It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I know that snow isn’t exactly my friend when it comes to being too much snow. I have found that there are certain things that I can no longer do. My days of shoveling a lot of snow (anything over 3-inches) are over. My son, Brian, and my daughter-in-law, Kim, along with their son, Taylor, came over and shoveled for us. They, along with our son, Brad, have been good to take care of us whenever we need help with something. It is hard for me not to be able to do many of the things that I used to do.

 

I have always welcomed a fresh snow, but I would be happy with 3-4 inches of it at the most. Having a splash of snow for Christmas Eve would be enough to last me for a while. I enjoy taking in the beauty of a snowfall at night. I believe that snow with the moonlight reflecting off it can create a Christmas card effect.

 

I've been at the cabin in either late fall or early spring when we have had a significant snowfall. For some reason, this always gives me a warm, fuzzy, feeling. Maybe it’s the kid in me or is it the fact that I don’t need to shovel it?

 

I don’t believe that there is a cozier feeling than having a layer of snow in the woods and being inside with the wood stove heating up the cabin. Breakfast always seems to taste just a little bit better when at the cabin. That’s probably why I gain a couple of pounds every time that I visit the cabin. 

 

Until next time: Explore the outdoors this winter by hunting Minnesota small game.

Hunting pheasants, ruffed grouse, squirrels or rabbits offers opportunities to enjoy the Minnesota outdoors as winter begins.

 

“Winter is a fun time to get out in the crisp air and hunt small game,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “These hunts can be a lot like hikes with the added challenge of pursing some excellent table fare.”

 

The pheasant hunting season is open through Jan. 4, 2026. On Dec. 1, the daily bag limit increases to three roosters, with a possession limit of nine roosters. Pheasant numbers were up nearly 50% over last year and were 21% above the 10-year average, according to the DNR August Roadside Survey, available on the DNR pheasant hunting webpage. The best places to find pheasants at this time of year are tall grass or cattail marshes. Hunters should remember to exercise caution around thin ice.

 

Grouse hunting season is also open through Jan. 4, 2026. Wintertime grouse hunters might find success during the “golden hour,” the last hour before sunset, when ruffed grouse move out of their snow roosts to feed.

 

Please take the time to remember our troops that are serving now and those that have served before them. They are the reason that we have all of the Freedoms that we enjoy today.