How To

They are really a lot like us humans. They live their lives on a relatively predictable, routine basis. In other words, they keep a schedule. They are wild ring-necked pheasants. And, when pheasant hunters learn to understand that schedule and interrupt it in the wild ring-neck’s landscape, they will be on the path to having increased opportunities for success and bagging a rooster for Nebraska’s Upland Slam challenge. So, let’s look at the average day for Phasianus colchicus in the fall/winter. What’s it like? The Wake …

I will always tell you that if you like to fish, if you want to improve as an angler, join a fishing club!  I can think of no better way to learn, plus it is a whole lot of fun to hang out with a bunch of folks who have the same interests, and our local fishing organizations are a huge asset in supporting our fisheries and our sport! I know this is short notice, but I will be at …

I hate publishing the lists of trout stockings in spring and fall because I know plans change.  I have helped with a fish stocking or three in my career and I know that things do not always go as planned. . . . Two Omaha rainbow trout stockings rescheduled LINCOLN, Neb. – Catchable-size rainbow trout will be stocked in three Omaha waters Oct. 16. The Grove Trout Rearing Station in Antelope County will stock 450 trout at Hitchcock Park Pond, …

Does not matter what part of Nebraska you live in, the past couple of weeks have been wet and they have been cold.  Some parts of our state have already seen significant snow.  To say we are in the middle of fall would be an understatement because the weather has been a whole lot like late fall/early winter.  If you are one of the few who has been spending some time on the water, you know the water temps. have …

Our Nebraska Game & Parks Commission fisheries professionals are always busy doing something.  Each season brings a different set of jobs and duties.  Autumn is when much of our fish population sampling is done, and our field biologists are on the water throughout the state right now.  Yes, that work goes on in the rain, sleet, snow, wind, whatever.  We do some sampling for species such as black bass and sunfish in the spring, and there are a few other …

Unfortunately, I can still close my eyes and see those fish, one was one of the biggest bass I ever hooked, the other, one of the biggest walleyes.  I had fought them to the point of getting ready to put ’em in the net and then came that one last head shake.  In slow motion I can still see the fish facing me, mouths wide open, heads swinging back and forth, and my bait flying out. “There she was. . …

Had a conversation recently with one of my hard-core fishing acquaintances, reminded me of similar conversations I have had over the years with other good sticks, and finally it dawned on me that it might be a good blog post.  That is it would be a good blog post if I can actually communicate what is rattling around in my head.  So let me start with a story. . . . Once upon a time, on a lake north of …

Waters are starting to cool and stocking trucks are starting to roll! Rainbow trout stockings scheduled this fall LINCOLN, Neb. – Catchable-size rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and lakes across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a …

Preparation exceeds decoy set-ups and camouflage when filming your own hunts By Jake Jadlowski As a high school teacher, I routinely see all things bad about social media. There may be no quicker way to waste one’s time. But as an outdoorsman, social media provides a platform to keep track of what hunters and fishermen are doing all across the country. Hunting and fishing photos and videos dominate my Facebook and Instagram feeds and I’m probably guilty of spending just …

It has been a few months since I gave an update on our Trout Slam recognition program .  With the weather cooling, one of the best times of year to catch our cold-water trout lies ahead of us.  So, let me see if I can pique your interest to get out there and explore our trout waters. Entries during the summer slowed to a trickle, and there were several weeks where I did not see any entries at all.  I am …