Pheasant and quail hunters take to the fields this Saturday (10/29) with the opener of the 2016/17 “bird season”.  Jeff and Hershy talk with Upland Habitat and Access Program Manager John Laux for some Outdoor Nation-insider information on early season strategies for success. Laux will also shed some light on the many facets of the Berggren Plan for Pheasant – which is Nebraska’s Mega-Plan for improving Pheasant Hunting in the state.  Become part of the Outdoor Nation by joining the …

For most upland game bird hunters, taking to the field provides a lot more than just the act of shooting at birds.  It’s a great opportunity for exercise, stress relief, camaraderie and simply enjoying this time of year.  Nebraska Game and Parks encourages all those going afield to remember the basic safety rules of hunting, such as always keeping your gun pointed in a safe direction, treating every firearm as if it’s loaded, keeping your finger off of the trigger …

I was down in Nebraska City the other weekend for the Apple Jack Festival. I never pass up a chance to climb a tree and there is nothing like picking your own apples from trees rooted in Nebraska soil.  This got me thinking about all the other Nebraska fall treasures I might be under-utilizing.  As I was pondering my many life questions, I felt myself suddenly slipping backwards. I had stepped on a large, round acorn which caught me off …

I know the ‘grass is greener‘ syndrome can be very prevalent in outdoor pursuits and it can be easy to overlook what blessings we have around us.   Even in Nebraska, the mixed bag capital of the nation, we sometimes forget just how good we have it. I’m often reminded of just how much of the outdoor lifestyle makes up ‘the Good Life‘ when talking to hunters that live outside our borders.  Almost invariably, when they find out I live in …

I have just recently arrived back from my first ever pronghorn hunt and I would love to quickly share the story of the adventure before the crispness of the experience is dulled by passed time and the facts become muddled. With enough preference points my wife and I were able to secure a pair of muzzleloader permits in a coveted unit in Nebraska’s panhandle.  We were very excited and talked to many people about pronghorn – some of which were …

Deer season is open!  Since September 1, archers are have been taking to the field.  So some review on tree stand safety is a good thing. According to the groups Treestand Manufacturers Association and Tree Stand Safety Awareness, falls from tree stands account for 36% of all hunting accidents nationally and are the number one cause of serious injury and death during deer hunting season in the US. ALWAYS use a fall arrest system rated for your personal weight.  Ropes …

Each year on September 1, around sunrise, it happens.  My ego as a hunter and wing-shooter is assaulted by a gray-streak that was a mourning dove. Generally, I stand in open-jaw, amazement with three empty shotgun hulls laying around me as the winged-speedster is off to another location. But every once in a awhile something truly magical happens as I reload and the dove – for reasons still unknown to science –  circles back around, just a little closer, and …

As you plan your next hike, camping trip, biking excursion, hunt, fishing trip or any outdoor adventure, think to yourself, are you fully prepared for that moment when nature calls?  Yes, we have all experienced that “OH NO” moment in the outdoors.  One time forgetting to pack the ever important toilet paper, you will never forget it again.  While toilet paper is such an important commodity, it can be so finicky in the outdoor climate.  I have discovered many ways …

“What would you do if you if you found yourself in a survival situation?”  The answer most people give to that question is, “That’s never going to happen to me!”  But according to reports from professional rescue organizations throughout the U.S., state police and authorities from the National Park Service, every year there are countless individuals, couples, even entire families, who go out for what they anticipate to be an enjoyable day-hike or a drive in the scenic wilderness and …

It’s that wonderful time of year when many of us adore cooking OUTSIDE of our kitchens.  Let’s face it, staring at those same, boring kitchen walls all the time can get a bit mind-numbing, not to mention heating up the house . Luckily, backyard barbecues and family camping trips are calling your name. An open-air, change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. Whether it is over a sizzling grill, a flaming fire-pit, or a crackling campfire, the outdoor …