I'm thinking it's done...

[Slowfinger]

Been out each of the last four weekededs and the snow is getting tough. Last weekend wasn't much fun. With no thaw in the forecast, I'm thinking it's time to get the ice fishing gear ready...am I off base here?

[fivebucks]

I'm going Saturday but I don't know how much fun it will be. It is an annual trip with friends I see only 1 or 2 times a year so we will go regardless of the blustery weather.

[BLACKJACK]

I'm not giving it up yet, going after some roosters is a good way to work off some holiday goodies and cheer. I plan on making it out either Friday afternoon or Sat. Even after the cold spell Sunday, we still have three more weekends. Any rooster you get this time of year is a trophy!!

That being said, getting my ice fishing gear out is trickling to the top of my list, getting the urge to get out some night next week!!

[CJH]

Did my last hunt Saturday and my mind has now switched to ice fishing. The snow does get tough to move in, the cold wasn't too bad when you are working hard getting through the snow!!

[pulleye16]

has anyone been down near New Ulm / St. Peter area? Going out this wknd but wondering how much snow they have.

[fishindon]

Guessing about 6 to 7 inches on the ground now.

[Arago]

The problem is always the drifting on the frozen praries...

[tybo]

I don't fish so I will try to get out a few times before it closes assuming we don't get massive amounts of snow or it isn't super cold. Most likely roosters but I may try grouse for a day as well. I have setters that can take the cold for a little while so I usually wimp out before they do. I am off from Dec 23rd to Jan 3rd so I have some time if weather permits.

[Slowfinger]

Tybo (and anyone else)...

Other than trimming the hair between your dogs toes, have you tried any boots of any sort? Once this snow gets going, my Brit has a tough time with it....she stops every once in a while to chew out the clumps. I've trimmed what I can, but I'm wondering about some of those new boots for dogs they have now..look cool, but would like to hear some feedback.

[tybo]

Slowfinger, I have only trimmed the air. It does get tough on them with this snow. My younger setter has thinner hair and he still has isues. I have read some about the "Mushers Secret" (or whatever its called) but I haven't tried it yet. I have it but I forgot to use it last time out. I'll let you know how it works. I also have dog boots but bought those for a trip to Montana I took a few years ago and haven;t tried them in the snow.

[madbomber10]

I love late season pheasant hunting. I usually spend a little more time in the truck trying to find where the birds are congregated and then go in after them. Snowshoes are a fun thing to try for pheasants if you have a pair. Usually with snow on the ground when you find the birds you really find them!!

[CodyDawg]

cooking nonstick spray works well so they dont get snoballs on their feet. havent tried it but i might today.

i havent given up. doggone it, these are some of the most memorable hunts right now. as long as it isnt windy, it is tolerable.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Tell ya what, when a rooster jumps up, out of the snow, right in front of you....It's about the coolest thing ever, if you don't have a heart attack.

Late season rooster hunting is a blast. Yes, it's tougher and the bird patterns are different. They're more bunched up now and in heavier cover. The cattail sloughs are now frozen tho and a guy can get deep into them and get birds.

I'm not done. Weekends are full but I'll still go a few times after work.

[MDD]

Slowfinger~

I have used Mushers Secret for my labs and it does help keep snow from sticking to their pads and tearing the skin especially when going from warm kennels back to the snow. I can't say how much it prevents the snow from clumping becuase I don't usualy have that issue. As for boots for your dog check out A1 Dog Boots.....I have a pair for each lab and have found them to be a great boot. The shape of a dogs front and back paws/legs are different and these boots are designed to specifically fit either the front or back paws. I have never had a boot thrown or lost and they have been a savior when hunting rough terrain or snow.....besides the funny dance when you first put them on and a few minutes for the dogs to get used to them they have been a savior on my labs paws.

[MNpurple]

The cattail sloughs are now frozen tho and a guy can get deep into them and get birds

My wet pants and boots will most definitely disagree with this statement

Most of it is but where there is flowing water, not too thick yet and likely wont get any thicker with the new blanket of snow. Be careful guys.

[grab the net]

+1 I have fallen through the last couple of trips. The snow in the cattails, seemed to be heavy enough to push some water up, weakening the ice. Even in the shallow areas, your foot steps fill in with water. Dog even fell through a few times as he ventured out into the thick stuff. Heavy snow for the rest of the day, will have to pull out the snowshoes for the last few hunts. Only the die hards will be out after this, best time of the year, every public land bird is trophy.

[CRAZYEYES]

The walking is getting tough and I have got my feet wet but Its been kinda nice actually, zero people tracks in some of my favorite state spots and i dont think some of those birds have been bothered deep in the sloughs. It seems like they either jump way out though or sit so tight that I've stomped on them to get em up. After a couple hours of getting frustrated thursday seeing big groups jumping 200 yards out I got lucky and snuck up on a group of at least 75 birds picking beans in the sun. Total mayhem for about 20 seconds. Hit a quick triple but couldnt find one of them. One of them was one of the oldest looking birds I've ever seen, big sharp curved spurs a 23 inch tail feather and a really fatty yellow body.

[workin4bait]

For me it is not over until Jan. 2,I am a diehard who had a very hard time with not going out today even though seeing a couple hundred yards was near impossible.

[muc33]

It's DIE HARD hunter time now. Hats off to those who brave it, enjoy it and know just how good it can be! Be safe, enjoy, and have a blast.... or two or three!

[pureinsanity]

It's DIE HARD hunter time now. Hats off to those who brave it, enjoy it and know just how good it can be! Be safe, enjoy, and have a blast.... or two or three!

This is my favorite time to bird hunt. They are smart, and you have to be smarter. Late season hunting really tests your skills and knowledge of bird hunting!