Whitetail Deer Hunting and Waterfowling in November

By Jason Phillips

Throughout the autumn months, each passing week is accompanied by new opportunities in the field. With September and October behind us, it appears that the 2002 hunting season is on its downward swing. In reality it is just the beginning for many outdoorsmen. Perhaps the most anticipated hunting season is just around the corner…Deer Season! This season boasts the highest level of resident participation and perhaps the highest level of anticipation. Throughout the year sportsmen dream about the big buck that has eluded them in the past. Now is the time to take to the field in pursuit of a trophy.

November means different things to different hunters. For many it brings back the memories of an unwritten right of passage…their first deer hunt. It is difficult to forget the excitement of a first hunt as almost every deer hunter can retell the story in significant detail. Deer hunting brings together generations, both young and old look forward to this time of year. The season rekindles memories of past years spent in the field and brings friends and family to the rural areas they call “home”. The season comes at a time when the majority of field work is done and farmers and others who live in rural areas finally have the opportunity to take time to enjoy the outdoors.

In North Dakota, the tradition of beginning the deer season at noon on either the first or second Friday of November has made the day almost a State Holiday. Thousands of deer hunters across the state spend Friday morning making final preparations for the annual ritual. Scouting a favorite hunting area, sighting in rifles and planning a drive are just a few examples of activities hunters across the state take part in on Friday morning before the season begins. Although trophy deer may be the most sought after trophy during the month it is not the only hunting opportunity remaining.

November generally means the end of the waterfowl season in most areas of the state. However, at some time during the month skies are filled with migrating waterfowl but the month almost inevitably ends with only a few scattered flocks heading south. A quick cold front can mean the end of the waterfowl season at any time but the possibility of mild weather brings hope for more time spent in the decoys.

November traditions change each year and are dictated by the weather. Mild November weather can mean bonus days in the decoys, while some year’s winter weather requires bringing out the snow shoes to get to a favorite deer hunting spot. November is accompanied by more uncertainty than any other month in the hunting season. The uncertainty makes hunting this time of year exciting and unpredictable. In years past, November has brought a variety of different hunting opportunities which are almost always dictated by weather patterns. This year will be no different. The best advice for November is to keep your options open; you never know what hunting opportunities will arise.