Weather Unseasonably Warm Lately - Changing by Weekend However

Canada Goose Migration - Crazy the Last Week (3-4 weeks ahead)

I SWEAR I saw a mourning dove today - Robins already showing up

Missouri River Opening Up Fast - Seeing Pics of Open Water Already on Oahe

Snow Goose Migration WAY Ahead of Schedule

• Virtually No Snowline

• Front Edge around I-90 of South Dakota

• We may see our first birds this week out west (not many, but may)

• North Dakota Spring Season Starts Saturday the 21st of February

Qwack is Wack - Prepping for Spring Snows

• Repacking the Trailer

• Nothing Crazy New Decoy-Wise

• Working on New Sounds and Speaker Setup Though

Are field blinds extinct for hunting adult snow geese in the spring???

Headlines

View as a Black Male Deer Hunter in New York?

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/things-fellow-yorkers-m-hunter-153716160.html

Old Porta Potty Converted into Ice House - What Will Ice Anglers Thing of Next???

https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/02/13/wisconsin-fisherman-transforms-an-old-porta-potty-into-cozy-ice-fishing-shanty/

Terry Steinwand Changing His Plea to Guilty in Child Sex Abuse Case

https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/ndgf-director-terry-steinwand-plea-change/

Sportshow Season is Upon Us - Why do people still pay for that???

2nd Half

How Thick is the Ice on Lake Audubon?

Fishing Picking Up All Over the Prairie

Lost of pics of nice bags of walleyes and perch, and some pigs as well

Rumored LiveScope Change Coming Soon or Just a Small Update??

What are Your Spring Open Water Preparations?

• Restring the Reels/rods

• Lube in the reels

• Cleaning/Organizing

• Update the Graphs Software

• Sell Stuff on Marketplaces

• Start the Chub Tank

Natural Water vs. Spring Treated Water

Must-Haves for Seasonal Camping

• Good Grill / Blackstone

• Mower Electric?

• Ice Maker

• Good Drainage System

• Tiki Torches

• Enjoy the Shower

Go-to BBQ Recipe

As high as the 60s today in North Dakota….Sunday looks to be the same too.

Expect Boats on the Tailrace This Weekend

HOW THICK IS THE ICE ON LAKE AUDUBON?

LATEST ICE FISHING REPORTS

• Perch Lakes Pretty Consistent
• Walleye bite has been hit and miss
• Big Lake producing
• Lake Oahe is Interesting Right Now – Lots of baitfish of all kinds.

Ice Anchor Install Adaptor Review

• Eskimo
• HT
• Various brands – Even Plastic (nope)

Save a lot of time setting up hubs!

Tournament Entry Season is Upon Us

• Governor's Cup
• Dakota Walleye Classic
• Big Muddy Meeting Saturday

Casino Cup Dates for 2026

• Grand River Casino – May 16th
• Spirit Lake Casino – June 6th
• 4Bears Casino – August 1st
• The Big Show at 4Bears – August 21-22 (2 day Championship with points awarded both days)

QWACK IS WACK – Migration Already Starting???

• Looking forward to Spring Snows

HEADLINES

• South Dakota Bill to Require Fishing Guides to Have a Guide License Shot Down Again

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/gfps-strong-opposition-helps-kill-fishing-guide-bill

• Lone Ice House without Occupants Spawned a 4-Hour Search on Saginaw Bay

https://www.abc12.com/news/local/unattended-ice-fishing-shanty-leads-to-4-hour-ordeal-on-saginaw-bay/article_1147e074-ec92-4656-b6ec-f12e9b5a8d02.html

• Oregon Fishing, Hunting, Pets, and Agriculture in the Crosshairs of Radicals

https://www.gohunt.com/browse/news-and-updates/hunting-news/oregon-ip28-would-criminalize-hunting-fishing-and-trapping

Drama at the World Snow Goose Hunting Championship ( Arkansas )

Essential Eats for the Super Bowl

• Wings
• Chip Dips
• Little Smokeys
• Sloppy Joes / Pulled Pork
• Probably not Sushi
• Deviled Eggs
• Pizza for the Lame O's

Valentine's Day Ideas for the Mrs or the Side

• Flowers
• Chocolate
• BAD NIGHT TO GO OUT TO EAT
• Cookies ( Prairie Crumb Cookies )
• Cupcakes
• Cheesecake
• Jewelry

Over a Month Since the Last Podcast - feels good to be back. Jason got a new gig at RDO Trucks in Bismarck/Dickinson - Werd.

