A CASE OF THE MONDAYS.  So, a super chilly weekend might have kept you indoors, but here’s hoping you were able to get out when you could.  We’re ticking off the final days of hunting seasons and looking at some better ice forming after our cold snap and checking in on seasons and secrets for success in the field this time of year in our Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo: GOIN’ DEEP.  Ole gets a rooster in the bag from the depths of a cattail slough over the chilly weekend. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 12/16 – Stabilizing – Hi 18, Lo 6, Wind W@7
Tomorrow:  Tue 12/17 – Steady – Hi 14, Lo 11, Wind NW@6

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:22AM        4:55PM

Moonrise      Moonset    Overhead      Underfoot
9:58PM        12:04PM      4:29AM           4:57PM

 

Moon Phase:  Waning Gibbous (79% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:    4:30-5:30PM.  Sunset and moon underfoot with light winds and temps near 20 will make for a great finish in your Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

 

CAT COUNT.  With the taking of the seventh cat of the late mountain lion hunting season, the NDG&F has now closed it and slated the conditional two-cat season to open on Dec. 21 for Zone 1.  No dogs will be allowed for pursuing mountain lions in the conditional season.

WINTER WOODS.  The Ruffed Grouse Society shares late season tips for hunting thunderbirds in the snow as part of its solid blog.  Factoring in wind, sun and time of day can help give you the edge on late-season ruffies.

THICK THOUGHTS.  When working for late season pheasants, take on the heaviest stuff you can find on super-cold days like the ones we saw this weekend and work them from the outside in, especially when there are breaks in cattails or brushlines that create unique edges birds can use for escape and movement.  It’ll be some work, but it’s worth it!