Fishing and Hunting Report 11/30/2022

Fishing and Hunting Report 11/30/2022

By Bret Amundson, https://www.sportingjournalradio.com

The transition from fall to winter is near and you can see the anticipation building across anglers’ faces everywhere you look. As ice forms, more and more batteries are getting charged and augers are getting tuned. While some area lakes have had some fishable ice, it’s not recommended to start ice fishing quite yet. Hardy anglers who are veterans at early ice, knowledgeable about local bodies of water, and have been testing ice regularly could be assets for those who want to try it. Personally, I’d wait.

I’d wait because there are still several hunting opportunities that abound in the region. You can still bow hunt or use a muzzleloader for deer hunting until their respective seasons close. Archery goes through December 31st and the muzzleloader season goes until December 11. Make sure to always check your local regulations to be on the safe side. The whitetail rut seems to still be going on, although we’re most likely on the backside. I’ve still seen trail cam pictures of bucks sparring and have witnessed big bucks chasing does during daylight hours. It seems as though this was a tough year for deer hunters, but there have been a surprising number of big deer still seen during the day, which makes you wonder how much weather or bad luck played in this year’s success rates. It could also be that we’re experiencing a down year for numbers.

Our duck season has closed in Minnesota despite seeing good numbers of mallards still hanging around where there’s open water. The Canada goose season remains open, however, with areas near rivers or open water holding birds. Finding nearby corn fields where they’re feeding is key to success. While access can at times be difficult, there are several guide services in the area that can provide a hunting experience for a nominal fee.

Pheasant numbers have been a nice bonus this year, but hunters are having to put the work in to get at them. This time of year birds will seek out heavier cover to escape the elements – and the hunting pressure. Look for cattail sloughs, willow thickets, and another thermal cover such as tree plantings or groves to find them. Dress warm, but not too warm as you’ll quickly overheat when walking through heavy cover if you’re overdressed.

Outdoor opportunities are there for the finding, even if we’re in that late fall transition period. Ice fishing isn’t far away!

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