It’s that time of year again. The time when we look back and reflect on all that we managed to accomplish in 2016. The time of year when we are already dreaming of warmer days ahead and what 2017 will bring. It’s the time of resolutions. If you are the outdoorsy type like me, you may share in some of my new years’ resolutions. 1) Improve my orienteering skills I know that the sun rises early in the East and …

The Christmas spirit is alive and well at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center thanks to the archers and firearm shooters that frequent the center.  The holiday decorations went up the week of Thanksgiving, with a new twist this year.  The annual Christmas tree was adorned with tags from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. The tags supplied by the Salvation Army of Lincoln identify needs of area children as well as some Christmas gift ideas.  Individuals can …

With the calendar flipped to the final month of the year it is safe to say we are in the late season of upland bird hunting.  And though many of the easy-roosters are already nestled in hunters’ freezers, some of the most exciting and memorable bird hunts are about to unfold. Late season to me means small groups of three to four hunters plus a couple of dogs.  This size can efficiently utilize some post and pinch strategies with minimal …

What’s hunting without traditions?  Well yes, it’s still hunting, and it’s still great, but it’s our traditions that make it even better.  Hunting itself can be a tradition, but I’m talking about all the stuff that goes along with it – the stuff we look forward to year after year: the favorite “lucky” hat, granddad’s gun, who sleeps in which bunk, or what I’ve discovered to be a Nebraska tradition – chili and cinnamon rolls.  Any hunter who has logged …

You have probably noticed that the weather outside is becoming a bit more frosty. The critters of Nebraska feel this change more than we do. You may have observed an abundance of birds flying in the sky or that the neighborhood squirrels look extra plump this time of year. We aren’t the only ones feasting during the Holiday season. With the cold comes snow and with snow comes snow-days which leave you and your family trapped inside. Well you’re in …

Your deer season in Nebraska doesn’t have to end on the 3rd Sunday in November.  There is so much more time left to get out and fill the freezer and maybe even continue the pursuit of the buck you’ve been dreaming about. Permits for the December Muzzleloader Season are unlimited.  There are several units that have Seasons Choice Antlerless Only permits available, too – which is good news for those that have already bought their two “buck permits”.  Additionally, those …

This time of year just doesn’t last as long as it should.  There is simply not enough November to take part in all the things that happen during these short 30 days. Nebraska is a special place to watch November unfold and to become an active participant in its events.  Nebraska and November were made for each other like chili and cinnamon rolls. As such they even share the same number of letters. November slides in nonchalantly like it normally …

The fall season is here and the holidays are just around corner.  Don’t let the chill in the air keep you from cooking outdoors.  From cooler temperatures and colorful leaves, fall is an excellent time to cook outdoors and here’s why: Enjoy the warmth No sweat, preparing a meal over hot coals or wood logs is more comfortable in cooler weather. Also as the days get shorter, the warmth of the fire’s glow is simply relaxing. No Bugs The cooler …

Yes I did.  I joined the thousands of bird hunters that took to the field the past couple of days to chase the cackle-birds and bobwhites that filled my dreams and thoughts in the days and nights leading up to that special October Saturday.  This won’t surprise anyone that has read any of my past preseason bird blogs (Rooster! Rooster!). Once again I had a great weekend, too.  As you’ve likely read or heard the numbers for both ring-necked pheasants …

Always something neat happening in the world of wildlife research.  Hunters oftentimes play an important role in the process, too.   Pheasant hunters have the chance to take part in some current University of Nebraska – Lincoln research going on this bird season.  hershy How we hunt:      A study of pheasant and hunter movements in Southwest Nebraska On a clear, chilly morning this past October, the distant cackle of pheasants greeted hunters arriving at CRP fields, signaling the return …