Conservation

A week ago I blogged about a favorite discussion topic among anglers–lure or bait color.  Actually, I did not blog about it so much as stole my buddy, Greg Wagner’s blog post on the subject.  That topic generates a lot of interest among anglers.  I have blogged about it before. That got me thinking.  I will always tell you that you should worry about a lot of presentation variables before you worry about color.  Anglers tend to jump to color …

In March, we highlight the timber rattlesnake, a Tier I at-risk species in Nebraska.   By Olivia DaRugna, Watchable Wildlife Biologist Like Indian Jones, many people are terrified of snakes, but this fear is not much more than a defense mechanism. When you stop to think about snakes and their role in the ecosystem, these animals have evolved to possess unique traits that are actually quite ingenious. For example, the serpents’ cryptic coloration keeps them well disguised, and with no …

Got a news item today that will not affect many Nebraska anglers, but it will some.  In fact, I heard some questions can comments about these ramps at the Omaha Sport Show.  So, to spread the news, some of you will want to know: Riverview Marina, Brownville Riverside Park boat ramps temporarily closed for repairs Boating access improvements at Riverview Marina State Recreation Area in Nebraska City and Brownville Riverside Park will begin March 13. Boat ramps at those areas …

How a forest-dwelling shorebird makes a living in Nebraska’s prairies By Joel Jorgensen and Stephen J. Brenner Photos by Eric Fowler As winter’s grip begins to loosen in early March, one of the first tangible signs of spring comes in the form of one unusual bird’s evening courtship display. Along with first returning flocks of geese, sandhill cranes and a noticeable northward push of bald eagles, the American woodcock is one of our earliest arriving migratory birds, often laying claim …

Nebraska’s weather has done its usual March, Nebraska thing this week.  I say it is erratic.  That, and the cold water, makes this one of the toughest times of year to catch fish from open water.  On the other hand, if you can still get on the ice, late ice can be some of the best fishing of the year.  That is exactly why I hope every year for the ice to last as long as possible. But, assuming that …

March can be a bit of a “‘tweener time”.  You know, the ice is too thin to walk on, but too thick to cast into.  The water may be liquid, but the weather is bad.  As a result, some of us sit and stare at our tackle boxes.  Or, we make a trip to our favorite tackle shop, walk the aisles and drop some $$$$$.  While doing that, I know what goes through your mind, “Wow, that looks like a …

Monday blog post and I usually try to highlight some news item.  Many of you may have already heard about this, but I am going to spread the word anyhow: Join Game and Parks in virtual discussion on fisheries in March Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in a virtual discussion on fisheries management during meetings March 20-23. These four regional public informational sessions – one for each Game and Parks district – will provide local updates on the …

Some of you will remember the old Rapala X-Rap commercials, the ones where an extreme net man was sold with the X-Rap.  In keeping with the season, like this one: I recently discovered a video that proves that extreme net men do exist!  This net man should win some kind of award! “Are you wet?”  Ha! Might want to consider wearing that PFD! Now, all of you reading this, you owe it to your fishing partners to be a competent …

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Aldo Leopold, John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt are names you might know. These men are considered the forefathers of conservation in American, and although what they accomplished has been important, the contributions of women in conservation often have been overlooked. To celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s peek into the past and see how women have shaped the wild places of North America. Rachel Carson Rachel Carson grew up in the rural river town of …

Spreading the word.  This news release went out last week: Two Rivers Trout Lake to open March 11; statewide stockings to follow Another spring of trout fishing fun is on tap in Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is scheduling the release of rainbow trout in waters across the state. This will give anglers and families, especially at city ponds and lakes, additional angling opportunities for this popular species. It starts March 11, opening day of the Trout Lake …