Nebraskaland Magazine

Frigid winter weather has descended on Nebraska, and ice fishing is taking center stage in the outdoor community. In casual conversations, whenever the topic of ice fishing is brought up, and I’m visiting with folks who don’t ice fish, predictably many questions arise. The most common one: “Why do you even go ice fishing, it’s not safe, is it? Then, there are these:  “It looks so cold, why on earth would any reasonable person consider going fishing sitting on a big ice cube?” …

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 …

I have been lamenting the fact that our ice fishing season is late coming this year.  Good news is things are looking better! Of course you know that means everyone else will be complaining about the cold weather.  It is January, it is supposed to be cold! I am really pumped this year.  Got a bigger auger! Yes, I did need it! Hope you get on the ice soon.  Just make sure it is safe! And hope you need a …

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 …

A few weeks ago I gave a little rundown on the fish caught during my several months of fall fishing (On the Water, Fall 2023).  Not knowing what our Nebraska weather might be, I have hinted since then that my open-water fishing for the year may not be done.  Oh, you know I would much rather be on the ice by sometime in December, but if life gives you lemons. . . . I kept fishing open-water in December.  In …

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, …

Quick blog post today.  Just want to point out that the 2024 Fishing Guide can be seen online. Yes, there was a news release that went out at the end of December about fishing regulation changes for 2024 (Be Aware of Fishing Regulation Changes for 2024).  That news release ONLY highlighted changes for the coming year.  That has caused some confusion.  If you look up the complete rules and regulations in the Fishing Guide, those changes should make sense. The …

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 …

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 …

A week ago I posted a somewhat traditional New Year’s blog (Happy New Year, 2024).  You know, I included the customary, happy new year, make some resolutions, blah, blah, blah. Actually, many of you know, my new year starts each year the first time I walk on the ice, drill some holes and pull some fish through those holes!  Admittedly, that can be a bit of a moving target.  “New Year” came at around the Thanksgiving holiday last year.  Most …