How Thick is the Ice on Lake Audubon?

Thick enough to ice fish all over, of course. BUT, if you DON'T know Audubon well, I wouldn't venture all over without worry. Well known freshwater springs all over, especially by the islands.

Latest Ice Fishing Report from the Prairie…

• Lots of Perch Going All Over, Finding the 15+s, well…that's on you

• My last trip was on Lake Oahe - been pretty tough so far this winter all-around

Review on RodFather Ice Fishing Rods

• Sensitivity

• Big Hook Keepers

• Fun Rod to Fish With

Call the Rodfather (Find him on Facebook at "Rodfather Rods")…aka, Permo - and tell him what you want. You will love the end result.

Found a Great Source for those with BAD problems with ice house tarps (tears, zippers, etc.)

Gartner's Capital Shoe Hospital - https://share.google/PQ30tkcU5NhGOSlCa (ZERO sponsor - Good People)

If you had unlimited funds….would you run a Snobear? If not….why the heck not?

2nd Half

Headlines

DuckGate

Senator Kennedy urges the USFWS to study legal baiting's impact on duck migration and Louisiana's waterfowl populations.

https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Kennedy+Calls+for+U.S.+Fish+and+Wildlife+Service+to+Study+Impact+of+Flooded+Corn+on+Duck+Migration+in+Louisiana

Northern Minnesota man to be named to fishing Hall of Fame

Brian 'Bro' Brosdahl, owner of Bro's Guide Service, is one of several who will be honored in September.

https://www.echopress.com/sports/northland-outdoors/northern-minnesota-man-to-be-named-to-fishing-hall-of-fame

Video: A Hunter Was Arrested for Glassing a Dummy Buck During a Poaching Sting. Now He's Suing the DNR for Abuse of Power

Body cam footage from the arrest shows that after he was stopped for looking at a deer decoy through binoculars, a game warden told the hunter that "you can't stop and look at a deer with a gun in the truck"

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/hunter-sues-south-carolina-dnr-wrongful-arrest/

ACTIVE TARGET 2XL IS OUT

• 180-degree View

• Switch from Forward to Down without Adjustments

• Can use 2 transducers and create a 360-view

https://www.lowrance.com/activetarget-2/?srsltid=AfmBOop4ykevcRlQwr4DAcAfmmLBxh-PaIo_0IOukflDMadUGIxm9NS3

And Again…how will Forward Facing Sonar Affect Fishing Tournaments Going Forward

Best HOT Drinks When It's COLD Outside

• Adult Hot Chocolate

• Mexican Coffee

• Irish Coffee

• Hot Toddy

• Tom & Jerry

• Hot Sake

Ice Fishing For Me So Far - Shoulda Been Here Yesterday…

• Went solo to a walleye lake and the perch didn't stop even after dark

• I love the simplicity of ice fishing. Love the walk believe it or not. Everything about ice fishing is good for the soul…

How Thick is the Ice on Lake Audubon

Twin Cities Peeps - Anyone Looking for ice house rentals on Lake Minnetonka?

iFish Pro 2.0 Tip-Up - $59.99/ea

• Cool concept so you can use your own rods for reeling in fish.

• Only complaints are the arm holder, really (some mentioned the flag…easy fix)

VYPER Aerated Tip Up by Frabill - Why Did I Not Know About This???

• $95 retail

• Aerators to keep holes open, lighted flag, and can fit 10" ice holes

• Some complained about the aerator, however, you can find solid rechargeable bait aerators on the market.

Lowrance Eagle Eye 9" - Basically a graph with down livescope…and the price ain't bad.

2nd Half

When Did Ice Fishing Get So Damn Expensive???

Spear Fishing - Who's All In?

