READING THE LEAVES.  It’s tough to tell what’s coming in the next 365 days, but there are a few guarantees in the North Dakota State Legislature which kicks off in just a few. We delve into what sportsmen need to be aware of and how to tell their legislators to vote yea, or let them know “no way,” in today’s Three Things.

 

Featured Photo:  A rooster pheasant forages under a tree on a snowy hill. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Sun 12/30 – Stable Temps, Snow Late. – Hi 35, Lo 32. Wind WtoN@7. 2” Snow
Tomorrow:  Mon 12/31 – Bitter Last Day. – Hi -4, Lo -9. Wind N@25, G35. WC -30

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:28AM       5:04PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
1:45AM          1:30PM         7:42AM       8:06PM

 

Moon Phase: Waning Crescent (36% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:   1:00-2:00PM.  Start your afternoon strong with Moonset and mild temps in the Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS

 

KEEP TABS.  Throughout the winter and spring, the NDG&F will have an update page for all wildlife- and sportsman- related bills up for review in the legislature.  Be an informed hunter and angler, know what is being discussed that will impact your rights – to fish, to hunt, to access land – and impact future generations in the Roughrider State.

 

“ALL POSTED” BILL. As the saying goes: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.” Watch once again for legislators in the back pocket of big ranching and corporate farming attempt to restrict access to hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of unposted acres open to sportsmen under ND’s “Best Use” rule which has been part of the state’s hunting traditions for 140 years. Make this effort to screw sportsmen for campaign money FAIL AGAIN (for the umpteenth time). CALL THEM OUT…AND IF THEY VOTE FOR IT…VOTE THEM OUT!

 

TIGHT FUNDING.  Once again, with the bottoming out of oil and commodities and other influences on the state’s budget, expect the purse strings to be tight and funding bills for things like conservation, PLOTS, youth shooting sports and other outdoors-related programs to receive smaller support than previous sessions. Let your legislators know that the outdoors is one of the big reasons you’re here (it’s certainly not tomorrow’s weather) and make your voice heard for these programs that benefit wildlife and sportsmen.

 

Stronger Together. Stay Sharp!