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The furry ice fisher: Mayor Parker the Snow Dog
Mayor Parker loves to ice fish, even though he doesn’t have thumbs
BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
What can a dog teach you about ice shing? Actually, a lot, if that dog is Mayor Parker the Snow Dog, Mayor of Georgetown and member of the Scheels Pro Sta Ice Fishing Team.
Parker the Snow Dog, beloved internet sensation and four-legged philanthropist also happens to be an ice shing ambassador. Not only is he a member of the Scheels Pro Sta , but he’s an ambassador for Eskimo Ice Fishing, Stormy Kromer and WSI Sports. How does he do it with no thumbs? With a little help from his dad, Dustin Schaefer. e two got into the sport three years ago.
“We really didn’t know what we were doing or getting ourselves into,” Schaefer said.
Now, Parker is a brand ambassador for multiple outdoors out tters.
“His main purpose is to be an ambassador to the sport of ice shing,” Schaefer said.




If you check out any of his social channels, you’ll see Parker posed in front of ice shing tents, watching augers drill into the ice and helping his dad reel in the day’s big catch. He likes to get cozy on his bed in the tent and watch the action from there, too.
“He loves laying on his cot while I’m ice shing, snuggling with his toys,” Schaefer said.
Some popular lakes for ice shing in Clear Creek are Georgetown Lake, Clear Lake and St. Mary’s. e season in Clear Creek lasts from around January to the end of March, depending on the weather.
“We’ve been lucky this winter with cool temperatures through March; that’s gonna extend the ice shing season,” Schaefer said.
One of the misconceptions about ice shing, according to Schaefer, is that it’s a “cold sport for grumpy old men.” Since the start of the pandemic, Schaefer has seen the ice shing demographic change, with more families partaking in the sport.
“It’s a great opportunity for a family to spend quality time together,” he said. is season, Parker and his dad caught their biggest sh so far, a 36” Lake Trout on Lake Granby. at sh quali ed them for the Master Angler Award with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
After that, Parker isn’t very impressed with the smaller catches. He saves his excitement for the big ones.
Parker and Schaefer hit the ice whenever they can, be it after work or a planned longer trip. e dynamic duo enjoyed a full season of shing together, and even took some Broncos players on ice- shing trips to share Parker’s love for shing.
“ is season we’ve gotten close to 30 days of ice shing on 10 di erent lakes in Colorado. ere’s nothing better than ice shing with your furry best friend,” Schaefer said.

PARKER’S TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR DOG ICE FISHING



1. Keep your dog on a leash if other people are fishing nearby. Dogs will love to run to other fishing camps and eat whatever they find. This can be dangerous if there are hooks and lures. Also, it’s just courteous not to have your dog running around their camp peeing on tents and fishing gear. Bring an extra ice fishing anchor so you can tether them outside on nice days.
2. Like I mentioned above: Fishing hooks and lures are very dangerous. Keep these and your bait in a secure spot that your pup won’t get into.
3. Keep your dog occupied. Pack a couple KONGS or some treats and reward them throughout the day.
4. Leave no trace. Bring poop bags and pick up after your pup. If you can take the time to bag the poop, then most likely you can figure a way to pack it out.
5. Be careful where you leave your augers. Augers are sharp and can be very dangerous to doggos. Leave your auger in a safe spot and make sure you have a cover for your blades.
6. Bring food and water. Your dog will get hungry and thirsty on a fishing trip. Bring a couple collapsible bowls, water and food.
7. Bring a little dog bed or cot for your dog to lay on. The ice can get cold, and your pup will thank you later. Ice fishing sleds with a bed or blanket inside make a great home base for your dog.
8. Make sure your pup has a collar with updated ID tags. If fishing at night, make sure your dog has a light on their collar if going outside the tent.
9. If your dog has issues with their paws getting cold or getting ice balls, check out dog booties or mushers wax. Jackets are always another option on cold days.
10. Most importantly, if your dog doesn’t want to go, don’t make them.