YULE LOVE IT!  Celebrate the season with friends and family, and maybe even some time in the field or on the ice today as calm and temperate conditions fill your stocking.  We cover state and national news and find that all is calm and bright for the foreseeable future forecast in this holiday Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  BLUE CHRISTMAS.  A well-worn blue Rapala Husky Jerk adorns the Christmas tree at DEO HQ. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 12/25 – Merry Christmas! – Hi 27, Lo 19, Wind L&V
Tomorrow: Thu 12/26 – Happy Boxing Day! – Hi 23, Lo 18, Wind NE@6

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:26AM        4:59PM

Moonrise         Moonset        Overhead     Underfoot
7:53AM           4:42PM           12:19PM         Fol. Day

 

Moon Phase:  Waning Crescent (1% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:   4:30-5:30PM.  Moonset and sunset align with light winds and the power of the nearly-new moon, closing out your Christmas Day with an epic Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

TOP HONORS.  The NDG&F Dept. honored many hard-working employees recently, including Employee of the Year, Alan Reile and Wildlife Officer of the Year, Art Cox.  Kudos to those who were recognized for the efforts put forth to help sportsmen and wildlife in the state of North Dakota.

MELE KALIKIMAKA.  The US FWS details the recovery of Hawaii’s state bird from a population as small as 30 in the mid-1900s to a population of over 2,800.  Parallelling eagles, lake sturgeon, and other species that were nearly extirpated or rendered extinct in that timeframe, the Hawaiian goose, locally referred to as the nene, is a prime example of how the Endangered Species Act saves creatures from the brink.

GREAT GIFT.  Our solid stretch of weather will keep the ice clear for anglers as light winds and temps in the 20s will facilitate time outdoors.  Aside from a potential dusting of snow on Thursday, things are looking great into the weekend and into the new year!