Flora & Fauna

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 …

You’re not into ice fishing, are you? I though so. I bet you wish there were some open-water fishing options? Guess what? You’re in luck, there are! Open-water fishing options exist in Nebraska during this – the coldest part of the year. These involve trout, coolwater streams and even an opportunity to work on completing your Trout Slam challenge. So, check conditions, pack the snacks and drinks, grab the neoprene waders and gloves, rig the rod and put gas in …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Forty-five years is very long time for anything, isn’t it? Forty-five years is an exceptionally long time for working at the same organization. Think about it — four-and-a-half decades. WOW! This year, 2024, marks the beginning of my 45th year at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. My career spans a few different divisions within the agency – Fisheries, Parks and Information and Education (now Communications). I will be 62 years of age this year and I started working at …

Trumpeter swans are one of North America’s greatest conservation success stories. By Olivia DaRugna, Wildlife Diversity Biologist Trumpeter swans are among the largest and heaviest of native waterfowl in North America, weighing about 25 pounds and standing close to 4 feet. Their large size makes getting airborne quite the achievement. Similar to an airplane, swans need a large, open space where they can gain enough speed, running to take flight using their long wings and shallow, rapid wingbeats to slowly …

The survival instincts of animals kick into high gear in the winter. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist As winter blankets the landscape with frost and snow, the survival instincts of wildlife kick into high gear. In this season of scarcity, the availability of quality habitats becomes crucial for the well-being and sustenance of various species. From birds and mammals to insects and aquatic life, each organism seeks refuge in habitats that provide warmth, food and protection from the elements. …