I’m not an overly religious man, so take this little story I’m about to tell you any way you like.

We were hunting west of Dickinson, ND this weekend, and noticed that in the middle of a CRP field there was a stell crucifix welded to a metal fence post and stuck in the ground.  We didn’t think much of it, but asked the landowner when we got back and he told us a little story.

Seems that in the 60′s his grandfather owned the land, and year after year his crop and home were damaged by extreme hail, a staple of mid-summer North Dakota weather.

Out of desperation, he welded a crucifix to a metal fence post and stuck it in the middle of his field. 

And, if you believe him, the field and the house have not been victimized by any hail damage since.  No crop claims, not damage to homes or vehicles, nothing.

Now whether you believe the story or not isn’t important to me.  I’m sure there’s been hail on the property.  There might even been a few storms that left some vehicles dented or some corn knocked over. 

But here’s the real important part.  You don’t get to hear stories like that unless you put yourself in a position to hear them.  I’ve driven past the field 1,000 times and never saw the cross.  Once you’re knee-deep in CRP and see a cross in the center of it you just have to get the story.  Getting outdoors and aquiring stories like this is what makes hunting a unique endeavor.  It provides a mechanism for people of different cultures and livelihoods to mingle and share experiences.

The saying “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes; it’ll change,” is very applicable in North Dakota, as in many areas of the country. But check this out.

Last week I was driving around the SW North Dakota countryside with windows rolled down, short-sleeved shirts on, and sweating like crazy.  It was 80+ degrees and I was out crawling for pronghorns. 

Fast-forward to the upcoming weekend.  Same area.  Same hunting season.  Same hunter.  Forecast is for 30 degrees, snow mixed with rain (up to 12″ of snow in some areas), and 30mph winds.  Global warming my a$$!

But just 150 miles NE of the storm in Bismarck/Mandan, ND, where I live, the forecast if for 50 degrees and rain.  That mans that somewhere between here and my hunting area there’s going to be a wardrobe change.  Where that boundry is, no one knows, but now I have to pack tons of extra clothing just to chase a dog-sized “big game” animal around, and a colorful chicken?

Damn right I do!  It’s October in North Dakota.  Upredicable weather and hunting season!  It just doens’t get any better than this (copyright Old Milwaukee Beer).