Hunting

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters liked what they experienced while pursuing wild turkeys in Nebraska this spring according to an annual survey by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Almost all respondents — more than 96 percent — of the 2017 turkey hunter survey said they would hunt Nebraska again based on their experiences. The survey data underscores many of the reasons Nebraska is the best turkey-hunting destination in the nation, said Jim Douglas, Commission director. Commission officials often point out …

Heading out the door for the weekend.  This is a big, BIG weekend in Nebraska–the opening of the firearm deer season.  It is not a state holiday, but it should be!  Yes, I know many have been bow-hunting for weeks now, but this is the weekend when we will have by far the most hunters in the field.  So, to commemorate the occasion, I have a video clip to share.  First the disclaimers:  I do not condone drinking of alcoholic …

Anyone can appreciate the mountains but it takes a true outdoors person to appreciate the Sandhills.    They are as beautiful as they are rugged.   Inviting yet unforgiving.    Gentle to the eye yet harsh to all who inhabit this rugged and scenic landscape.  Filled with incredible flora and fauna along with some of the coolest people Nebraska has to offer.   Each year I have the good fortune of heading out into the Sandhills, shotgun in hand, to chase sharp-tailed grouse and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters from around the country returned to rural Nebraska on Oct. 28-29 to partake in a coveted outdoor tradition – the upland bird hunting season opener. Overall, hunter success on the opening weekend was slightly lower than 2016, but hunter success for pheasants was highest in the southwest and northwest regions. Good quail numbers were reported throughout the southern half of Nebraska but very few hunters were targeting bobwhites. On opening day, most areas experienced cooler morning …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Excitement and anticipation are building for Nebraskans as the Nov. 11 opener of firearm deer season approaches. Deer populations for 2017 are higher for mule deer and about the same for whitetails. Favorable habitat and weather conditions this past year should provide for good fawn production and good survival of adults and fawns. The state’s mule deer herd produced the highest harvest on record in 2016 (9,257) and expectations for 2017 are for a modest increase. Whitetail …

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 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska youth got to experience an upland hunt as adult mentors took them afield for the state’s special youth pheasant hunt Oct. 21-22. The special hunt took place on 14 wildlife management areas (WMA), where the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission released 5,445 roosters Oct. 20. In total, 313 adult mentors accompanied 392 youth hunters on the hunt this year. Youth and their mentors harvested more than 600 roosters on the special hunt areas, including 34 wild …

It is like no other form of hunting. It is exhilarating, action-packed, and humbling to even the most practiced shotgun shooter! I should know. I grew up with it on our southeastern Nebraska farm. What kind of hunting is it? IT is hunting the northern bobwhite quail. Have you ever hunted quail? It’s awesome! You need to try it. And, their numbers this year look outstanding! Flushing a covey of quail is as exciting as any outdoor activity gets! However, from years of first-hand experience I will …

LINCOLN, Neb. – For most upland game bird hunters, taking to the field provides a lot more than just the act of harvesting birds. It is a great opportunity for exercise, camaraderie and enjoying this time of year. Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine encourages all those going afield for an upland bird hunt to remember the basics of hunting safety: point the gun in a safe direction; treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep your finger off …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission customer service offices will be open on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 10. That also is the day before the nine-day firearm deer season opens. That means hunters will be able to purchase permits at Game and Parks offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, Kearney, North Platte, Alliance, Bassett and at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium. The offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hunters also may purchase permits or donate to the …