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jeff rawlinson

Jeff is the Education Manager in the Communications Division with Game and Parks where he has worked for the last 15 years. He oversees the Hunter Education, Boater Education, Hunter Outreach and Shooting Range Development for the Commission and is a devout hunter, angler, wildlife viewer, naturalist, father and husband. He holds a BS and MS from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has been a Hunter Education Instructor for over 20 years, NRA firearms instructor and range officer, National Archery in the Schools Program Archery Instructor Specialist and member of the National NASP Board, sits on the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Hunter Recruitment and Retention Committee and Education Committee. Jeff is an avid handgun hunter, loves to chase turkeys in the spring, squirrel hunting enthusiast and philosopher of the outdoors. He is an avid shooter and loves to spend outdoor time with family and friends. He has a passion for exciting others about the outdoors. A history buff, Jeff is a strong supporter of our North American Model of Conservation and tries to spread the message of its importance and relevance every chance he gets.

Cut From a Different Cloth

In the 1800’s, the scene in America was somewhat lawless once you traveled west of the Mississippi.  America was trying to save its natural resources, which were being over exploited at an alarming rate, but had little might in which to do so.  Wildlife were in peril and they didn’t have many friends watching out for them! The idea of a game warden is not new to America.   In midieval times, Kings would often employ wardens to protect the King’s …

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Mentoring Is Not Just For Kids

It was 2018 and this was my first year truly pursuing a spring turkey. I had bought a used blind in 2017, was using someone else’s gun, bought an inexpensive call from our local Wal-Mart, and was using two decoys that somebody gave to me.  The only education I had on turkey hunting was what I had watched on YouTube and the Calling Clinic I had attended by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. On opening day, I headed to …

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Grouse and Chickens – First Leg of My Upland Slam

Upland game hunting and Nebraska are words that go together like a campfire and good friends.  The upland slam is on the minds of many hunters this year as they start making plans for the field and is within reach of most if they just do a little planning for the fall.  The Upland Slam is a challenge to all hunters to pursue ring-necked pheasant, northern bobwhite quail,  greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse.  This is a no-brainer for a state like Nebraska.  We …

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The Duck Stamp…One Of Our Best Ideas…

Federal Duck Stamps will go on sale today and will be followed by thousands of waterfowl hunters as they pay homage to conservation efforts that have been supporting wildlife for nearly 85 years.   But, like all stories, the facts are worth learning about. As the United States thrust forth into the new century, the trajectory for our Nation’s wildlife was dark.   This large scale loss of flora and fauna was exacerbated by the 1930s with the onslaught of the Great Depression …

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I’ll Have a Box Please….

This weekend should be an interesting one for turkey hunters.   Warm Saturday and then some disagreeable weather for Sunday.   You have to love spring turkey hunting!   No matter, grab your turkey calls and head to the woods as things may start heating up soon! Over the years, I have come to be very fond of certain turkey calls.   From mouth calls, slates, wing bone yelpers, to box calls, I have and still do use them all.   But it seems each …

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A More Primitive Type of Hunt

Nebraska has added more opportunities for deer hunters to vary their hunting styles. This gives hunters the chance to choose different forms of harvest to enhance their seasons or to challenge their skills or even both. I respect and admire the ones who want to take things one step further. Hunting with primitive weapons takes practice, patience and brings you close and personal to your quarry. Here are a few hunters who did just that: Garret Tramp has been following …

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Hunting the Rut: 10 tips to make the most of it

I am sure if you asked bucks in Nebraska they would suggest this is their favorite time of year.   They finally get to search for a girlfriend and the gals are finally interested in them.   The rut is a magical time for sure and deer hunters all across Nebraska are taking advantage of it. Ask 10 deer hunters, and I would be 8 really like hunting deer during this time.   And for good reason.  Love makes a guy do….well….dumb things.   …

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The Sandhills Call To Me

Anyone can appreciate the mountains but it takes a true outdoors person to appreciate the Sandhills.    They are as beautiful as they are rugged.   Inviting yet unforgiving.    Gentle to the eye yet harsh to all who inhabit this rugged and scenic landscape.  Filled with incredible flora and fauna along with some of the coolest people Nebraska has to offer.   Each year I have the good fortune of heading out into the Sandhills, shotgun in hand, to chase sharp-tailed grouse and …

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Outdoor Ambassadors

Every hunter I know is an ambassador of our sport and our outdoor heritage.   Some realize this daily while others…well…don’t see themselves there yet.   When you think of what an ambassador does, it really makes you understand our importance in hunting and conservation.   By definition, an Ambassador is an accredited person sent by an organization to represent them.   So…how well do each of us represent the hunting community?   Do we speak of hunting and its associated partners in a positive light …

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Squirrel Season!

If it weren’t for fishing and camping, summer would be tough to get through.  After all, June and July are the only two months where we do not have a hunting season in Nebraska.  But….August is finally around the corner.   While the fishing has been awesome this year, the small game season will be upon us and first out of the shoot…squirrel season.   From August 1 – January 31, squirrels will provide families across Nebraska with all the excitement and …

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