FIN.  Welcome to the first day of the off season for upland and deer.  While it’s never fun, packing up a season’s worth of gear is an important step in making sure next autumn is even better.  We have some quick hints for a successful stowaway as you enter the off season in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  Half Full?  A partial box of shotgun shells heads to storage as the upland season wraps. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 1/6 – Breezes Return – Hi 32, Lo 22, Wind NW@22, G33
Tomorrow:  Tue 1/7 – Cooling Off – Hi 15, Lo 11, Wind NW@10, G18

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:27AM        5:10PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
2:10PM           4:04AM           9:36PM            9:11AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Gibbous (80% Full)

EDGE HOUR:   7:30-8:30AM.  The sunrise hour with the lightest winds of the day will be your Edge Hour today.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

CLEAN & DRY.  Make sure to give all shotguns used one final cleaning before they head into storage.  Give them a day or two in an open, but secured space, to air out after you’ve oiled and cleaned them as well.

COOL & DRY.  Store ammunition in a cool, dry space during the offseason to preserve it in its best condition for next autumn. Make sure to secure shells in a cabinet separate from firearms to further prevent mis-use or accidents.

GREASE & … YOU GET IT.  Give your upland boots one final treatment, removing any debris, replacing any frayed laces and checking for excessive wear.  Coat them with a preserving spray or greasing to keep leather in good shape. Let boots air out as well before they go into storage.