Conservation

As a fisheries biologist I have had a bit of learning about science, enough to know that I will never know very much.  Given some time I can reference reams of information on a variety of topics, some more than others, depending on how much interest a particular subject has received from pointy-headed fisheries biologists.  The subject of aquatic habitat rehabilitation is relatively new, and to brag a little bit, Nebraska has been on the cutting edge with our Aquatic …

CHADRON, Neb. – Disease issues have once again struck bighorn sheep lambs in northwestern Nebraska’s Pine Ridge, but a comprehensive research project is on track to counter the maladies. Todd Nordeen, the Nebraska Game and Park Commission’s big game research and disease program manager, said all 21 lambs equipped with tracking collars in May and June have died – almost all to pneumonia. While pneumonia is the cause, Commission biologists want to know what pathogens are triggering the disease. They …

I am old, and I will never claim that I was ever one of the “cool” kids. I also completely realize that I will be just as big a “dork” at the end of this blog post as I was at the beginning. However, at the high school bass championships last weekend, for a couple of days, I hung around some anglers who were much younger and much cooler than me.  I heard some references to a song, a “Tournament …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Big Game Conservation Association will host a Day at the Range on Aug. 19 at Platte River State Park. Come to the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex and visit with association members about their organization. Visitors will receive a token for a free shooting experience at the range. All ages are welcome. Activities include archery, pellet gun, rifle, tomahawk and slingshot. Youth must be at least 8 years old to shoot rifles. A park …

I have been debating with myself whether to blog about this today or wait.  I decided it is timely and needs to be mentioned now, but right up front let me apologize because I do NOT have all the details or photos.  I will share what I know, what I have, but you may find more later. This past weekend the 2017 Nebraska High School Bass Championships were held at Merritt Reservoir.  The event this year was a little different, …

Some days I am not sure what to blog about.  Some days I have something in mind. . . . Then my phone starts ringing; the internet starts “chattering”.  A couple of things have been hot topics at my desk this morning. . . . Know the Regs!!!!! I can think of at least one news release we published already this open-water season reminding anglers to know the fishing regulations.  I can also tell you that not a day goes …

“All fishermen are liars except you and me, and sometimes I wonder about you.” There is at least some truth to that statement.  Certainly, one of the things we love about fishing is the stories, the experiences we have and the re-telling of those stories.  It is part of angling culture. For the weekend, just for fun, here are some fish stories you might enjoy reading.  Of course they are all true! 17 Mind-blowing Fishing Tales You know how I …

There has not been a lot of activity on the state record front, but I have a couple of fish and a couple of stories to share with you: Rod & Reel The first goes way back to April; the application literally came in right after I cleared the last batch of state record applications.  So, Brent Stephens of Kearney believes that we forgot all about his state record catch.  Sorry, Brent. I have told you about the “triploid” crappie …

As many archers are developing their respective bow disciplines, they will inevitably be told to come shoot a tournament or two. Many novice shooters may be nervous to compete in one of these tournaments because they fear their shooting skills may not be good enough. This could not be further from the truth! A great shoot that is coming up on Saturday, August 19, is the 2nd Annual Director’s Cup Tournament. The Director’s Cup, similar to other outdoor tournaments, follows …

I do not have anything new to blog about today, but I do want to return to a topic I have addressed many times–want to continue to keep this in front of everyone. . . . Unless you live under a really big rock, you have heard about aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to our aquatic ecosystems and to our fisheries.  Everyone who uses any of our waters for fishing, boating, outdoor recreation of any kind, needs …