2024 opener

[gimruis]

To be taken with a grain of salt because its an "average" statewide.

The areas I hunt are definitely later than usual but its been like that for 25 years there so maybe the time period there now is considered "normal."

Standing corn in December is a magnet for pheasants. That's the first thing I look for later in the season, proximity to food.

 

[PeteRevvv]

Corn went in late due to the wet/cold spring so the maturity date is later than normal and so is the start of harvest. But the exceptionally dry and warm Sept/Oct has the standing corn at moisture levels that can go directly into bins without drying which really speeds it up. Fields are dry and easy to get at so it is coming out at record speed.

 

[LCR10A]

Any report of blue green algae in the ponds? I’m sure it’s tempting to let the dog jump in to cool off but I believe that bg algae can be lethal.

 

[SPUR60]

Any report of blue green algae in the ponds? I’m sure it’s tempting to let the dog jump in to cool off but I believe that bg algae can be lethal.

There was some on various lakes during mid summer. Haven't seen any cause for concern on the sloughs I've duck hunted so far this fall though.

 

[Bob Peters]

I always have an eye peeled for it. I didn't see any in september. This pond had some normal green grass. Back in southern MN last weekend the ponds I saw while hunting all looked good.

 

[MNMEAD]

From my research it starts to die below 59°. Never seen it myself.

 

[charlottehunter]

This place is too quiet, any reports on hunting this weekend?

 

[A5 Sweet 16]

Ace & I have been at it 2 weekends now, plus a day the previous weekend for a youth hunt with my daughter. We're seeing real good numbers 40-45 miles west of Sioux Falls. Plenty of fairly young ones, which I expected given all the rain in June. Lots of other hunters too. Going to be a fantastic season. Here are our results from this weekend on public land. Medium-light work required.

 

[That1uncle1776]

Got 2 rooster Saturday and limited out this afternoon with 3 bonus ducks. Ran into around 8 grouse also but thought they were hens until they were out of range. Lots of young birds!

 

[4shot]

Hot n dry

 

[Goosemaster]

It is alleged that my cousin accidentally shot a hen opening day however this can't be substantiated.

 

[Matt D]

From those I have talked with opener went well. Also hearing one area we hunt corn harvest way ahead and the other it is about normal. Expect we will see a big jump in harvest percent with this weeks report.

 

[revs2ninegrand]

Saturday I was NW of Mitchell on CREP ground and there were a good number of birds. Sunday I stayed closer to home (Iowa) and far less numbers but a lot more standing corn. Called it quits pretty early due to heat.

 

[Goosemaster]

From those I have talked with opener went well. Also hearing one area we hunt corn harvest way ahead and the other it is about normal. Expect we will see a big jump in harvest percent with this weeks report.

As dry as it's been,those farmers are probably happy that they can harvest crops.

 

[Golden Hour]

Any report of blue green algae in the ponds? I’m sure it’s tempting to let the dog jump in to cool off but I believe that bg algae can be lethal.

The local lakes near Watertown get blue algae from time to time. Typically in August when the water temp gets really high. Looks like an oil slick on top of the water.

I always let the dogs jump in the water to cool off and drink. One time I saw a turquoise colored algae that I didn't like, so we left that spot.

I've never seen or heard of a blue algae bloom after August here in NESD, however, I do know that it can occur in cooler water temps and later in the year. Biggest thing would be to check before your dogs go in and call them off if you see anything that doesn't sit right with you.

 

[Bob Peters]

Ace & I have been at it 2 weekends now, plus a day the previous weekend for a youth hunt with my daughter. We're seeing real good numbers 40-45 miles west of Sioux Falls.

Hey I know that spot. I'm pretty sure you got your directions mixed up. Look at that $hithouse in the background. For whatever reason there seems to be a lot of pheasants around that corner and along that road!