AND THEY’RE OFF!  Ice houses were popping up on lakes from Sanborn, N.D. to Detroit Lakes, Minn. on smaller water bodies yesterday as calmer conditions and a recent cold stretch allowed anglers to creep out for some exploratory angling along the I-94 corridor.  We talk about gearing up for safe first steps on the ice…

ICING ON THE LAKE.  Many are eagerly awaiting first ice as cold temperatures and winter-like conditions make their appearance on the northern plains.  The rush to hardwater should be tempered by caution, and we share those tips in today’s Three Things.   Featured Photo: Soon Enough.  A foam float sits in an ice hole. Simonson…

By Nick Simonson At the halfway point of the deer firearms season and snow settling in across much of the state those sportsmen that have punched their tag and retired their rifle for the year are looking forward to a return to the ice.  Getting the two primary pieces of must-have gear ready for the…

THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY! Today’s snow event jumped from three, to five to seven-plus inches with three consecutive model runs – YIKES! Batten down the hatches and put your hunting plans on pause (or at least slow-mo).  We talk about the forecast and second weekend deer tactics in today’s Three Things. Featured Photo: Headed Home.  A…

HALFWAY THERE.  At the halfway point in the month of November, and the hunting season in general, we take a look at the highs and lows and how to get ready for what’s to come in today’s Three Things. Featured Photo: Go for Snow! Ole the lab takes cover with a pair of roosters as…

SQUISHY. Watch for the melt today as temps jump into the 50s.  Moving about in the field will be a bit wetter, so pack your waterproof swamp stompers.  We talk current crop conditions, getting geared up for early ice and the power of a rotary vise in today’s Three Things.   Featured Photo: A rooster…

STILL.  A windless morning will start your day off right and animal movement should be fast and frequent in the calm conditions after a five-day stretch of gusts.  Watch for the same this evening as things warm up.  We talk about that and more in today’s Three Things.   Featured Photo: A shadow is cast…

LAST COLD ONE.  The complexion of your deer season will change tomorrow as we work through one last day of cold conditions before things heat up some.  We get you set for the week with fun outdoor videos to burn away the last cold day and and a great tying site to get you set…

By Nick Simonson It seems to happen all the time once firearms deer season opens; a hunter sitting on stand sees countless pheasants flushing in a grassy field the next section over or a walking group puts up dozens of birds without a dog and armed only with their rifles.  It’s a case of right…

FAST MOVING. We’re already into the final stretch of the first weekend of firearms deer season with lots of good reports from around the state of moving deer, despite less-than-ideal conditions including continued wind today.  We look ahead to the week to come for some good hunting days and check out veterans’ celebrations in the…

DAY TWO!  Your first full day of firearms deer season kicks off with some wind and snow as a small squall sneaks across the western half of the state in the morning, Reports of half-rutted bucks are coming in, meaning the best is yet to come.  We take a trek for outdoor news in today’s…