COVER UP.  Surprisingly significant snow has fallen as part of a fast-moving system.  With it, wildlife will be entering winter survival mode, relying on heavy cover across the region to get through the chilly stretch to come.  We cover those options and more in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  CAT CALL.  Cattails provide excellent upland cover in winter and are a must-hunt despite the work required from both hunters and dogs. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 12/9 – Cold Begins – Hi 16, Lo 0, Wind W@7
Tomorrow:  Tue 12/10 – Deep Freeze – Hi 1, Lo -7, Wind NW@6

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:16AM        4:54PM

Moonrise      Moonset     Overhead         Underfoot
3:44PM        5:16AM        10:58PM           10:34AM

 

Moon Phase:  Waxing Gibbous (92% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:   3:15-4:15PM. Your Monday Edge Hour will come during moonrise and the “warmest” part of the day.

DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

TALL ‘TAILS.  Especially after a snow, cattails are a vital part of any late season pheasant hunt.  In those sloughs that are frozen over, getting into the cover and forcing birds up is key in getting good shots in December. Work stands of cattails into the wind when possible, and let the dogs get into the thick stuff and under the canopy formed by bent-over blades.

RAISING CANE.  Cane stands often accompany cattails in lowland areas, and grow up to ten feet in height.  While they don’t provide as much thermal cover near the ground, the dense stand of stalks can help conceal big game like deer, and of course upland game.

 

THICKETS.  The Ruffed Grouse Society details the importance of alders as cover and emergency food sources for ruffies and other woodland game.  From the edges of trails to the depths of swampy areas, these thickets are called home by grouse, woodcock, deer and other species.