I have often stated that fall is my favorite season. Although the weather can be a real mixed bag, it is still No. 1 with me.

I don’t think that there is anything more refreshing than taking a nice long walk on a brisk sunny fall day. My favorite time to walk is early morning when everything seems just a little fresher. While walking the side streets of our neighborhood there are times when the occasional smell of someone cooking breakfast floats in the breeze. There is no mistaking the aroma of bacon being cooked and then there is the smell of someone’s wood stove or fireplace, which always gives me a cozy feeling. Another smell that I always associate with fall is when we were allowed to burn leaves in town, that is another smell that, of course, is truly unique.

This is the time of year when I enjoy just driving around the countryside and taking in the beauty of fall. There doesn’t have to be any fall foliage left on the trees for one to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. The different shades of rust and brown and of course the golden color of the dead grass and the still-standing corn add to the colorful countryside.

Most of this year’s corn crop is still in the fields because of our rain-filled fall and I hope we get the much-needed dry weather so that the farmers can get the crops out before the snow falls. While driving around the lake the other day it was nice to just take in the beauty of a sunny, late fall day. A few fishermen were scattered along the channel below the dam and down by Frank Hall Park where some nice perch were being caught.

The perch bite should be good right up until ice-over.

With the start of deer season I mentioned in my last column about being safety conscious. I have known a few folks that have done some pretty remarkably dumb things and still managed to be with us.

On one occasion a guy that I knew decided that staying up most of the night consuming alcohol and then going hunting was OK. He then proceeded to take a bottle of brandy with him to the deer stand (to keep warm?). About an hour into it his hunting partner heard a terrible commotion and went to check and found that the guy had apparently passed out and toppled out of his deer stand.

Luckily he wasn’t hurt but it could have been a real disaster. This is probably a worse case scenario (except for serious injury) but it did actually happen. There is always plenty of time to socialize with your hunting buddies after the hunt is done. Alcohol and guns just do not go well together and the aforementioned person is lucky to be around to hunt another day.

Musky talk

The November meeting of Southern Crossroads Chapter 54 of Muskies Inc. will be Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at Eagles Club in Owatonna.

Our speaker is Randy Jacobs. Randy has guided for 30-plus years from Southern Missouri to Manitoba. He has guided for muskies in Northern Minnesota.

There will be nominations for officers and board members for the coming year. Keep your calendar open for our open to the public, third annual, money for muskies banquet, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Eagles Club in Owatonna. Our speaker is Bob Mehsikomer, host of TV show, “Simply Fishing.” Bob reveals his secrets for finding and catching big fish and educates people on fishing techniques etc. There will be door prizes, raffles, silent auction, and special events and drawing for kids. Tickets are $20, kids 12 and under free. Chicken and ribs dinner. Ticket info call 507-390-3549 or 507-259-5074. Help support and improve musky fishing in Southern Minnesota.

Our meetings are second Wednesday of every month that includes informative speakers, door prizes, raffle, updates and reports. Also, great conversation. Anyone interested in musky fishing is always welcome. Musky hunters bring a friend and check us out. Check our Web site, www.michapter54.com.

I know of quite a few local anglers that venture north to Red Lake during the “hard water” fishing season so the following news release from the DNR may be of interest:

Upper Red Lake walleye regulations to change Dec. 1

Upper Red Lake walleye anglers still can keep four fish beginning Dec. 1, but all walleye 17-to 26-inches in length must be immediately released. Anglers can keep one walleye longer than 26 inches.The change from the open water 20- to 26-inch protected slot limit to the winter 17-to 26-inch protected slot limit that begins, Dec. 1 will continue through Feb. 28, 2010.

The estimated open-water walleye harvest from state waters of Upper Red Lake for 2009 was 147,000 pounds. That harvest level is 21,000 pounds below the threshold that would trigger a more conservative three-fish limit.

Regulations for the 2010 open water fishing season will be determined later this winter and announced in advance of the walleye opener on May 15, 2010.

More fishing and hunting:

CROSBY — Walleye fishing continues to be productive on Rabbit, Serpent, Pelican and the Mississippi River. Jigs and minnows have been the setup of choice, while Lindy Rigs, crankbaits and jigs tipped with plastic have been producing some fish as well. Key depths all around have been 20-22 feet.

Some trout have been caught as well on Pennington, Huntington and Portsmouth pits from boats on crankbaits, while Manual has been kicking out some rainbows as well. Grouse hunters have been reporting some success in the area, and waterfowlers have been seeing plenty of geese to supplement their duck numbers. Most of the birds in the area are mallards at this time, with lots of birds still using the river and the backwater ricebeds. Archery hunters registered a few more deer this past week than before, signaling a jump in deer activity.

ELY — Bird hunting still tops the list of outdoor activities, with most hunters scoring at least a couple of grouse each trip. Crappies are starting to show up in some better numbers. Twin Lakes, White Iron and Fall lakes are the spots to be. The fish are suspended 6 to 10 feet from the bottom in 20 to 35 feet of water. Minnows under a slip bobber or jigs tipped with a minnow seems to be working best. Walleyes are beginning to turn up in the deeper holes on Shagawa Lake and White Iron with floating jig heads or floating Lindy rigs being the top producers. If you get a break in the foul weather try to make one last trip of the season before putting the boat up for winter. Remember, the weather can change rapidly, so always wear a life jacket when on these colder waters.

WATERVILLE — Walleyes hitting the near the bridge on Sakatah using Rapalas. Also Lake Elysian is giving up a few walleyes to the shore fisherman near Highway 60.

LEECH LAKE — Leech Lake’s hot news is the muskies! We have heard of eight muskies caught and released over 50 inches in the last 10 days — the biggest 54 inches — but fishermen reported seeing a bigger one beside the boat. Walker Narrows, Pelican Island, are the two most fished spots. Perch and walleyes are still going strong on a jig and minnow. Crappie action is also picking up. Fall is a busy time, but if you can break away, it could really pay! Fishing in November is awesome and the lake is not very busy — great time to catch a wall hanger! There is a lot more to do up here as well — grouse numbers are up and deer are plentiful. Archery season has been great for me personally and I have talked to many people seeing lots of young deer. I have never been a trophy hunter but there are some around. Lots of public land, so come enjoy Leech Lake area with us!

Until next time keep fishn’, hunt safe and always take a little time to enjoy our great Minnesota outdoors.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.