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Latest Features

Wildlife’s Wintering Ways

When the weather grows cold, animals have special adaptations and behaviors to battle the elements. Story and photos by Justin Haag When the mercury dips down around zero, most of us are fortunate to have heated spaces to take refuge. Wildlife aren’t so fortunate, but do have special adaptations and behaviors to battle the elements. Some escape the cold by migrating south. While such travel is certainly effective, and attractive to us humans, it comes at the expense of a …

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The Clever Minds of Corvids

Corvids are some of the most adaptable and clever birds on the planet. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist They’re everywhere: In the streets, in the skies, in the parking lots and even on baseball fields — corvids. You’ll know them as crows, ravens, blue jays and black-billed magpies. Worldwide, over 130 species of birds belong in the Corvidae family. Widely distributed, these birds thrive in diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to urban environments. They are typically medium to large …

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Learn to Hunt

One young woman’s journey to becoming a hunter By Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley Harleigh Lisius wasn’t born into a hunting family, but she always knew she wanted to do it. The daughter of a fourth-generation farmer, the 23-year-old grew up among cattle, corn and beans near Juniata and spent countless hours playing in the shelterbelt on the farm, fishing her grandparents’ pond or camping. Every Thanksgiving, highly-anticipated visits from her aunt and uncle brought exciting tales of the couple’s lives as wildlife …

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Ice-fishing Boots

Warm toes while ice-fishing is worth every penny. By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Biologist and Outreach Program Manager I teach ice-fishing clinics each year, and we spend at least some time talking about staying warm. You will never enjoy ice-fishing if you are cold, and of course, layering is the key. There is excellent clothing available these days made just for ice-fishing. But don’t forget — the same goes for a pair of good boots, because, well, while ice-fishing, you are …

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Animal Myths – Separating Fact From Fiction

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Sometimes, our fascination with wildlife can lead to the perpetuation of myths and misconceptions. From fabled tales that have been passed down through the generations to more quirky beliefs that find their way into modern folklore, animal myths captivate our imagination and influence the way we perceive and interact with the creatures that share our planet. In this article, let’s peel back the layers of misinformation to reveal the captivating truths behind many remarkable …

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Nebraskaland 2023 Photo Contest

Best of Show BEST OF SHOW – Lego Aviary Photo by Chris Bergstrom, Blair @chriscosmosphotography Since Nebraskaland Magazine’s photo contest began, we have seen tens of thousands of images, but none as unique as Chris Bergstrom’s Best in Show winner, “Lego Aviary.” The image made our team laugh and also brought into discussion how much planning must have been done to capture this photograph. “It took me hundreds of shots,” Chris said. “I have a passion to shoot night skies, …

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Knowing the Risks of Winter

Participating in outdoor activities during winter can be tons of fun, but stay safe in the cold. By Julie Geiser Frostbite Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues of your body become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities such as the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered, and the skin will have a burning sensation or become numb. If frostbite occurs, head indoors and place the frostbitten parts of your body …

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New Hunters Enjoy ‘Historical’ Sandhills Hunt

Four budding hunters were given the special opportunity to hunt on pristine ranch land in the Sandhills. By Justin Haag The description would surely get attention from near and far if posted by a real estate agent: “Outstanding mule deer property with 7,000 acres of pristine ranch land in the Sandhills of northwestern Cherry County. Has not been hunted in decades.” Four budding hunters were given the special opportunity to hunt such a property in December 2022 during the Nebraska …

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An Ice Fishing Timer

A stopwatch is nearly as important to your fishing success as your rod and reel. By Jeff Kurrus Staring into an 8-inch hole in the ice, your eyes following the thinnest fishing line you’ve ever seen, might be the most addictive activity on the planet. So addictive, in fact, that a stopwatch is nearly as important to your fishing success as your rod and reel. Using this uncommon ice fishing device, an angler can assure that they will in fact …

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New Year’s Resolutions for Nature

By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist It is a long-held tradition to take time around the New Year to reflect on what’s important, to acknowledge accomplishments and to imagine how we can live more closely aligned with our values in the next year. If the outdoors and conservation are important to you, here are a few ways to better connect with nature in 2024. Track the Changes As we see more changes in our climate, we also are witnessing changes …

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