Hunting

Readers who received the November issue of NEBRASKAland may have seen “The Hull Story,” my article about eco-friendly components in shotgun shells. The story was inspired by a February visit to a public hunting area dotted with a considerable number of wads and hulls. As an update, above is a photo of one of the Bio-Wads that Kent Cartridge sent to me. As you can see, its fiber composition is looking pretty rough after soaking in a bowl of water …

LINCOLN – Users of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge will continue to see construction and equipment along public roads and trails until freeze-up as an aquatic habitat project progresses there. Road and trail closures could occur for short periods as the project progresses. Access for ice fishing this winter should not be affected. The project focus is to address the presence of invasive common carp in the system and prevent their passage through existing water control structures. Control structures, berm …

LINCOLN – Nebraskans wanting to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the Deer Exchange. This program is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. It brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat. The Deer Exchange, which is available annually from Sept. 1 through March 1, allows hunters and potential venison recipients to join a database and search for other participating parties in their area. Parties will work …

LINCOLN – One step in preparing for the November firearm deer season is locating a site to check in your deer. Omaha-area hunters are reminded that Hitches Plus in Papillion no longer is a deer check station. Firearm deer hunters and archers harvesting deer during the November firearm season must deliver their deer to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. The November firearm deer season is Nov. 12-20. To …

LINCOLN – The Nov. 12 opener of firearm deer season is approaching and excitement and anticipation are building for Nebraskans. “Hunting prospects have improved in all management units as herds are mostly recovered from the drought and disease losses of 2012,” says Kit Hams, big game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Mule deer in five southern units are at record highs and whitetail are increasing in several units. “An increase in antlerless permits this fall will …

Your adrenaline is still pumping.  You are a deer hunter, and you have just harvested a very nice white-tailed buck, or perhaps a gorgeous doe. Now, you have the opportunity to capture the moment for all of your friends, family and others to see. With due diligence, you can ensure the special moment is preserved in a quality harvest photo! Many of you will soon be highlighting the harvest of a big game hunter you know in Nebraska with their …

LINCOLN – Nebraskans enjoyed another upland bird season opener on Oct. 29. While hunters reported seeing good numbers of birds, unseasonably warm, dry weather over much of the state negatively affected hunter success. Dry conditions resulted in poor scenting conditions for dogs. Reports indicated that hunters’ dogs were having difficulty locating downed pheasants. Wind was an issue in some parts of the state, as well. Hunters also reported birds flushing wild, well ahead of their hunting parties, but were seeing …

Yes I did.  I joined the thousands of bird hunters that took to the field the past couple of days to chase the cackle-birds and bobwhites that filled my dreams and thoughts in the days and nights leading up to that special October Saturday.  This won’t surprise anyone that has read any of my past preseason bird blogs (Rooster! Rooster!). Once again I had a great weekend, too.  As you’ve likely read or heard the numbers for both ring-necked pheasants …

LINCOLN – Nebraska youth got to experience an upland hunt as adult mentors took them afield for the state’s special youth pheasant hunt Oct. 22-23. The special hunt took place on 14 wildlife management areas (WMA), where the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission released 5,445 adult roosters Oct. 21. In total, 387 adult mentors accompanied 465 youth hunters on the hunt this year, compared to 295 mentors and 350 youth in 2015. Youth and their mentors harvested 44 wild roosters …

LINCOLN – For most upland game bird hunters, taking to the field provides a lot more than just the act of harvesting birds. It’s 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 basic safety rules of hunting: keep your gun pointed in a safe direction, treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep your finger off of …