They are really a lot like us humans. They live their lives on a relatively predictable, routine basis. In other words, they keep a schedule. They are wild ring-necked pheasants. And, when pheasant hunters learn to understand that schedule and interrupt it in the wild ring-neck’s landscape, they will be on the path to having increased opportunities for success and bagging a rooster for Nebraska’s Upland Slam challenge. So, let’s look at the average day for Phasianus colchicus in the fall/winter. What’s it like? The Wake …

It’s autumn. Much precipitation has fallen already. It’s heavy sweatshirt weather. It’s the season for football and pumpkin-spiced everything. And, it’s time to pick pumpkins and harvest the last of the tender crops from your vegetable garden. But, did you know that that beyond that pumpkins, the squash and the tomatoes, fall marks the time of year for gathering and preparing tasty edible wild plants (or parts thereof) from wild places? Sure does. The landscape that surrounds us in Nebraska is actually more lush with wild …

Unquestionably, fall in Nebraska is one of the best times of the year to spend outdoors! The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp, the crop harvest is underway; the leaves and other foliage are transforming into canopies of deep orange, bright yellow, and brilliant red. And, look at those fall vegetable gardens! They are abundant with tender, brightly colored vegetables. If you are looking for new and different opportunities where you can have fun, burn calories, get more Vitamin D, remain active, and …

Tell someone you hunt mushrooms in the fall, and they’ll utter phrases like: “Are you crazy, do you really know what you’re picking?” “Why do you want to do that, aren’t you scared that you might pick and eat a poisonous one?” “You don’t eat those (fall mushrooms) surely, do you?” Statistics related to the frequency of mushroom poisonings are hard to come by, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. While the federal agency says the poisoning …

Wild turkey hunting isn’t just a hobby for some of us, it is a passion. There is so much more to fall wild turkey hunting than just traipsing through the woods hoping to get a shot at a bird. From continually scouting the countryside to busting up flocks and calling them back together there are many action-packed aspects to fall wild turkey hunting. But, new fall turkey hunters often do not know where to find birds or how to hunt them, especially in Nebraska. So, it is time to get …

Maybe it’s because I am a lifelong Nebraskan with deep farm roots. Maybe it’s because I am a person with an outgoing, assertive personality who thoroughly enjoys interacting with people. Maybe it’s because of what I do for living and my employer. Maybe it’s because I am pride myself on being a legal hunter as well as an ethical hunter. Maybe it’s because I work at it. I don’t know for sure. But honestly, I have never had difficulty obtaining and maintaining permission to hunt …

Water is in our DNA. Water is life. Water is soothing. Water is great outdoor recreation. So, it only makes sense that, as humans, we want to be on, in or near the water as much as possible. Furthermore, it only makes sense that we want to reside by water. Noted Archaeologist Brian Fagan says: “Water is something that humanity has cherished since the beginning of history and it means something different to everyone. We all have our own unique relationship and …

You are a hunter. You are a Nebraska hunter. Your thoughts are now drifting toward cool, crisp mornings, falling leaves and maybe a bit of snow cover on the ground. You can picture yourself throwing out teal duck decoys on warm, early September morning in your favorite wetland. You have been spending some time on the target range practicing with your firearm or bow. You have been down the aisles at nearby sporting goods stores perusing the latest hunting clothing and equipment. But even with some tasks done, there’s more to do in the domain of hunting …

It is a season that opens at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15th. It is an unusual season, but one that just reeks of adventure, challenge and tremendous entertainment value. And, trust me, this is season that will create memories and stories like no other! No, it is not a hunting season. IT is Nebraska’s bullfrog season. Look at the size of this adult North American Bullfrog being held by your blogger. Photo by Jo Momsen/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Bullfrog season. Really? Yep. I know what you’re thinking …

It’s a sport. It’s a hobby. It’s a profession. It’s a pastime. It’s a lifestyle. Fishing. As a parent, I can tell you firsthand that spending time fishing with your son or daughter can be a key cog in their emotional development and mental well-being, as well as a contributing factor to what is referred to as a filial bond. And, it continues through the years and never really stops. In fact, it rolls on further with grandchildren. There are reasons why you should take your son or daughter fishing …