Something of a mystery, Nebraska’s bobcat population remains healthy. By Justin Haag As I moved among patches of shoulder-high weeds at an abandoned farmstead in search of pheasants, I glanced over to see my younger brother, fresh out of hunter-safety training, become excited as he entered a clearing. “Whoa, what was that? It looked like a lion,” he shouted as an unfamiliar creature scurried into cover. Despite any skepticism by those of us in the hunting party that day, we …

A wildlife biologist at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge shares his perspectives on one of his favorite pastimes: hunting prairie grouse. By Justin Haag Melvin Nenneman knows birds. As wildlife biologist for the 71,516-acre Valentine National Wildlife Refuge the past 21 years, he’s become familiar with flying creatures that range in size from the huge pelicans cruising the shallow lakes to minute grasshopper sparrows flittering about the rolling, grass-covered dunes. He and his coworkers strive to preserve and maintain the …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, Amanda Filipi joins the program to discuss bats. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Bats Air Dates: Oct. 20-27 Length: 3:00 Episode 293  

The scenery alone is worth a trip to this spot in the Pine Ridge. Don’t forget the fishing rod, though. Story and photos by Justin Haag Without knowing better, the name might lead some to assume Sowbelly Creek is a stream of manure oozing from a pig farm. Far from it. The clear, babbling brook between rugged sandstone buttes in Sioux County represents the best attributes of northwestern Nebraska’s Pine Ridge. If it were not located in one of the …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, the program features the state reptile — the ornate box turtle. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Ornate Box Turtles Air Dates: Aug. 18-25 Length: 3:00 Episode 284

By Justin Haag Nebraska’s fisheries have their ups and downs, especially if we’re talking water levels. The water stored in many of the state’s most popular fishing lakes is vital for irrigating crops when Mother Nature is stingy with rain. The annual drawdown of water is important for agriculture, but can be challenging for fish populations and the people pursuing them. Anglers at many Nebraska reservoirs have become accustomed to casting lines among trees in spring and watching the shoreline …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, channel catfish are in the spotlight. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Channel Catfish Air Dates: July 7-14 Length: 3:00 Episode 277

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. Hunter Baillie, northwest district wildlife manager for Game and Parks, joins the program to discuss changes to big game permits. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Chadron State Park Air Dates: June 16-23 Length: 3:00 Episode 274

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, the topic is Chadron State Park. Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent, is the guest. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Chadron State Park Air Dates: June 2-9 Length: 3:00 Episode 272

Painting baits is rewarding, economical and fun. Story and photos by Justin Haag Many a fly angler knows the satisfaction of catching fish on a hand-tied masterpiece. For those more inclined to cast and retrieve for pike, bass and walleye, here is a way to emulate that remarkable experience: painting crankbaits. Quality crankbaits are some of the most expensive products to tie to the end of a line. At $5-20 each, losing one to a deep snag can put a …