Nebraskaland Magazine
Big water reservoirs are often hunted by Nebraska Game and Parks commissioner Lynn Berggren along with family and friends. Commissioners Berggren, Jerrod Burke and Norris Marshall along with Burke’s son Logan, and Berggren’s sons Kevin and Pat and grandson Kaleb were all out waterfowl hunting this past month – making lasting memories and enjoying morning sunrises.
Part of hunting is spending time with family and friends, chasing sunrises and sunsets and enjoying time spent together in the field or on the water. Hunting is a game of chase and waiting. Some days the birds fly and some days they don’t. Some days great shots come all day, other days missing is the name-of-the-game.
Making yourself unseen is another part of hunting – the challenge of camouflage. Trees along the shoreline are used to camouflage the already painted and grass-covered duck boat. Layout blinds are set up on the bank next to the boat, which accommodates more hunters. Using natural vegetation to cover the layouts is sure to keep hunters invisible to waterfowl that are focusing on the decoy spread.
Don’t forget breakfast in the blind – many hunters are well-known for burritos, rolls, eggs and bacon or biscuits and gravy in the blind. The birds are sure to fly once plates of food are made – and it’s another way hunters enjoy the experience.
Kids love to get out in the field when given the chance – with warm clothing and snacks there’s plenty for kids to do. Kaleb started the day off in Grandpa Lynn’s duck boat, going across the lake in his warm camo clothes. Once the hunt began he was on dad’s (Pat Berggren) lap asking questions about the decoys, weather and everything under the sun as youngsters do. After a while he was in uncle Kevin’s layout blind where the laughing commenced and memories with uncle Kevin were made.
When a couple buffleheads came zipping into the decoys, Kaleb got a chance to watch Limit, uncle Kevin’s yellow lab, work and he got to see firsthand the quarry of the hunt.
Sitting in the blind is where stories are told; it’s where memories and bonds are made strong and where old hunters can introduce young hunters to the passion.
One thing about hunting – it’s not about the kill but about time spent. When you wrap all the above together in a package anyone can see that there is more to hunting than meets the eye.
Nebraskans’ are blessed to have public places to hunt. Sherman, Merritt, Medicine Creek, Lake Maloney, Sutherland, Red Willow, Swanson, Elwood, Harlan County, Johnson, McConaughy, Lake Ogallala and Enders Reservoirs all offer opportunities for waterfowl hunting during the goose and duck seasons.
From bank hunting to hunting from a boat, all it takes is a few pieces of equipment, the ambition to do so and a few family members or friends to share the experience with.
