NOTEWORTHY.  Things will warm on southwest winds today as temperatures climb a bit above average, making for a good day on the ice.  We’ve got news from around the region including CRP sign-up info from the NDG&F, discussion on the SD predator bounty and hope for unlocking public lands in Montana.

Featured Photo:  NESTLED.  A nest of hatched pheasant eggs is tucked under a small evergreen.  SD looks to curb lost nests with a continued bounty program, discussed below. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 2/5 – Warming – Hi 28, Lo 17, Wind SW@11, G21
Tomorrow:  Thu 2/6 – Hi 22, Lo 15, Wind N@9

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:02AM        5:51PM

Moonrise         Moonset        Overhead       Underfoot
1:58PM           5:06AM           10:02PM            9:34AM

Moon Phase:  Waxing Gibbous (82% Full)

EDGE HOUR:    9:00-10:00AM.  Extend your morning bite with moon underfoot in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

SIGN-UP CONTINUES.  The NDG&F Dept. highlights the continuing sign-up process for the Conservation Reserve Program as part of the agency’s weekly North Dakota Outdoors webcast.  The deadline to get lands enrolled in the largest expansion of CRP in the last decade is Feb. 28.

TAIL TALK.  The SD GFP will be taking public comment on its highly scrutinized nest predator bounty program aimed at helping ducks and upland birds with the pricing of furbearers. Hammered by critics for its lack of scientific data, the program allots money that could be better spent toward habitat work which would be a bigger benefit to birds.

OPENING UP.  The MT FWP will also be hearing comments on proposals to lease access across private lands to reach “landlocked” stretches of state land throughout Montana.  Tens of thousands of acres are unable to be accessed by sportsmen due to the private lands surrounding them.