TUESDAY TRACKER.  Wind and warm will be the name of the game today as we start thinking about the upcoming upland season.  So far, things are looking good weather-wise throughout the nesting and brooding timeframe. We cover that and more in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  Summer Sprint. A hen pheasant and her chicks make a run for a fenceline edge. Simonson Photo

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:   Tue 7/30 – Southerlies – Hi 81, Lo 55, Wind S@14, G21
Tomorrow: Wed 7/31 – Bye July – Hi 85, Lo 63, Wind S@10

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

 

Sunrise        Sunset
6:20AM       9:18PM

 

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
4:25AM        8:29PM         12:28PM       Fol. Day

 

Moon Phase:  Waning Crescent (6% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:    8:15-9:15PM.  Moonset ahead of sunset will help close out a solid evening with our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

TWO MONTHS.  Rainfall over the past 60 days hasn’t been too far out from normal, as the months of June and July signify the important nesting and brood-rearing phase for upland game – especially pheasants.  Meanwhile, June was above average for much of ND in terms of temperatures.

 

BROODING.  Young pheasants that hatched from the first attempt (typically mid-June) should be able to fly short distances at this time of year – typically at six to eight weeks of age.  Any broods from later attempts might just be getting to that point, so keep your eyes peeled for those puffballs still running in the grass.

TRAIN.  Now’s the time to start bird dogs on retrieving exercises and wing scenting.  Take a few old pheasant wings and stash them in tall grass.  Return a half hour later with your pup and have them find those hidden wings.  Reward them for a job well done to associate success with a treat.