How To

LINCOLN, Neb. – Women who want to learn how to shoot and increase their knowledge of handguns are invited to attend an introductory handgun series at Platte River State Park in June. Part of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, the Summer Shooting Series features a variety of topics throughout four sessions, including firearm safety, gun handling and range rules. Sessions will be held June 6, 13, 20 and 27, at $15 per class; attendance is required at the first …

I noted last week that spring was in full swing and I would be in the field as much as possible taking advantage of it.  That has been true and I have some turkey hunting stories to tell. . . . Before I get to that, you know I have been on the water this spring, literally went right from ice-fishing to open-water fishing, but I have not posted any fishing updates for a few weeks.  You also know that …

There is no doubt that crappies are a popular fish in the spring.  They can be relatively easy to catch, accessible to every angler, even those fishing from the shore, and tasty on the table.  Given some warm spring weather, which we have finally seen the past few days, and folks are out to catch crappies.  But, there are a lot of misconceptions about crappies in the spring, and clearing some of those up might help you catch even more …

Find out why you should be using buzzbaits this year. Sometime last spring I had a conversation with longtime friend and fishing diehard Monte Mares of Seward. We were discussing our favorite lures and he told me that he loved to fish small crankbaits in the spring but, from then on, used buzzbaits. “The fish just can’t stand it!” he wrote me. This last line kept me up at night last spring as I fumbled through my tacklebox, my eyes …

Another angler access/aquatic habitat project to tell you about in this blog post: Pine Glen WMA project will improve Long Pine Creek for fish, anglers LINCOLN, Neb. – A project scheduled to start in June on Pine Glen Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Brown County will improve stream habitat on Long Pine Creek for fish and anglers alike. As a continuation of the cool-water stream program, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will build several in-stream habitat features that create …

OK, so last Sunday was “earth day”. Whatever. Forgive my cynical attitude, but I weary of special days for this and special days for that when what we need is people to do simple little things every day. . . . Like, pick up your trash.  Like PICK UP YOUR FISHING LINE! I was inspecting some new boat ramp work at a Nebraska reservoir last fall and with the water down also noticed old cedar trees that had been sunk …

As the trees bud, the lawns green and the flowers bloom, did you know that may have food growing in your yard, lot, garden or field? I bet you do! Now that spring has finally sprung, some of the more prolific, more accessible wild edible foods make their initial appearances. It’s when edible wild plants are at their most tender, tastiest stage. And your own backyard, garden, vacant lot, alleyway or patch of woods or prairie, could very well be the closest and most productive place you’ll find to forage this time of …

As I have said several times already this spring, it is a busy time for Nebraska fisheries workers.  From the time the ice is gone, field work is in full swing.  Once again this year that included our efforts to collect pallid sturgeon brood fish from the Missouri River.  Here is the annual newsletter on those efforts. . . . Once again, if you want to see a “cleaner” version of that report, here is the .pdf, 2018 Broodstock Newsletter_draft4 . You …

I have warned you that this time of year there is pretty much only one thing on my mind.  Through the magic of technology I can prove that to you. . . . I had a dream last night, here is what happens EVERY TIME I yelp on a turkey call. . . . https://www.facebook.com/203398586930712/videos/203749893562248/ Maybe I just need to learn to whistle? Obviously, I found that video on the interwebs.  What is going on there, I have no idea, …

If you are a Nebraska outdoors-person you know that weather trumps everything and this spring has been nothing but a hand of wild cards.  I always say one of the best fishing options for early spring when the water is still cold is to pursue cold-water species like trout.  However, the weather is even having an impact on the trout fishing at the Two Rivers Trout Lake; only thing is it is not the impact you might expect: Trout anglers …