WE NEED SNOW

[brittman]

I went out and hunted three separate public land spots in West Central Minnesota - conclusion - we need snow.

I did see 4 roosters and 4 hens. Took one rooster early and another right before sunset.

One early rooster escaped when the pellets from a shell (out of my expensive box of Federal #4 magnums) rolled out the barrel. The copper pellets "shined" in the morning sun. Obviously - not enough recoil to kick the next shell in the chamber. You could only laugh (at first). I think the company will get a complaint today.

But without snow the birds are spread out, can run around you, etc...

Love tracking them in the snow, it does much for confidence in walking the same tract of land multiple times when you keep seeing new tracks in the snow....

[CodyDawg]

I hear ya. I am still getting birds, but my spots are really great late season. Plus, I just like hunting them in the thick stuff. I am sick of hunting them like we have all year long. The birds are just spread out. From deer hunting, I know there are a ton of birds, but you just dont see that many when they can be anywhere. Mebbe some snow in the forecast though, eh?

[Stratosman]

I am with you both. We are hoping to make it out to SD for one last weekend and snow would be awesome. It will put them into heavier cover and hopefully they will hold tighter for the dogs too. Nothing better than a pile of fresh tracks.

[Sartell Angler]

I would kill to make another trip to SD...was out there Nov. 15-19 and had a blast...had some snow south of Webster but not quite enough to make a big difference.

My 2nd license period started today and runs until Sat. but I won't be going out there...my buddies dog managed to eat some Decon and will be recovering for the next month or so. My dog isn't quite ready for SD (has done very little hunting) so I guess I'll just stick around here and get some Xmas shopping done. Too bad.

SA

[BLACKJACK]

I hope the weathermen are wrong and that this approacing storm veers a little farther north and we get 5-6 inches!! Wouldn't that be great, new deep snow and a three day weekend coming up!!! Its been my experience in the past that the first snow of the year really confuses the birds, they can't run in it, its not until later that they figure out they better fly or die.

[lawdog]

What we really DON'T need is the freezing rain this storm is bringing in ahead of the snow. That stuff KILLS birds if it doesn't melt off...

[sdstate]

Yea this freezing rain junk is not good. The trees are already getting demolished and the rain is putting a nice coating of ice on all the fields. I hope it doenst make a frozen coating on the field like last year or the birds could be in for a tough winter.

[grab the net]

I believe we got just what we needed today. Skipped out of work a little early, grabbed dog and gun headed to the cattails. I love the first snow of the season, seems to make everything just fall in to place. This afternoon was no different. First WPA gave up one rooster within the first 50 yards, long walk around the slough after that, just suzies, dog had fun with them. Kid checking rat traps on skates, had five big fat fully prime rats for his efforts. Said they are averaging $7.00, stretched and dried. Had just enough time to check out a favorite WMA at the end of the day. Collected my 2nd bird, just 75 yards from the parking lot, flushed 3 other roosters while dog retrieved bird, 3 hens and a fourth rooster jumped about 40 yards away. Think I will try and get back there in the am. Should be great hunting for the last 10 days.

[LovenLifeGuy]

I was out today south of Marshall. They got the freezing rain that we didnt need. Cattails, slough grass and yes the corn fields were froze solid with a around a 1/4 inch of ice. No snow as of the time I left around 4pm. We found the birds under the heavy trees but we were not able to get any down. We saw a ton of birds out in the plowed fields, I hope they were able to get some food. It looked bad! I hope it gets warm fast!

Good luck, LovenLifeGuy

[fivebucks]

I wish I could skip work today. I always love the first snow.

[BLACKJACK]

I'm taking the afternoon off!! We don't have much snow around here, maybe an inch, but it will be nice to know you're in fresh sign.

[lawdog]

Better hope this warm up continues. Yesterday morning I hunted and there is WAY too much ice for long term bird survival. The grass is about 3 times its normal size with ice and they can't get to the food. Good melt in the afternoon, but not enough yet. COME ON WARM WEATHER AND SUNSHINE!!!