature will see to that. Hope that answers your question Lee.