I’ve had countless opportunities to hunt and fish in North Dakota and elsewhere, and am always thankful for the chance to do so. Every outing is a learning experience. That’s just the way it is. There’s no way to learn everything about the outdoors. It’s too vast and constantly evolving, but here’s a few things I’ve found to be true about hunting and fishing.

Dogs know more about hunting than hunters. Trust your hunting dog.

Enjoy every hunting and fishing trip no matter what the outcome.

Ducks and geese know more about the effective range of a shotgun than hunters do.

Hunting upland game without a dog is just a walk while carrying a shotgun.

Try to be as understanding and forgiving and as happy as your dog.

Shotguns don’t miss, hunters do.

Never wear improper clothing and then complain that it is too hot or too cold.

When outdoors, all lunch and snacks will be consumed before 11 a.m.

Flubs when hunting or fishing should be reason for laughter, not cried over.

Don’t take hunting or fishing too seriously. The most important thing is to enjoy the outing.

Boating long distances across the water doesn’t mean there isn’t a good fish bite close to the ramp.

If you catch something other than what you are fishing for you are a multi-species angler.

Fishing where the fish are always trumps lure selection.

Fish don’t shut down, fishermen do.

Fishermen with a thousand lures usually use only three or four a day.

If a fish gets off the hook it can be any size you want it to be.

If you want it to rain leave your rain gear at home.

Never announce last cast until at least a half hour past your intended last cast.

Always respect the resource.

That’s a start anyway. I’m sure alert readers have plenty similar observations of their own to share. I’d like to read them and possibly share a few on these pages in the future. Please send your favorites to kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com.