BRRRRRR!  We’re in the trough of this week’s cold weather as temps struggle to get near 0 and wind chills are notably harsh.  We’ve got the news you can use to get your fish up and your spirits as we check in on issues at home and abroad with barotrauma, Sunday hunting and fishy process that may revolutionize plastics in the world in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  Chew on That.  A bluegill takes a Fatboy jig on the ice. The NDG&F reminds anglers that fishing deep has an impact on caught fish. Simonson Photo

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 1/15 – Halfway! – Hi -3, Lo -10, Wind N@7
Tomorrow:  Thu 1/16 – Winds Late – Hi 1, Lo -15, Wind SE@15, G25

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:23AM        5:21PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
11:36PM         11:35AM         5:04AM            5:29PM
Moon Phase:  Waning Gibbous (73% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  5:00-6:00PM.  Moon underfoot with sunset will be your Edge Hour on a challenging and chilly day.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

DEEP ISSUES.  The NDG&F warns anglers that barotrauma knows no season and fish caught through the ice in more than 30 feet of water are often injured or killed due to the pressure change when reeled up.  The agency encourages anglers to stop fishing deep when they’ve caught their limits and move shallower if they plan to catch-and-release on the ice.

SUNDAY FUNDAY.  Pennsylvania is finding its way through finally opening Sundays up to hunting in the state.  Hunters would be allowed two special Sundays to hunt during deer seasons and one during bear season, under a proposal by the state’s Game Commission.  One of the last blue-law hunting states, PA’s laws against Sunday hunting changed in the most recent legislative session.

WASTE NOT.  A young engineer recently won the James Dyson award for her process of converting fish waste into a bioplastic made from the scales and skin of discarded fish at processing plants and canneries. Nearly identical to regular plastic, many hope it will solve the growing problem of accumulating plastics in the world’s waters as the bioplastic breaks down after use in just 4 to 6 weeks.