Hunting

Nebraska’s spring wild turkey hunting is tough to beat. It really is. Trust me, I know from many years of firsthand experience hunting throughout the state! And, I continue to hunt wild turkeys in the springtime from the Missouri River bottom woodlands of Washington County all the way to Platte River bottom woodlands of Dawson County. We Nebraskans as well as our nonresident visitors have plenty of reasons,15 at least, to enjoy the state and take to the woods to call in a bearded bird this year. An adult …

As the saying goes “Roosted ain’t Roasted” but following this plan should tilt the opening days odds in your favor.  You’ve got the gobblers located and even know the spot you want to start your season from.  Let’s make sure things go smoothly from here. Pop the Blind Early If you will be working out of a ground blind for an early morning hunt get it set out and ready the day before. Ideally in the early afternoon.  This avoids …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved 2018 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 16 meeting in Columbus. The recommendations for white-fronted goose season proposed a change from a 74-day season to an 88-day season and from a three-bird daily bag limit to two. Most other waterfowl season recommendations included only calendar date adjustments. The approved recommendations are: Early Teal – Low Plains: Sept. 1-16; High Plains: Sept. 1-9; Daily bag limit: six; Possession limit: Three …

We’ve come along way in bow hunting for spring gobblers.  Used to be you would hit the woods using the same methods as the shotgun hunters. Hoping you had enough camouflage or distraction that the gobbler would let you get to full at the moment of truth.  Your broadhead was simply whatever you used on deer last fall. Trouble is that deer and turkeys are quite different.  A broadhead that works well for securing venison steaks isn’t necessarily much good …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists are seeking private landowners interested in enrolling in the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) Program this spring. Through OFW, landowners can earn additional income for allowing walk-in hunting, trapping and/or fishing access on their properties. With more than 97 percent of Nebraska’s land base in private ownership, obtaining access to private lands continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing today’s hunters and anglers. In 2017, more than 700 private …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider 2018 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 16 meeting in Columbus. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. on the lower level of Pinnacle Bank, 210 E. 23rd St. A public hearing is scheduled at the meeting for the waterfowl recommendations. The recommendation for white-fronted goose season proposes a change from a 74-day season to an 88-day season and from a three-bird daily bag limit to two. Most other …

The countdown to the start of Nebraska’s spring turkey season is on.  And what you do right now could ensure one of your most memorable springs, yet.  These simple prep items can help get that ol’longbeard strolling your way right off the roost on opening morning.  And they won’t take too much of your time. Road-Scouting You got to be where the gobblers are.  Quickest way to find them is using your ears early in the morning as they sound …

There are three main types of turkey calls: box, pan, and diaphragm. Turkey hunters should be proficient with the following three main turkey calls to maximize their chances of success. Let’s take a look at each type: Box Boxes are the easiest to master. Simply run the paddle-like lid across the lip of the box’s rectangular sound chamber.  Traditionally, chalk is applied to the lid’s underside to create the friction that produces turkey sounds, although some newer models use a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn all aspects of spring turkey hunting at free workshops hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission across the state. The workshops are designed for individuals with limited experience who want to expand their knowledge of turkey hunting. Topics will include strategies, equipment, turkey biology and ways to increase a hunter’s confidence and success. With lots of birds, a long season and plentiful and affordable permits – including $8 permits for youth – Nebraska offers the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) events and important dates in March. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. March 1-14 – Archery paddlefish permit application period March 3 – Volunteer Youth Fishing Instructor Training, St. Mary’s Parish Center, Bellevue March 3 – Citizen Science Workshop, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, Omaha March 3, 10, 17 – Marsh Madness, …