Convergence

September is defined by the seasons that overlap within it. Air and water cool, leaves begin to turn color, fish and birds stir in anticipation, bachelor groups of bucks begin to break up and fall takes the reins from summer. There are multiple options that compete for our time outdoors in these last temperate days. So much excitement is available that the decision is as difficult as choosing between a Joe Mauer walk-off homer during a pennant race, the bulldozing scrambles of Tim Tebow in defense of a title, or The One, now clad in purple, firing off a touchdown pass in what many say is going to be “the year.”

Unfortunately, there’s no DVR for the outdoors and we have a lot to choose from in this region over the next month.
Deer bow season opens in both North Dakota and Minnesota during September. Both states boast a comparatively low over-the-counter price tag and millions of acres of public land to hunt. Though last winter was more severe than what the previous decade has blessed us with, many herds remain strong and multiple animals can be taken with proper licensure.

Dove season started with the turn of the calendar. The first bird I ever hunted is a great primer for the fall. Though not pursued in the upper Midwest with the zeal that is shown in southern states, the window during which the mourning dove can be found in our region provides up to six weeks of first-rate hunts. Doves allow sportsmen to sharpen their aim on a moving target and provide the bonus of tasty breast fillets that are second to none on the grill. Savor the flavor of late summer with jalapeno slices and pepperjack cheese sandwiched between the breast meat of doves held together with a wrap of bacon and a toothpick.

Grouse are also available to hunters in the last half of the month. Whether it is the gurgling sharptail on the prairie or the thunderous ruffed grouse in the aspen forests, both species are sought-after quarries that when hunted over a seasoned bird dog, make for a perfect afternoon afield.

Underwater, the fish feel the change in the weather as well. The urge to eat grows as weeds die off and the food web begins its gradual shrink toward wintertime. Some of the best fishing for walleyes, smallmouth bass and muskies can come during this month as they key in on fatter forage in a fall feeding frenzy. An early full moon makes the first ten days of this particular September appealing to anglers.

The cool nights also trigger a movement in one of my favorite fall pursuits, the rainbow trout. I recall days of great success as big fish in a stocked lake moved up from the depths to feed in the autumn-tempered shallows. Fish ranging from 19 to 23 inches recklessly hammered jigs, spoons, spinners and the kitchen sink that we cast from our boat into the prairie lake each evening for an entire week in late September.

Meanwhile, the transplanted salmon of Lake Superior make their runs into the tributaries during this month, along with brown and elusive coaster brook trout. I’ll try my luck on the fly in these environs; and at the very least I’ll enjoy a Thermos of coffee during the cool mornings, crisp autumn apples streamside during the warm afternoons and the brilliant color shift that occurs around the rivers at this time of year.

The natural and man-made seasons align to make September the favorite month of many sportsmen, and they meet in a blur of white tails, beating wings, flashing scales and gorgeous scenery. Perhaps the only drawback to the month is that it is short one. By the time you read this, we’ll already be a few days into it. Don’t let any more slip away! Grab your gun and a box of shells, pack your rod and tacklebox and put yourself amidst this memorable convergence…in our outdoors.

Top Photo:  Erik Eggert of Fargo, N. D. with an opening day trio of sharptail grouse.  Bottom Photo:  Josh Holm of Valley City, N. D. with a 23-inch rainbow trout from an amazing day of fishing in late September.