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Got to looking at the calendar and was reminded that tomorrow is “National Hunting and Fishing Day“.  I like to point that out each year, if I remember, because I believe Nebraska is the perfect state for combining hunting and fishing opportunities, especially in the fall.  I call it “combodacious” because we have such a diversity of fish and game and with long hunting seasons and perpetual fishing seasons the opportunities can overlap.  In times past Nebraska bragged about being …

I have just recently arrived back from my first ever pronghorn hunt and I would love to quickly share the story of the adventure before the crispness of the experience is dulled by passed time and the facts become muddled. With enough preference points my wife and I were able to secure a pair of muzzleloader permits in a coveted unit in Nebraska’s panhandle.  We were very excited and talked to many people about pronghorn – some of which were …

I was listening to a podcast by KVD last week.  No, not Karl VonDibble, the other KVD, the real KVD.  Kevin is known for his rapid fire “power fishing”, and he often is throwing crankbaits.  One thing he mentioned in the podcast was confidence; we all tend to fish best with techniques and baits in which we have confidence.  I will always tell you that versatility is key to consistent fishing success, but there is no doubt we all have our strengths …

Every now and then I climb up on a soapbox and “preach” a little boating safety.  With fall and cooling waters approaching, this might be a good time to do that again.  I especially like to remind us “tough guys” who might be on the water hunting, fishing or trapping by ourselves, that you really should be using a life jacket and your motor’s kill switch ALL THE TIME.  I have been on the water by myself at times too, and …

Found these pictures on the ole inter-webby someplace.  Do not know why anyone would want to post these photos, but apparently they really, really liked Snapping Turtles. I do not know how good of an idea that was.  Snapping Turtles can live in water that is not the cleanest and can carry things like Salmonella and other bacteria. Turns out that Snapping Turtles really are not that into kissing. Man, that had to hurt. Was that a nose ring or a …

A couple of months ago I had a blog post speculating about ways the invasive “Asian” Carp, Bighead and Silver Carp, might be caught on hook & line, hooked in the mouth (Milk Fish?  Silver Carp?).  Those species are not caught using traditional fishing techniques because they are primarily filter feeders and do not swim around selecting and ingesting food items that anglers typically use for bait.  If someone could figure out some techniques to catch those fish, hooked in …

If you are in the area and you like watermelon, you might want to join us tomorrow night! Conestoga Reservoir aquatic habitat project open house is Sept. 13 LINCOLN – Learn about the aquatic habitat project occurring at Conestoga Reservoir during an open house Sept. 13. The public is invited to attend the 6:30 p.m. event at the boat ramp parking lot on the north side. View the work that has been completed and hear updates by the Nebraska Game …

Through the ages fish and fishing have generated innumerable superstitions.  Gramps Roth always told me I had to hold my mouth just right to catch fish.  To this day, I am trying to figure out what he meant by that?  No doubt a lot of that superstition arises from the fact that we cannot see below the surface of the water and directly observe fish behavior.  Some days it seems that purely random events are the difference between catching fish and …

Deer season is open!  Since September 1, archers are have been taking to the field.  So some review on tree stand safety is a good thing. According to the groups Treestand Manufacturers Association and Tree Stand Safety Awareness, falls from tree stands account for 36% of all hunting accidents nationally and are the number one cause of serious injury and death during deer hunting season in the US. ALWAYS use a fall arrest system rated for your personal weight.  Ropes …

Each September, I get a subtle first-hand reminder of the influence of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s communications efforts. About 15 or 20 years ago, a how-to story inspired me to construct dove decoys out of plywood, metal hooks and a little paint. I’m not sure who wrote or delivered the narrative, but I’m certain it came from the Commission – NEBRASKAland Magazine or something else. Nobody is going to mistake my work for a Michelangelo or Rembrandt, but …