By Jeff Kurrus
There are years when I don’t want to put down my shotgun, even in late winter or early spring. Fortunately, in Nebraska, I don’t have to. While many bird hunters have put away their pumps, semi-autos and over-and-unders, waiting until the spring turkey opener, there are still a few transition hunting seasons to keep you gunning until that first gobble.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
When you find one, you’ll find more. During the winter months, the Eurasian collared-dove that have stayed around have found food and thermal cover. Ride roads to scout these birds, which often will inhabit farmsteads and, on first appearance, might be mistaken for pigeons. The season is open Oct. 31, 2023 — Aug. 31, 2024.
Crow
I’m always reminded of the old-timer who once told me about his efforts of calling in crows. “I could get every crow in the county in the farthest tree I could see. Not a single one came within shotgun range, but it sure was fun.” The season lasts from Jan. 13 — March 14, 2024. Electronic calls are allowed, as are any firearm or archery equipment.
Coyote
More than a decade ago, while on a Sandhills coyote hunt with Chris Pokorny from Omaha, I watched my host use electronic callers, head-to-toe snow camo and a long-range tripod and rifle set-up while coyote hunting. But the hair-raising moment came during our last set of the day when we walked into a thicket adjacent to a small, grass field and he had a shotgun in his hand.
“When he comes, he’ll be right on top of us,” Pokorny said. And while we didn’t get a shot that day, coyotes have always stuck with me as one of early spring’s most exciting quarries. Coyotes can be hunted year-round.
Sporting Clays
Practice every shot you’ll attempt the upcoming year at one of Nebraska’s sporting clay courses. Organized with “holes” like a golf course, each station gives the shooter a different shot to attempt. From incoming waterfowl to crossing rabbits and any number of other challenging wing shots, there’s no better way to extend your gunning season. Plus, there’s nothing to clean — besides your gun — when you get home.