TRAIL HARDENED. Warmer conditions continue today and into the front half of the weekend, with highs in the 50s helping to move meltwater down into swollen creeks and rivers. With the wind and warmth, travel conditions should be better on backroads as they dry up, but pay attention in those areas that have been snowbound this week – they’ll still be sloppy. We cover the weekend ahead and more in our Outdoors Roundup.
Featured Photo: ON TRACK. Pheasant footprints are semi-preserved in a remaining area of snow on Lake Patricia WMA near Flasher, N.D.
WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 10/18 – Wind Switch – Hi 59, Lo 42, Wind NW@18, G25
Tomorrow: Sat 10/19 – Westerlies – Hi 50, Lo 38, wind W@15, G25
SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise Sunset
8:05AM 6:51PM
Moonrise Moonset Overhead Underfoot
9:55PM 12:54PM 5:00AM 5:26PM
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous (78% Full)
EDGE HOUR: 5:00-6:00PM. Winds will taper some and moon underfoot should help increase activity prior to sunset in our Edge Hour.
DAY RATING:
OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:
IN THE WOODS. Hunters harvested more ruffies and woodcocks on average than last October at the annual National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt held for the 38th straight year near Grand Rapids, Minn. The event is used to track local populations during the prime stretch of the forest birds’ seasons in the state, and this year to help monitor West Nile Virus in ruffed grouse.
COLOR CODED. If you’ve ever wondered what all the colors on a particular PLOTS sheet mean – from yellow, to blue, to red, to green and more – make sure to bookmark the NDG&F’s land legend page detailing each type and some of the basic requirements.
WEEKEND WX. The front half of the weekend looks nice, with some light rain set for Sunday. Saturday’s winds should die off in the evening, opening up a good chance for some time on stand as the pre-rut gets going. For more on what’s coming up – check out The Weekender’s Edge on KOVC 1490 AM at 4:40pm and 10:40am this Thursday and Friday!