CHILLED.  Today might be your “get out there day” with temps creeping back above zero.  Finish off some late season upland hunting, or venture out on those newly (re)frozen waters, but dress warm, as winds will keep those chills below zero. Alternatively, stay in tie up some flies or jigs, and think of spring, as we talk about that and more in today’s Three Things.

(Featured Photo: A coyote works its way through the darkness along a trail. Simonson Photo)

DAILY CONDITIONS:

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 12/27 – Continued Cold. Hi 6, Lo -14 Winds SE@7.
Tomorrow: Thu 12/28 – Chill Builds. Hi 3, Lo -8, Winds NW@12.

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 8:27AM Sunset: 5:01PM
Moonrise: 1:33PM Moonset 1:39AM
Overhead: 8:05PM Underfoot: 7:41AM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

EDGE HOUR:   1:00-2:00PM. – Things will be a bit warmer during today’s Edge Hour, and moonrise will help trigger an on-ice bite.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS.

M-M-M-MY MATUKA. Grab a set of those long church window feathers and crank out one of the funnest streamers a rooster pelt can give up!  The pheasant matuka is a spin on a classic New Zealand streamer that does a serious number on trout and smallies in more regional waters.

MOUNTING LIONS. As of Dec. 23 the Late Season tallies for ND Mountain Lions taken this year stand at three males and two females harvested.  This year’s season is seven total lions harvested or three females registered, whichever occurs first.  Check out updates on the NDG&F Mountain Lion hunting page.

GIVE CHASE.  Check out the status of the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge’s pelican populations.  Despite lingering drought conditions all spring and summer, the birds fared well and continue to thrive.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recaps their resurgence this week as they spotlight the NWR located on the western edge of Stutsman County.

Stay Sharp!