Most kids in the region grow up looking forward to the Christmas season. Even before Thanksgiving turkey is served, they are counting the days before they can open their share of the wrapped boxes beneath the tree.
Many hunters feel that way about October. While September offers its archery and dove and grouse and crane and waterfowl openers, hunters count the days until pheasant season starts and the number of "presents" to choose from on any given day is at its peak.
It doesn't matter what species you pursue, there's always a reward awaiting, if not a heavy game bag, then perhaps the memory of an early morning ray of sun wrapped around a frosty cattail or the wild crow of a rooster pheasant interrupting the stillness while you wait in a tree stand for a deer to come by.
Before I fall into the trap of pushing Christmas decorations before Veterans Day, let me say I love this time of year. And I'm not alone. Legions have grown to appreciate fall in North Dakota. I think part of it is knowing the transition from green to brown soon enough will give way to a transition from brown to white.
In October, a 70-degree Saturday is meant to be spent outside. Personally, I don't care if it's one last cast for bluegills or an evening pheasant, grouse or duck hunt. If nothing else, I'd suggest raking leaves, mowing the lawn, going for a walk in a park or just around the block -- just head outdoors and enjoy it. The opportunities are only limited by your willingness to get out.
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It would be easy to argue that October is to hunting what the Sunday church potluck is to eating. If you can't find something you like, it's your own fault.
It's not just about waterfowl and pheasants, either. While a cold snap can move doves out, they don't all leave at once. An evening walk or drive near some water holes adjacent to shelterbelts and row crops might unveil one last opportunity.
With the exception of sharp-tailed grouse, which tend to become a bit wild by October, the staples of September openers become more accessible in October. Leaves fall from the trees in ruffed grouse woodlands, and as row crop harvest progresses, partridges lose some of their daytime hiding places.
While sandhill crane season also opens in September, their migration through North Dakota typically peaks about mid-October. Anyone who's ever dedicated a hunt to these large gray birds can well agree they provide a unique opportunity.
I fondly remember many crane hunts and the meals that followed. Don't let the critics fool you -- like any other game, when prepared correctly, crane is wild fare I'll never turn down.
Finally, let me make a quick plug for deer hunting, which gets us to November, when most seasons are still open but a lot of the migratory birds have headed south. A few units in North Dakota still have antlerless deer licenses and fall turkey licenses available.
These remaining deer licenses are legal for use in any open season -- bow season with a bow; deer gun season with a bow, rifle or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. Hunters must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.
Hunters should check the Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov for an updated list of licenses available and to complete an online application.
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Leier is an outreach biologist for the Game and Fish Department in West Fargo, N.D.
