Fishing isn’t always just about the fish. Like many of us, I grew up learning how to fish from my dad. Many summers were spent camping out at Merritt Reservoir SRA and casting off the bank. I still remember catching fish with my Snoopy fishing pole before I graduated to a regular pole. I especially remember the time when I caught a fish before my older brother did. Anyway, can’t talk too much about summer now as I trudge through …

With much of our 2017/18 hunting seasons in the rear-view mirror its time to start planning for next season’s opening day.  Planning efficiently is especially important in Nebraska where long, liberal hunting seasons make for a short off-season. The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show, better know as the SHOT Show, is a great place to start thinking about what gear might need replacing, updated or simply for getting ideas for your “gotta-have” list. This year’s SHOT Show opened on …

It was the eve of deer rifle season, sitting by the front door were two pairs of boots, two blaze orange vests, a backpack of snacks, binoculars and one rifle.  They were ready to go!  Catching the last few minute of sleep I hear small feet walking towards the bed.  “Mom, I thought dad was getting up early to go hunting?”  Seeing that is was 5:25 am, I reassured him that dad’s alarm clock will be going off any minute.  …

Now that we’re deep into deer season we’ve been seeing more and more harvest photographs taken by archery mentors involved in our youth mentor hunt program.  These aren’t typical trophy buck harvest photographs but they capture something just as valuable: a hunter’s first harvest.  After learning the basics, observing experienced hunters and lots of practice…they did it and the look on their faces as they pose next to their deer says it all. This Kodak moment is only one small …

I’m going to be truthful, this week has been tough to stay on task at work.  My mind has constantly been wandering out to some of Nebraska’s uplands in search of birds that cackle and those that covey.  My mind is being fueled by memories of opening days past and the birds, people and places that have become forever part of me.  It’s also being driven by the anticipation of memories to be made this year. As we near Saturday’s …

When do you know you’ve become an outdoors-woman? This question was posed to game and parks staff during the panel question and answer session at this year’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) weekend. Certified outdoors-woman Julie Geiser explained you’ve become an outdoors woman when you are comfortable outside and have a firm grasp on outdoor skills like hunting, fishing, shooting or cooking. It’s about being self-reliant in your outdoor pursuits and is a lifelong journey developed with new experiences. I’ve still …

Our recent 80 and 90 degree days might lead you to think otherwise but September 22nd was the first official day of the fall season! Summer, you will be missed but I am more than ready for the cooler weather and festivities that accompany this time of year. For me fall is about spending as much time outside before hunkering down for winter. The crisp air and changing foliage make for perfect camping and hiking trips. Saturdays are spent with …

The first step in any journey can sometimes be the toughest one to take.  Hunting is no different. If you weren’t born into it or simply just taken along by family or a friend- Where do you begin? There is a growing trend nowadays in adults wanting to try hunting, too.  Some of us are interested in spending more time outdoors, others are drawn by the ability to secure local foods for our needs, and still others are simply getting …

To be a dove hunter you need to be creative.  Most of us have two or three good excuses at the ready for when we miss a relatively easy shot.  Dove hunters on the other hand, should have at least a solid half-dozen new ones anytime they head to the field.  “I’m still seeing dark spots since forgetting my glasses during the eclipse.” For example. However, if you are looking to add some local, wild-protein to your diet while spending …

As many archers are developing their respective bow disciplines, they will inevitably be told to come shoot a tournament or two. Many novice shooters may be nervous to compete in one of these tournaments because they fear their shooting skills may not be good enough. This could not be further from the truth! A great shoot that is coming up on Saturday, August 19, is the 2nd Annual Director’s Cup Tournament. The Director’s Cup, similar to other outdoor tournaments, follows …