This fall, so far, has been a different experience. It seems like we had our best summer days in September and now we are experiencing winter-like weather in October. I wonder if that means that summer can’t be far behind.

I’m guessing that’s probably not going to happen.

The waterfowl hunting season is now in full swing and just as a reminder; the hunting time for this season is a half hour before sunrise until sunset.

With the start of pheasant season and the already open deer archery season we have a pretty full plate of outdoors activities to enjoy. Don’t forget the small game season for rabbit and squirrel which remains open until Feb. 28. If you are a hunter then you can pretty much name your game.

I was driving on quite a few back roads in the Delevan and Winnebago area last Saturday and the thing I noticed was a lack of hunters that were out.

I suppose the number of crops that are yet to be harvested may have kept many hunters home. The DNR reported pheasant counts were down from last year by 27 percent — from 81 birds per 100 miles to 58.5 per 100 miles.

“We’re still forecasting a harvest similar to 2004, which was about 420,000 roosters,” said Kurt Haroldson, a wildlife research biologist for the DNR.

“That would be very close to the 20-year average. It would feel disappointing compared to the recent years… It will be down, but still a decent year.”

In recent years there have been more than 500,000 birds taken so although this season looks to be a little down the hunters should still see some birds. I haven’t actually seen as many birds while traveling this year as in the past but there are still birds to be had.

If you just want to enjoy nature and the fall experience then the Minnesota DNR has an offer that may be of interest.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a deal for visitors who can’t decide whether to purchase the one-day permit or the year-round permit when they arrive to hike, bike, and picnic amid the fall colors at

Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

If visitors choose the one-day permit ($5), they can turn it in before they leave for a $5 credit toward the purchase of a year-round permit. The cost of the year-round permit would therefore be reduced from $25 to $20.

“The year-round permit is the best deal, because it gives you and everyone in your vehicle unlimited visits to all 72 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas,” said Pat Arndt, manager of planning and public affairs for the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. “Often families have so much fun on their first visit, they make plans to return. Allowing them to apply the price of their one-day permit to the purchase of a year-round permit before they leave the park makes perfect sense, because it lets newcomers ‘try’ before they ‘buy.’”

To call attention to this special promotion, banners will be posted outside park offices through Nov. 1 with a headline of “Good times. Great deal.”

Park staff will also wear buttons that say, “Why limit yourself? Ask me for more info.”

After Nov. 1, visitors can continue to redeem one-day permits for a $5 credit toward year-round permits purchased the same day.

There is a Minnesota state park or recreation area within 30 miles of most

Minnesotans. State parks are open seven days a week year-round, including on holidays. Information about what there is to see and do at parks and recreation areas can be found at http://www.mnstateparks.info.

Turning the focus from hunting to fishing (can’t let it go), I have seen a few fish being hauled in by the channel at Frank Hall Park. Fishing from the Bridge on Front Street seems to be producing some crappie and perch. I have also heard that there are some dandy walleye being caught in Fountain Lake. I haven’t heard the exact location, but from past experiences I’d try the Blackmore and Hatch Bridge areas for crappie and walleye. This time of year either fishing from shore or from a boat can be effective. There have also been some reports of good walleye action off of South Shore Drive by the Shell Rock River.

A few reports from other areas of the state:

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

The shiner run is heating up, and this should last until the middle of November. Although the weather has turned more seasonable, the water temperatures remain in the mid-50s.

Once the water cools a few degrees expect an increase in action, with a chance to catch some very large fish. On Lake of the Woods, most of the boats can be found just outside the Lighthouse Gap, in Four Mile Bay, and in the Rainy River. While somewhat sporadic, nice-sized fish are being reported. Anchoring and jigging has been the best approach, especially when using fathead minnows, frozen shiners and live shiners.

Brainerd/Nisswa area

Weather has played a role in angling success this past week. The Whitefish Chain has cooled off in temperature and in activity due to the last four days of rainy, cool weather which put a stop to most angling. Despite the weather, Gull Lake has been good for walleyes, with anglers taking quite a few fish on lindy rigs and redtails. Northern pike and bass remain active along the weedlines. For the most fish, use a pike minnow or a spinnerbait. Crappies and panfish can be found suspended in depths of 12-14 feet when using small jigs tipped with crappie minnows or waxworms.

Pine River area

Walleye action has really picked up over the past week, with Whitefish, Pine Mountain, Woman, and even some the smaller lakes kicking out walleyes. Fish seem to have settled into a fall pattern, and minnows on jigs or slip sinker rigs are now working best. Look for walleyes in 20-30 feet of water during the day and in the shallows during early morning and twilight hours. Largemouth bass and northern pike are also in their fall feeding mode, with crankbaits and jig and minnow combinations producing lots of fish. Crappies have been active in depths of 12-20 feet off of the heavy weedbeds on most area lakes. Action should remain great through freeze-up. Be sure to bring winter coats, hats and mittens!

Ely

Local walleye anglers are finding success on Burntside Lake when using white glow-in-the-dark jigs tipped with a small minnow. Drifting hammered brass crawler harnesses quickly is also working well. Fish have been aggressive, and can be found in 16-22 feet of water. A number of nice northern pike and perch are being caught and released by the walleye anglers. Despite adverse weather conditions, the fish are hungry and those venturing out will most likely be rewarded with lots of fish, as well as beautiful surroundings!

Waterville

Crappies are hitting under Hwy 13 bridge on Sakatah. Walleyes are hitting smaller suckers on Tetonka on the bars. Jumbo perch also biting on Tetonka near the beach area.

Until next time hunt safe, keep fish’n and, as always, take a little time to enjoy our great Minnesota outdoors.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.

Dick Herfindahl is the Tribune’s outdoors writer.