Facebook Fiddle Faddle - Anonymously Famous

Qwack is Wack - Believe it or not….we're still getting fresh mallards down

Headlines

#1 - Why Does the Media Force You to Pay for Their Opinion ( Media companies are getting desperate)

#2 Georgia Boys Out Drinking and Shining Deer Leads to DUI Arrest and More

#3 SI's Top 5 Picks for Ice Fishing Stocking Stuffers

Would you ever consider a tarpon fishing charter in Florida?

Ideal Way to Make a Prime Rib? (get link)

One Meal/Dish That Brings You Back to Your Childhood Instantly

• Cheese Buttons / Chicken & Dumplings (Jason)

• Brown Cabbage BAD - "Saucy Cucumbers" GOOD (Chris)

At What Point in Your Life, Do You Stop Caring About Fashion?

Shelter Dogs - If you don't want a hunting dog…PLEASE consider. (Hustad's softy moment here)

Happy Holidays Ya'll

Weather Forecast - Talking Single Digits for Lows Next Week Here in Bismarck, ND - Ladies and Gents, get ready for some ice!

How Thick Is the Ice on Lake Audubon???

When Will Central North Dakota Have Walkable Ice???

PK Lures Re-Design by FlywayMedia.com

What's HOT in Cold Weather Baby???

NOT impressed with what's "New" this year in Ice Fishing - Lot's of overpriced junk - not TOO Much going on this winter IMO. Stop branding junk and calling it awesome, please.

Forward Facing Is Changing the Permanent Ice House Market As Well

https://youtu.be/x6ULXC6Y2bs?si=r3RE036cGsByKeAk - Peyton Manning & John Randle Ice Fishing on Lake Minnetonka with Set the Hook Fishing Guide Service

• Otter XTR Resort Sleeper X-Over - https://www.otteroutdoors.com/product/otter-xtr-resort-sleeper-x-over/
• HUMMINBIRD - ICE XPLORE + MEGA Live 2 Bundle https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/fish-finders/ice-xplore-mega-live-2-bundle/4123601

• Also in overnighters - Jiffy Basecamps https://jiffyicefishing.com/collections/basecamp%E2%84%A2-shelters

Email List - Giving Away Some Portable Bait Aerators

Facebook Fiddle Faddle - Chris Got Named in "Are We Dating the Same Guy"

2nd Half

Appears to be a Solid Big Game Season Thus Far

My Buddy Pezo and His Son Badlands Mule Deer Hunting Trip - They Do it Right

If Chris Hustad Could Go On a BIG GAME Hunt….Where and What Would it Be??? ( Probably Elk SIMPY Because It's By Far My Favorite Big Game Cuisine - Moose 2nd )

Headlines

• Champlin man drowns trying to save his dog while hunting in North Dakota

ASHLEY, N.D. — A Minnesota man has drowned after trying to save his dog while waterfowl hunting in south central Nodak.

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/champlin-man-drowns-trying-to-save-his-dog-while-hunting-in-north-dakota/89-b736fca0-6c41-4fc9-8b62-9da740e57904

• Emotions run high over bill to hunt sandhill cranes in Wisconsin

A 2010 management plan developed by the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils calls for a potential crane hunt once their numbers exceed a range between 30,000 to 60,000 birds. Rep. Paul Tittl, R-Manitowoc, who co-chaired the study committee, said the eastern population of sandhill cranes now averages more than 100,000.

https://www.wpr.org/news/emotions-high-bill-hunt-sandhill-cranes-wisconsin

• YouTube fishing creator Mikey Rijavec found dead days after mayday call off Mexico coast

Mikey Rijavec of SD Fish and Sips YouTube channel disappeared Nov. 11 while solo fishing off Baja California

https://www.foxnews.com/us/youtube-fishing-creator-mikey-rijavec-found-dead-days-after-mayday-call-off-mexico-coast

Qwack is Wack - TIME IS NOW - Most Waterfowl, except the late season birds, should start bugging out by the end of next weekend (assuming weather forecast is somewhat accurate).

