Solunar charts/calendars

Don Becker · 10-01-2004, 07:12 AM

I've been wondering how many of us use solunar information in planning our hunts. I've become quite a believer. For me, it all started many years ago. I had heard of solunar calendars, read some about them and was pretty doubting. Over time, I got curious-enough that, AFTER a day in the field, I would look at the calendar and I began almost immediately to see patterns with what the chart/calendar said and times and numbers of "critters" I had seen that day (or, not). For me, this has evolved to the point that I'm pretty serious about consulting the solunar tables as I plan my hunts. I find the information/dates/times to be excellent indicators. 'Anyone else have similar experience? Don

Waterfish · 10-01-2004, 07:49 AM

Don, I used to think that solunar tables were the same thing as those phase-of-the-moon calendars, or those fishing calendars that show different sized round circles (biggest circle or dot meaning better hunting/fishing). Last winter at the Sportsmans' Show I attended an oversize sturgeon clinic (can't remember the guide's name). The guide who put on this seminar said he takes clients out based on the times shown in the tables. He also explained that solunar tables were invented by a guy in Arkansas in the 1920s, and his family still holds the patent, and publish the tables, which are not cheap to subscribe to. Evidently, some GPS companies like Garmin pay to include the tables in their GPS units. I have a Garmin Map 76-S, and it has the solunar tables in it. The good thing about this is that the GPS corrects the information for the exact location where you are at (thus you would get different times for St. Helens than you would get for Portland). As for the accuracy of the tables, I think there may be something to it. Last spring, and this fall, it seems like we have caught the most salmon during the peak times listed in the tables. I am not sold on the theory, but some of the results do have me checking the tables every time I hunt or fish.

Don Becker · 10-01-2004, 08:07 AM

Waterfish, it sounds like your experiences are similar to mine. I have subscribed and obtain the calendars for a year at a time. It's pretty convenient for planning ahead that way. I also, as you mention, have them on my MAP76S .............. which, BTW, I am looking for right now! It's NOT where it's supposed to be and I'm going out to the travel trailer to see if I left it in my hunting vest after the antelope trip. I need to re-load the MapSourse maps for the Coast Range. I'm off work today and thinking of maybe taking a drive in the woods (before the 'general-seasoners" begin tomorrow am) . . . today is a "best day." Don

Waterfish · 10-01-2004, 08:25 AM

Don, I hope you find your GPS! They've only been around for a few years, but sometimes I wonder how I ever got along without one. I use mine for everything from navigating in helicopters, to finding my way in the Columbia in the fog, and of course hunting. Like you mentioned, the tables would have the advantage of being able to plan ahead, whereas the GPS only gives you the information for the current day. How do the tables work for location? For example, if you were hunting on the coast, verses the Cascades, how do the tables adjust for the location? How much is a yearly subscription?

Bait O' Eggs · 10-01-2004, 01:17 PM

Big circles, little circles, big dots, little dots, moon phases, ....... I never paid much attention to any of it.

I do usually know if we have a big moon or a sliver in the sky during hunting season.

I need to pay attention to the info on the Garmin76Smap.

Will be interesting to plot critter sightings with the suggested times to look.

Waterfish · 10-01-2004, 01:22 PM

Bait O' Eggs, Keep in mind that solunar tables are not the same thing as the moon phases, big dots, little dots, etc. Solunar tables are a whole different deal...

Mello-Yello · 10-01-2004, 01:23 PM

I have my own built in table that works the same way. If I feel active, I go hunting or fishing. If I feel like laying low and taking it easy, I stay home a dabble around the house.

It works good for me and my game taking is 100% consistent. (like I'm going to catch fish or take game when dabbling at home).

M-Y

Don Becker · 10-01-2004, 10:39 PM

Waterfish, my GPS MAP76S was in the pocket of my hunting vest like I thought it might have been. I think an annual subscription was $16.95. The ones I have are produced for Texas and include adjustment instructions . . . I don't bother with that (I calculated it once and the adjustment just wasn't enough to bother with) . . . we're talking about approximations here anyway. Don