TAG TEAM!  The results of the 2020 Firearms Deer Lottery have been posted at gf.nd.gov, making late June feel more like late December in terms of gifts!  Here’s hoping you pulled you tag or are able to get one of the more than 6,000 remaining in the state.  We’ve got more on that and a hot weekend in our Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  BOY OF SUMMER. A buck in velvet pauses in front of a trail cam.  You can officially start talking deer hunting now! Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 6/25 – Calming – Hi 85, Lo 60, Wind NW@10toL&V
Tomorrow:  Sat 6/26 – Hot & Windy – Hi 91, Lo 60, Wind SE@18, G28

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
5:50AM        9:41PM

Moonrise         Moonset        Overhead      Underfoot
11:43AM         1:06AM           6:45PM            6:19AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Crescent (30% Full)

EDGE HOUR:   6:15-7:15PM.  Winds die off completely in the evening, making this stretch an amazing Edge Hour with moon overhead.

DAY RATING:

CHECK IT OUT.  In case you missed the North Dakota corner of the internet blowing up yesterday, you can find out your 2020 firearms deer lottery results at gf.nd.gov.  Click on the buy and apply tab to learn your status from the over 82,000 applicants.

CREEPING DEARTH.  Lack of rainfall over the past week has caused drought conditions to intensify over western North Dakota and abnormally dry conditions are sneaking into the eastern half of the state which was so wet this spring.  The UNL drought monitor tells the tale similar to what we saw in summer of 2017, unfortunately.

TREND A FRIEND?  Those warm and dry conditions will likely continue through the weekend and into next week as temperatures stay in the 80s and no rain is forecasted for 7 days out. Good for fishing, but maybe getting tougher for hatching pheasant chicks.