How To

Just a week ago I posted a blog with some miscellaneous short news items (Miscellaneous News Items).  Naturally, about as soon as I got that done, I got some pictures.  So, I want to get those up here. I mentioned a week ago that a new fishing dock was being installed in the northwest corner of Lake Ogallala.  There was an old dock there and high winds took a toll on that old dock.  So a new handicap-accessible dock has …

I have blogged many times about interesting experiences and sights seen while in the field and on the water.  Yes, it is about catching fish and successful hunts, but it is SO MUCH MORE than that.  Those experiences and sights are the spice, the gravy, that make the memories so much more full, complete. Some times those experiences and sights border on the bizarre–boats at full speed whacking buoys, Nimrods filling waders and then lying on their backs with legs …

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.   …

I have fished for a few years now; long enough to realize that oftentimes little things make a huge difference!  The learning never stops, even in a lifetime of fishing, and the best anglers know and do so many of the little things that they do not even think about them–“Why do you do this or that?”  “I don’t know, because I always have.”  The best have forgotten more things than most anglers will ever know. Sharp hooks are one …

I have eaten deer heart for as long as I can remember. I like it a lot. It is among my favorite wild game entrees and a tradition in our family to cook and eat during the Nebraska firearm deer hunting season. Since my initial blog about deer heart a year ago, I have received many requests to share it, once again. So, with that in mind, here it is. Deer hunters, save the heart from the deer you harvest this season! No, no, don’t just toss it in the gut pile …

Now that we’re deep into deer season we’ve been seeing more and more harvest photographs taken by archery mentors involved in our youth mentor hunt program.  These aren’t typical trophy buck harvest photographs but they capture something just as valuable: a hunter’s first harvest.  After learning the basics, observing experienced hunters and lots of practice…they did it and the look on their faces as they pose next to their deer says it all. This Kodak moment is only one small …

Once in awhile I still get to play a part as a fisheries biologist when folks ask me to assist in the identification of “mystery” fish they have caught.  On rarer occasions I am asked to help identify even more obscure aquatic critters.  One of those occasions happened a few weeks ago when I took a phone call from a gentleman.  I had met this gentleman recently in person when he brought in a state record fish for certification.  I …

This news release went out last week; I have not heard much “chatter” about it: Niobrara River instream flows approved for NRDs and Game and Parks LINCOLN, Neb. – Jeff Fassett, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, on Oct. 19 signed an order granting application A-19406 to appropriate water for the purpose of instream flows on the Niobrara River to maintain habitat for the fish community. The instream flow permit was granted to the Nebraska Game and Parks …

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 …

A few of us were talking a week or so ago about “scary” outdoor experiences we have had, you know, Halloween-type stuff.  I spend a lot of time fishing after dark, and usually try to use lights as little as possible (do not want to spook the fish), but honestly, I can recall very few incidents in the dark that had me spooked.  Oh sure, there have been bats fluttering right over my head, spiders, hooting owls, howling coyotes, and …