Conservation

Once again I want to give you an update on the sampling activities of our Game & Parks Commission fisheries biologists and give you an idea of some of the fish they are seeing out there! You know my usual disclaimer, when fisheries biologists are sampling fish we do NOT necessarily go out and just try to collect the biggest fish.  Anglers as a group will see more big fish, and often the biggest fish because anglers target big fish. …

This blog post is going to be a real easy one for me, I am simply going to tell you to follow a link and read another blog post done by one of my Game & Parks Commission co-workers.  Recently, Justin Haag was able to tag along with a couple of our fisheries biologists in western Nebraska while they horse-backed into one of our most remote, and unique, fisheries to do some sampling.  Justin blogged about it here, Fisheries Work …

Sometimes, if you want to get where the fish are, you have to go where other people are not. Such was the case for fisheries biologists in the Pine Ridge last week, as they recruited the help of a Game and Parks Commissioner, a Wyoming outfitter, and six four-legged friends to study one of Nebraska’s most remote public fishing areas. With the help of horses and mules owned by Commissioner Rick Brandt of Roca and outfitter Casey Cary of Powell, …

I have been hearing some “chatter” in a variety of places about the handling of black bass, largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, especially concerning the way they are held.  I want to chime in with some comments: First of all, black bass conveniently have relatively large mouths, large enough that an angler can grip those fish by the bottom lip.  Yes, they have teeth, but those teeth are nothing more than very rough abrasive paper.  You know the grip I …

CHADRON, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging Panhandle landowners to enroll in programs to improve habitat for upland game birds and other wildlife while providing public hunting access. The programs are key components of the Commission’s Berggren Plan, a five-year initiative for improving pheasant hunting in Nebraska. “These programs not only provide incredible conservation benefits, but also help families get into the field to enjoy the state’s hunting heritage,” said Matt Steffl, the Commission’s northwest district …

I got out of the office one day last week to assist with some fish stockings.  Here was the news release from a couple weeks ago: Hybrid bluegill to be stocked in urban lakes LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska families fishing urban ponds and lakes will have additional angling opportunities as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is stocking hybrid bluegill in 11 bodies of water. In total, 8,500 fish – a bluegill/green sunfish cross – will be stocked in May …

You can start a good discussion, if not an argument, among a bunch of hard-core anglers by asking when are the best times, best days to fish.  There will be talk about moon phases, solunar periods, cold fronts, falling barometers, alignment of planets and maybe even some astrology. This pretty much describes my opinion: Seriously, there are so many variables that influence fish behavior and fishing success that it is impossible to isolate any one variable and label it as …

If you are a subscriber to NEBRASKAland magazine you have already seen this, but in case you have not I want to call attention to a photo essay in the May 2017 issue.  You can see that issue HERE. Turn to page 36 and you will see Wipers on the Fly by Doug Steinke. The photography is excellent!  Doug is a professional photographer who’s work has been featured in NEBRASKAland many times; been featured in a lot of other places …

I know this is not new news and in fact some of our family fishing events for this summer have already occurred.  However, we are getting to the time now when almost all the kids are out of school and I want to post this up as a little reminder! Family Fishing Events scheduled for 2017 LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for another spring and summer of fun with Family Fishing Events. Family Fishing Events …

I do not do it often, but now and then current events and “pop culture” compel me to make some comments.  Recently, I heard about something called “fidget spinners“. I guess fidget spinners are the new fad toy.  In fact I heard a TV news report that school teacher’s desk drawers are beginning to look like the teacher’s desk drawer in A Christmas Story movie–full of fidget spinners. Purportedly, fidget spinners help burn off nervous energy. I found something on …