Education

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 …

So you enjoyed the opening weekend but did not harvest a deer yet.  No need to panic as some of the best hunting is still to come over the next few days.   A lot of deer will be harvested in the final weekend of the firearm deer season and there are many tactics that are at play now that can enhance your chances of filling a tag. Weather – this weekend will usher in a cold front like we have not …

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 …

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 …