Conservation

I believe from the moment we are born we have this desire to be independent, on-our-own, free.  Those of us who recognize the hunter and fisher in our human DNA feel the urge even more.  We start our adventure into independence by rolling, scooting, and crawling, but that is not enough.  We walk as soon as possible and then comes that glorious day when we master some form of mechanical transportation.  For must of us that was a tricycle followed …

I like to give a little update now and then about some of the fisheries management activities going on around Nebraska.  Your pointy-headed fisheries biologists, researchers, and fish production workers never rest. In late summer we do a bunch of our Channel Catfish stocking around the state.  Channel Catfish are very popular with Nebraska anglers and can be found in waters throughout the state.  Those Catfish have no problem reproducing in a variety of waters, but there are a lot of …

Most that know me will admit the “kid” has never left me.   My wife would likely agree with that and then some.  Part of my childhood was chasing bushy tails in oak trees on my uncle’s farm.  From the first hunt…I was hooked.  I have been ever since! Early season squirrels (our season starts August 1) can be a lot of fun and a real challenge.  We can finally get back into the field and that in itself is …

Let me apologize for leading this post with a photo captured outside Nebraska. As much as I’d like to claim that image, the credit instead goes to my wife Cricket who was riding shotgun while I was behind the wheel. It tops any elk photo I’ve ever shot and I might be a tad jealous. She did a great job composing the scene, but dare I suggest that a few others deserve credit for that image? We must also step …

I was looking at The Walleye Guys e-letter this week and discovered a new song.  I kind of like it: Pretty much sums up my attitude when I am on the water.  At work and even in my personal life, I may do some talking, but when it is time to fish, well, shut up! Do not know what you are planning for this weekend, but do not forget to GO FISH!  And shut up while you are at it.

I have been hearing some “chatter” recently on the ole inter-webby about Gar.  Gar tend to have the reputation as being an ugly, toothy, vicious, despised predator.  There are a lot of misconceptions about Gar; let me talk about a few. . . . Alligator Gar Most of the current talk about Gar comes from some news stories that have circulated recently about Alligator Gar.  Even though all Gar have a relatively narrow snout full of sharp teeth, NOT ALL …

Got another Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation project to tell you about.  This one is underway at Bowman Lake just west of Loup City. Aquatic Habitat Project in Progress at Bowman Lake August 16, 2016 LINCOLN – An aquatic habitat improvement project has begun at Bowman Lake, just west of Loup City in Sherman County. Bowman Lake has long suffered from poor aquatic habitat conditions resulting in mediocre fishing opportunities. This rehabilitation project is designed to increase lake depth, deepen channels that …

I heard a radio talk show driving to work this week that brought this story to my attention.  Of course they had not a clue about the fish or fishing, so I looked into it more and found that this is really cool! This comes from Men’s Journal online: Eric Clapton Just Caught the Year’s Biggest Salmon in Iceland Rock & roll legend. World-class guitarist. Record-setting angler? Turns out that Eric Clapton, one of the greatest musicians of all time, …

OK, you have to understand that biologists tend to think about things a little bit differently, maybe even a little bit warped.  Subjects and discussions that may be uncomfortable or turn the stomachs of some can be lunch break conversations for biologists.  For example, we tend to be fascinated by the mating habits of this species or that species–it is how the species is perpetuated, how life continues.  I have something interesting about fish mating habits to share in this blog post …

A news release went out on this a couple of weeks ago, but I want to highlight it again.  If you are interested we could definitely use your help! Become a Certified Youth Fishing Instructor Aug. 20 LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors Aug. 20 at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31, Gretna, from 9 a.m. to noon. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers …