Shoulder season smoker burn?

[Ctwoodtick]

I could not resist making a fire or 2 recently with weather just barely allowing it. Temps right now outside is 60. Should I be surprised that softwoods that I have tested at 20 percent are creating more smoke out if the chimney than I figured? I am noticing smokiness nearing the latter part of the burn as well. Would this likely not be a problem if it was 30 degrees?

 

[Ctwoodtick]

A-ha! Realized that burning a it hotter was key to allowing the secondaries to more fully do their work. I thing with very limited experience with burning softwoods, I was too cautious about running too hot and/ or too quick.