COUNTDOWN.  A few hours remain in 2019 and we’re also counting down the days left in some of our favorite hunting seasons.   What’s more, we’re counting up the recent snowfall totals and tallying the birds seen as part of the nationwide Christmas Bird Count.  All that an more is in our Outdoors Roundup for this second-to-last-day of the year.

Featured Photo:  TAKE DOWN THE TREE.  A bush pummeled by an aggressive late-rutting buck shows signs of serious seasonal wear. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 12/30 – Still Windy – Hi 21, Lo 17, Wind N@20, G35, .5” Snow
Tomorrow: Tue 12/31 – Last of ‘19 – Hi 22, Lo 14, Wind SW@7

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:27AM        5:03PM

Moonrise         Moonset        Overhead       Underfoot
11:33AM         9:44PM           4:35PM            4:12AM

Moon Phase:  Waxing Crescent (18% Full)

EDGE HOUR:    4:00-5:00PM.  Get out as the wind fades and the moon reaches its apex in today’s Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:
FINAL WEEK.  Most major upland hunting seasons end this week in North Dakota, with the final moments coming at sundown on Sunday.  Jan. 5 is also your last day to punch a deer tag with your bow, so get out when you can and conditions allow.

COUNT ON IT.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reminds those interested birders that the Christmas Bird Count continues through the weekend (Jan. 5).  For more information on the nation’s biggest coordinated count of winged wonders, check out the FWS Blog.

TOTALED.  Snowfall totals are starting to come in and will likely be updated throughout Monday morning.  The first round brought four to 10 inches across southeastern ND, and once the system has passed many areas are expected to see more than a foot.