USING THE ALMANACK AS A FISHING AND HUNTING GUIDE

Although successful fishing is influenced primarily by the type of bait used and the location of the bait in the water, the time of day, month and year also is significant. Lunar position has been shown in some studies to be a contributing factor to fish and game activity, but the approach of weather systems (high-pressure systems typically preceded by low-pressure systems) is usually a more decisive factor in influencing fish to bite and animals to feed.

In addition to the moon and the weather, water temperature and other seasonal factors play a role in how fish respond to your bait. One of the best ways to measure those factors is to keep a journal of conditions and what is happening when during your outings. An almanack may be helpful in making you aware of what is going on in nature. This is especially true for hunting, since conditions in the fields or woods have a direct impact on creatures living there. For both fish and game, however, your personal observations, connected to your results in the woods or on the water, form the true baseline for future activities.

THE BEST TIME FOR HUNTING AND FISHING IN SEPTEMBER

Fish, game, livestock and people tend to feed more and are more active as the barometer is falling one to three days before the weather systems that arrive near the following dates: September 2, 8, 12, 15, 20, 24 and 29.

Fish and feed at midday when the moon is new. Be on the water or in the hay during the afternoon and evening when the moon is in its first quarter. Be out at night when the moon is full and in its third quarter. Be in the woods or on the water in the morning when the moon is in its fourth quarter.

THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR HUNTING AND FISHING IN OCTOBER

Fishing and hunting should be most successful if scheduled as the barometer is falling one to three days before the arrival of the weather systems that arrive near the following dates: October 2, 7, 13, 17, 23, and 30.

Fish and hunt at midday when the moon is new. Fish and hunt in the afternoon and evening when the moon is in its first quarter. Be out at night when the moon is full and in its third quarter. Be in the woods or on the water in the morning when the moon is in its fourth quarter.

THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR HUNTING AND FISHING IN NOVEMBER

Fishing and hunting should be most successful if scheduled as the barometer is falling one to three days before the arrival of the weather systems that arrive near the following dates: November 2, 6, 11, 16, 20, 24 and 28.

Fish and hunt at midday when the moon is new. Fish and hunt in the afternoon and evening when the moon is in its first quarter. Be out at night when the moon is full and in its third quarter. Be in the woods or on the water in the morning when the moon is in its fourth quarter.