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Conservation

Burchard Update

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I hesitate to post this because after Oct. 15 the road to the boat ramp and around the reservoir is closed.  In addition, the latest word I heard this morning is there is still nothing happening yet.  But, we keep hearing that it is coming: Burchard Lake road improvement project to begin Oct. 17 A road repair project at Burchard Lake Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County is scheduled to begin Oct. 17. Access to roads, the campground and boat ramp …

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Paddlefish Snagging

A History of a Unique Fishery By Kirk Steffensen, Missouri River Program Manager Paddlefish are a group of ancient fish species with fossilized records dating back approximately 125 million years. They are one of the largest and longest-living freshwater fish species in the world, with a lifespan of 30-plus years, and are easily recognizable by their elongated rostrums — beaklike snout — and lack of scales. Filter feeders, paddlefish swim with their large mouths open and filter the microscopic plankton, …

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“Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner”

We just finished our fourth year of the Take ‘Em Fishing challenge.  That means it was time to hand out some prizes! Four anglers win grand prizes in Take ’em Fishing challenge There is nothing quite like a fishing trip with family or friends, especially if a newcomer is involved. Nebraska’s Take ’em Fishing program celebrates that and rewards those who make the effort to bring fishing into someone’s life. At the conclusion of Take ’em Fishing’s fourth year, grand …

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Road to Yankee Hill

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This news item will not affect many, but I want to spread the word anyway: Yankee Hill WMA access road project has begun A project to move the west entrance to Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area along Southwest 56th Street in Lancaster County has begun. The entrance to the road that leads to the boat ramp will be moved slightly north from its current location. It will connect with the old access road further inside the WMA. Access to the …

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A Trophy Deer is Truly in the Eye of the Beholder

The deer harvested by a hunter prompted celebration but other hunters on social media certainly did not think so. You see, it was a smaller, younger white-tailed buck. It was a beautiful animal and a great photo of the proud hunter and his deer. I was one of the initial people to “like” the post on Facebook. However, it did not take long for the naysayers to chastise and ridicule the individual for shooting a basket-racked buck. Seriously? A trophy …

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Roger the Storyteller

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The year 2022 has been a rough one–Nebraska has suffered the loss of some of its greatest storytellers.  Early this year I blogged about the passing of Dick Turpin and Larry Porter.  Now, unfortunately, the dean of Nebraska storytelling, Roger Welsch, passed a week ago. I have no personal stories about Roger to share with you.  Back in my college days at the University of Nebraska I tried several times to enroll in his folklore class.  I never did because …

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State Record Update, Fall 2022

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It has been quite a while since I gave an update on Nebraska state record fish.  The main reason for that is there has not been much activity.  There has been some however, so let me tell you about it. Rod & Reel The first was caught by rod & reel back in April.  I told you it had been a while.  The fish was a shorthead redhorse, a native species of sucker.  Adam Pavelka from Verdigre caught the fish.  …

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More Low Water News

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I know these news releases have been circulating for a few days.  I also know that it is fall and fishing activity is winding down.  However, if you are still fishing, or hoping to fish, on any of these waters, then this is news you need to know.  So, I am spreading the word again: Drawdown will affect boating access at three SRAs A planned drawdown of Lake Ogallala for infrastructure maintenance will affect boating access at three Nebraska state …

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Community Science for the Birds

By Alie Mayes, Community Science Education Specialist Are you a bird nerd? Maybe you like to casually watch birds visit your backyard feeder. Or perhaps you visit local green spaces in hopes of spotting some of your favorite feathered friends. Or maybe you have only recently started noticing the birds that you see every day. Whether you are new to bird watching or have been enjoying it for years, community science is a great way to level up your hobby …

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Sutherland Canal Salvage

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I really appreciate that this “hot topic” was thoroughly cussed and discussed on FaceBook this week.  Now, if anyone is still listening: Fish salvage not permitted on Sutherland Canal system — yet September 30, 2022 Fish salvage along the Sutherland Canal system near North Platte will not be permitted at this time due to potentially unsafe conditions while maintenance is performed on canal structures. Nebraska Public Power District is currently performing canal structure inspections and repairs between Lake Ogallala and …

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