Essentials for Late Season Canada Goose Hunting

• Usually AT LEAST 3 dozen full bodies….early on you'd be surprised. Spread sizes normally get larger as the season goes on.

• Snow Covers on Layout Blinds

• I like a flag on a LONG pole

• Cluck & Moan Baby

• Scouting is Key - However, I've DESTROYED geese late season in traffic fields. Get in the flightline and let 'er buck!

Invited to a Christmas Party - What Do You Bring???

• Smoked Salmon Dip

• 1.75 Bottle of Tito's Vodka

• Tiger Meat

• Crock Pot Game Fair - DON'T BE DUMPING NO SKY PANDAS ON US NOW!

• A Good Charcuterie Board

• Homemade Booze

Flyway Media - We Know The Outdoors - Well-Known for SEO

Qwack is Wack

Snow Goose Migration Update

Pretty Steady Push Down…Majority Still in Canada Obviously.

• Front Push has roughly 50% juvies - However, the Adults Still Dominate the Big Flocks

• Snow Geese Have Been Migrating Mostly at Night ( Watch the NIGHT winds )

• Play the Weather - Forecast Still Looks Mild - My GUESS is the peak is still maybe a week or even more away…

Why Don't the Feds Release Waterfowl Staging Numbers Anymore???

Those used to be awesome for getting an idea where birds were at. Not only that, but the refuge counts you'd consider pretty accurate (compared to just some guy saying there's birds).

What Do You Do With the Guys That Shoot Hens in Your Group?

• Money in a Jar

• Pay for Dinner

• Make fun of him, continuously, to no end…

Campers and RVs

• Start with SIZE….What Makes Sense for Who?

• Bumper Pull vs. 5th Wheel

• Outdoor Amenities such as Kitchen, Fridge, Grill, etc.

• Slides - What to Look For?

• Do Brands Really Matter?

• IF you go BIG….DO you have the AC Capacity to Cover?

• Mobile Camping vs. Seasonal Camping

This is Chris' setup for camping. For him, a 26' camper with one slide is perfect. Tows great and easy to clean and manage. Would purchase again if given the chance…

For Seasonal Camping, we're allowed a 12x16 (max) shed on your lot. Considering 2 bunks in the back, A/C unit, open up bar in the front, must have a chub freezer and a separate fridge/freezer.

Trucks for Towing SAID Campers and in General

• DO NOT BUY a ¾ TON GASSER!!! - Go Diesel, Thank Me Later

• New ½ Ton Trucks…commonly found in the GM 3.0L Duramax, Ram 3.0L EcoDiesel, and Ford 3.0L Power Stroke engines.

• Chris Runs a 2014 Chevy Duramax 6.6 and about to hit 300k - runs like a Champ

2nd Half

Facebook Fiddle Faddle - WAY TOO MANY Pedophiles These Days Showing Up Being Arrested. It's Disgusting and Getting Out of Control…

Headlines

• Harvey Man Killed in Wells County After Colliding with Combine

https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/11/01/fatal-crash-harvey-man-killed-wells-county-after-colliding-with-combine/

Jiffy Ice Houses - Infamous in the Ice Auger Market, Now Entering the Ice House Industry

• 2 Models (94 Sq. Feet Single - 122 Sq. Feet Double)

• It appears they're just going after the "ice camping" market

• Accessories Such as Extending Length for Fishing, Entryway, and Even for Stoves

Verdict Will Be Out on This One…Remember, This is Their FIRST Go At It so Expect Updates to come next year.

Waterfowl Layout Blinds - Do They Even Make Sense Anymore?

• SHADOWS

• Adequate Cover to Pull and Use

• SHADOWS

• The ONLY way I ever Liked Them….Stacking Blinds……BUT….ALL Shooting Should be OUT FRONT

WHAT IS BRUNCH IN YOUR WORLD?

• The Meats - Sausage, Bacon, and Ham if You're Lame

• Hashbrowns

• Biscuits & Gravy

• Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast???

• What are THE best eggs for brunch?

• • Scrambled

  • Omlette

  • Over Easy - Fried and all that Jazz

  • Egg Bake

How Thick is the Ice on Lake Audubon???