Conservation

I have other things I could blog about, but these updates keep coming and if you fish these waters, you will want to know about them.  So, I am going to “spread the word” some more: Boating access limited on some Nebraska reservoirs Drought conditions have limited public boating access on some reservoirs across Nebraska, but the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working to improve boating access where possible. Conditions at many boat ramps, piers and access points are …

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist October is a fascinating month for many. The leaves are starting to show their autumn hues, the crisp fall air lets us finally wear sweaters, and the spooky, holiday season has us celebrating all month long. Now, there is one more reason to celebrate one of the best months of the year: Although National Reptile Awareness Day is Oct. 21, by a proclamation from Gov. Pete Ricketts, the entire month has been designated to …

I have a couple, three news releases I want to highlight.  These all deal with access to different fisheries and I know the news is making the rounds.  Yes, many of you already know about these.  But, I learned a long time ago that when a person thinks word has gotten around to everyone, it has not.  So, if you already know about these, just ignore me.  If not, this will affect some of your fall fishing: Calamus Reservoir boat …

I know many of you seize every opportunity to take someone fishing.  Most anglers like to find someone who has never fished before, or someone who has not fished in a while and take ’em!  It is almost as rewarding to watch someone like that catch fish as it is to catch them yourself.  In some cases, when someone catches their first fish, it is MORE rewarding. Unfortunately, we all know those guys who fish, maybe even fish a lot, …

If you know anything about muskie fishing, you know about the “figure 8” maneuvers at the end of the cast: Having a big muskie follow and then strike on the “figure 8” has to be one of the biggest thrills in fishing. But, it ain’t just muskies that hit on figure 8’s.  A few years back this video showed up on the interwebs; this time it was walleyes: Obviously, the walleyes in that waterbody were darned hungry.  As a matter …

I have blogged about oddly-colored fish before, Just Fish, Weird, Bonus Fish, Details!  There can be several different reasons for those oddities in nature. Some of you bass sticks may have seen this already.  I was recently made aware and am just getting around to blogging about it.  There is an effort underway to better understand some of these unusual colorations on black bass.  You can be part of it: If you want, here is the link:  Blotchy Bass Bonanza. …

Story and photos by Eric Fowler Wetlands in the Rainwater Basin provide premier habitat for ducks, geese, shorebirds and other species during the spring migration. While in this part of south-central Nebraska, the birds fatten up for the rest of their journey to breeding grounds in the north, whether it be in the Sandhills or the prairie potholes of the Upper Midwest and Canada. But that is only the case when the wetlands are wet. This spring, during severe drought, …

They have all sorts of names: Hedge Apples, Hedge Balls, Mock Oranges and others. You’ve probably seen them. But, what really are they? Spider/insect repellents? Hmmm … Dang, they are sure strange looking. What is this bright yellow to yellow-green, grapefruit-sized, brainy-looking fruit-like thing? Fruit? Well, this is actually fruit of the Osage orange tree, an inedible fruit to humans, I might add. Hedge apple, hedge ball or mock orange, in hand. Photo by Greg Wagner/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. …

Do not know if the football team is going to be any good this year or not.  Even if they are not, Nebraska is still a leader!  You may not have heard, we lead the world in sea-worthy gourds! Love the story!  Where else would someone attempt such a feat?  Where else would someone have a “cement pond” in the backyard for research and development? That has me thinking. . . . All these years I have been waiting to …

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Mountain lions, wolves, sharks and eagles, they have long been regarded as a few of the most stunning animals on Earth. As predators, they have inspired people by their strength, grace and ferocity, yet despite this fascination, predators have also been some of the most historically persecuted animals on the planet. They have been deemed villainous when they kill or injure livestock, threaten human safety, or cause economic damages. The motivation to remove predators …