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LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters liked what they experienced while pursuing wild turkeys in Nebraska this spring according to an annual survey by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Almost all respondents — more than 96 percent — of the 2017 turkey hunter survey said they would hunt Nebraska again based on their experiences. The survey data underscores many of the reasons Nebraska is the best turkey-hunting destination in the nation, said Jim Douglas, Commission director. Commission officials often point out …

Heading out the door for the weekend.  This is a big, BIG weekend in Nebraska–the opening of the firearm deer season.  It is not a state holiday, but it should be!  Yes, I know many have been bow-hunting for weeks now, but this is the weekend when we will have by far the most hunters in the field.  So, to commemorate the occasion, I have a video clip to share.  First the disclaimers:  I do not condone drinking of alcoholic …

It is like no other form of hunting. It is exhilarating, action-packed, and humbling to even the most practiced shotgun shooter! I should know. I grew up with it on our southeastern Nebraska farm. What kind of hunting is it? IT is hunting the northern bobwhite quail. Have you ever hunted quail? It’s awesome! You need to try it. And, their numbers this year look outstanding! Flushing a covey of quail is as exciting as any outdoor activity gets! However, from years of first-hand experience I will …

When do you know you’ve become an outdoors-woman? This question was posed to game and parks staff during the panel question and answer session at this year’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) weekend. Certified outdoors-woman Julie Geiser explained you’ve become an outdoors woman when you are comfortable outside and have a firm grasp on outdoor skills like hunting, fishing, shooting or cooking. It’s about being self-reliant in your outdoor pursuits and is a lifelong journey developed with new experiences. I’ve still …

Fall is big fish time, some of my biggest fish every year are caught in the fall.  With big fish in mind, I am a believer in big baits = big fish, all the time, but especially in the fall.  Go big, or go home. Sometimes a guy just needs to tackle-up to some heavier, bigger tackle to handle those bigger baits and big fish.  I guess the professional bass fishing circuit finally got with the program and are now …

It’s very unfair. Spring and its morel mushrooms get all the limelight, but hard-core nature enthusiasts in Nebraska know that autumn rains deliver a mushroom bounty in the woods that’s far more diverse, robust and rewarding. Fall mushroom hunting offers a bunch of benefits, and not just for fairy tale goblins and witches! It offers a refreshing, cool walk in the woods amid fall foliage colors, a chance to better understand forest ecology, and an opportunity to see a variety of woodland wildlife, as …

Our recent 80 and 90 degree days might lead you to think otherwise but September 22nd was the first official day of the fall season! Summer, you will be missed but I am more than ready for the cooler weather and festivities that accompany this time of year. For me fall is about spending as much time outside before hunkering down for winter. The crisp air and changing foliage make for perfect camping and hiking trips. Saturdays are spent with …

The first step in any journey can sometimes be the toughest one to take.  Hunting is no different. If you weren’t born into it or simply just taken along by family or a friend- Where do you begin? There is a growing trend nowadays in adults wanting to try hunting, too.  Some of us are interested in spending more time outdoors, others are drawn by the ability to secure local foods for our needs, and still others are simply getting …

I know, I know. There is nothing like spring wild turkey hunting in Nebraska, and the fall hunting season for wild turkeys, well, it just doesn’t rise to that level. Or, does it? Hmm. I don’t think you can call yourself a true turkey hunter until you have willingly and eagerly accepted the fun challenge and vivid excitement of hunting North America’s largest upland game bird during the fall season in Nebraska. Hunters who have never experienced fall hunting are …

If you read my blog post earlier this week, you know that I just got back from a week fishing with family in Montana.  I love going to different waters, experiencing and learning different things.  In Montana we fished a couple of the most well-known fly-fishing waters in the world, and it truly is a different world.  It reminded me of this video I found a couple of years ago. . . . Warning:  Before you take the ten minutes …