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Flora & Fauna

Nationwide Panel Calls for $1.3 Billion Annual Investment for States’ Wildlife Conservation

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LINCOLN – A nationwide panel of energy, business and conservation leaders on March 2 released its recommendations on how to avert the nation’s growing endangered species crisis, according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). The panel, co-chaired by former Wyoming Gov. David Freudenthal and Bass Pro Shops founder John Morris, determined that using a portion of revenues from energy and mineral development on federal lands and waters to fund state-based conservation could address conservation needs for thousands …

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Wattles & Snoods – Turkeys Introduce Kids to Hunting

If I had to pick the perfect critter for introducing kids to the incredible pastime of hunting, it would be the wild turkey. They are interesting, challenging and so many of the activities associated with hunting turkeys fit right into a kid’s idea of a good time, like painting your face, hanging out in a fort (blind), saying silly words and making funny noises. I think it’s safe to say, turkeys are just plain fun! Kids love to repeat words …

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Creating and Maintaining the Tradition of Hunting

Our traditions are a major part of us. They help to shape who we are. Indeed, when it comes to the hunting lifestyle, they are at the very core of what we are. The wild places, the game animals and birds we seek, how we do that, when we do that, and with whom we do that, all sculpt our outdoor lives. Whenever I think about creating a new hunting tradition I always find myself in kind of a quandary. The word tradition really isn’t about the new, it’s about the old, isn’t it? Or, …

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Commission Takes Flight Again for Mule Deer Data

Mule Deer

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has completed the third year of a five-year aerial survey of mule deer in the Pine Ridge of northwestern Nebraska. The survey, which covers eight subunits with the most suitable mule deer habitat within the Pine Ridge deer management unit, indicated a decrease in the overall mule deer population, but an increase in the number of the species’ fawns. Commission employees counted 636 mule deer compared to 758 in 2015 and 862 in 2014. …

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Prescribed Burns of Grasslands Scheduled

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LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct prescribed burns at several state-owned areas to improve grassland and promote wildlife habitat. Prescribed burning stimulates the growth of desirable grasses and forbs and suppresses invasive tree and brush species. Removing residual grass and trees, especially cedars, also will reduce the fire hazard on these areas. Burns are scheduled, as weather conditions permit, for the following areas, listed by county. All areas are wildlife management areas, unless otherwise noted: Antelope …

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Experience Spring Migration at Marsh Madness

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LINCOLN – Enjoy the wonders of the spring bird migration from scenic Ponca State Park (SP) during Marsh Madness. Marsh Madness is a migratory celebration held each weekend in March at Ponca. The park’s location adjacent to the Missouri River presents a significant flyway that serves as the feeding, breeding and staging ground for migratory birds. Ponca SP is listed as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, with nearly 300 bird species sighted and more than 70 …

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Smile! You’re on (WILD) Candid Camera

smile

Pretty sure I am not alone in this arena.  I think its a trait of many hunters, trappers and outdoor enthusiasts in general.  We have a curiosity to know just what is happening when we are not there.  We are driven by a deep desire to know what wildlife travel the same wild areas that we do. Now I can think of just two options that address this inquisitiveness.  The first, simply never leave.  (Ok, it’s not a great option.)  …

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Let’s save Hunting

I really hope that is not something we have to say in the coming years but to tell you the truth…it is not looking good.  All hunters, anglers and shooting sports enthusiasts should be very concerned.  Things are about to change.  How they change depends on you! The Problem Each state continues to witness declining hunter and angler numbers, a trend that has been occurring for the past 30 years.  In 1992, peak hunting license sales Nationally peaked for hunters …

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Commission Reviews Draft of Pheasant Management Plan

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LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reviewed a draft of a comprehensive pheasant management plan at its meeting Feb. 25 at Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel north of Tekamah. The Commission approved the concept of the proposed plan and will refine it. The objective of the draft Nebraska Mega Plan is to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the most people over the next five years. The plan’s goals are to increase pheasant abundance, increase the …

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What’s all the buzzzzz about? Nebraska’s state insect

Did you know that the state of Nebraska appointed the honeybee (Apis mellifica) to be the official state insect in 1975? Though not native, these little guys do a lot for us Nebraskans. Honeybees produce beeswax, propolis (aka bee glue), bee pollen, royal jelly, and one of my absolute favorite commodities, HONEY! Honey, or liquid gold, as I like to call it, has endless uses. Spread it on your peanut butter toast, drink it with hot tea to soothe your …

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