As Nebraska celebrates its 157th year of statehood, an iconic, representative symbol of the state is the official tree — the native eastern cottonwood. The 1972 legislature named the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) as the state tree, replacing the original selection made in 1937 — the American elm (Ulmus Americana L.). The eastern cottonwood was chosen because many elm trees had been killed by Dutch elm disease and it is rooted in Nebraska’s pioneer history. The cottonwoods are large deciduous …
Read More »Determining if a match set or pair of shed antlers are from the same deer
By: Brian Peterson and Greg Wagner Brian Peterson is a wildlife biologist at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and coordinates the M.S Biology Online Program. His research focus is white-tailed deer antler metrics. He is also an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast. If you observed or harvested a deer, it is usually obvious that the buck’s antlers belong together based on their similar size, configuration and how they are situated upon the skull. Did you know? Deer antlers …
Read More »The Value of a Good Hunting Knife
One of my (Greg Wagner’s) preferred hunting knives to use which was custom made by knife maker John Mulcair of Weston, NE. You’ll notice that John formed the handle of this knife with a couple materials from one of my memorable, successful Nebraska spring wild turkey hunts. Photo by Katie Stacey/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. There is no other piece of equipment or utensil needed to perform as many tasks, in as many ways, under as many conditions, as the …
Read More »16 Ways to Cure Cabin Fever
It’s winter. The daylight is short. The nights are long and dreary. Air temperatures outside are cold, downright frigid at times. Most likely, there’s some snow cover. We are all spending more a lot of time indoors this season, aren’t we? It is that time of year when we get that cooped-up, restless, nothing-to-do feeling that is referred to as “cabin fever.” Stuck inside, too many of us get weary and lethargic and spend long, endless hours watching TV re-runs, …
Read More »Foraging for Edible Wild Plants (or Parts Thereof) in Winter
Wait, what? Foraging for Edible Wild Plants (or Parts Thereof) in Winter, seriously? Yup! Trust me. Don’t stop reading. Stay with me here. Gathering wild foods in Nebraska IS NOT … I repeat IS NOT just a spring, summer or fall outdoor activity, it can be done in winter even with snow cover. I learned this from my grandfather, Frank Hintz. And I have done it successfully. Remember, if I can do it, you can do it! Plus foraging this …
Read More »Ways to Give Back to the Outdoor Community in 2024
The holiday season is upon us and the arrival of 2024 is just around the bend. The holiday period with the new year beckoning gives us a segue to pause and reset, recharge and re-focus our energies. In all sincerity, this season coupled with the new year allows us to curb our bad habits, improve ourselves, change our outlook on life to a positive one and see how we can make a difference. As avid outdoors-persons, this time of year …
Read More »Going Outdoors Alone in Winter: Survival and Splendor
I treasure my time spent alone in nature or in a rural setting, especially this time of year in Nebraska. If I don’t get some alone time in the great outdoors, I end up getting a little restless, grumpy and cabin fever-like (just ask my wife, Polly). Alone time is essential with the hustle and bustle of the season and all that is happening in this world. Sure, it is safer and more fun to share your outdoor adventures with …
Read More »Holiday Gift Ideas for the Hard-To Buy-For Outdoor Enthusiast
I know it sounds cliché, but I’ll be the first to admit it. As a hardcore outdoor enthusiast, finding a holiday gift for me is a difficult task. In fact, whether you hunt, trap, fish, boat, kayak, camp, backpack, hike, bike or watch wildlife, I bet you are also in the hard-to-buy-for category. Am I right? We are a picky lot, aren’t we? We are a detailed bunch. We know what we need and desire to have. And what the …
Read More »Nebraska Fall Park Getaways
Nine Nebraska parks for fall camping By Renae Blum Fall has returned with cool breezes, turning leaves and plentiful opportunities to get outdoors. Here are nine Nebraska state park or recreation areas that are prime spots to book a stay and enjoy a fall getaway. Niobrara State Park Niobrara State Park is a hidden gem in north-central Nebraska overlooking the confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers; it’s perfect for relaxing and recharging in a peaceful, natural setting. This park …
Read More »6 Favorite Wild-Grown Foods of Fall
It’s autumn. It’s heavy sweatshirt weather. It’s the season for football and pumpkin-spiced everything. And, it’s time to pick pumpkins and harvest the last of the tender crops from your vegetable garden. But, did you know that beyond the pumpkins and the squash, fall marks the time of year for gathering and preparing tasty fare from wild places? Sure does. The landscape that surrounds us in Nebraska is actually more lush with wild edible material during autumn than you would …
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