Conservation

Going to be “outta the office” for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Nope, not going to be the usual holiday.  Nothing else has been “normal” this year, why would it be any different for Thanksgiving? However, one thing has NOT changed, and that is we have A LOT for which to be thankful!  Freedom, this beautiful state we call home, time spent outdoors, friends and family, health, food on the table, a roof over our heads.  Maybe we should all appreciate those …

I know many of you have already winterized the boats.  However, I also know that as long as we have liquid water, some will still be launching boats and fishing.  We have lots of folks that are using their boats for waterfowl hunting too.  You all should have made note of this news release at the end of last week: Trenton man injured in Swanson Reservoir boating accident LINCOLN, Neb. – A 46-year-old Trenton man was hospitalized with injuries following …

I have blogged several times about how everyone needs a good net man, and a good photographer.  Unfortunately, some never take their responsibilities seriously.  What you can do about that? Most of us could tell horror stories.  I can remember one nice walleye, the only walleye of the day, that got knocked off by my net man. It is even worse when you are netting your own! When it happens, and it will,  there will be mental and emotional anguish.  …

I spent a couple days drifting flies down a river this fall.  Mid-afternoon of the second day I had an epiphany.  It dawned on me that all I was really doing was something I had done probably since the first day I ever fished–watch a bobber. Sure, fly-anglers like to sophisticate-it up by calling them “floats”, or in this case a “hopper dropper”, but in practice, what I did was sit and watch for that ‘hopper to go under water.  …

I know some of my blog topics are of interest to a relatively small audience.  I also know that if you are one of those in that small audience it can be very important to you.  Consequently, I believe it is important to spread the word about some of these “little things”, because, well, I know often the word does not get spread. In this case, I am referring to the road leading to Burchard Reservoir in southeast Nebraska.  Burchard …

Tomorrow is the rifle deer opener.  A bunch of you will be in the field looking for the “turdy-pointer”.  Wear your hunter orange, use your safety harness, know what is behind your target, have fun and good luck! I love to hunt too, although you know I spend more time on the water.  The two pursuits are pretty much the same, especially if you are looking for big fish. I found some hunting quotes I like, 12 Inspirational Quotes All …

LINCOLN, Neb. — With the help of a $280,000 matching grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, working with partners, will be able to modernize wetland conservation resources for educators and the public. The three-year project is expected to result in a new online collection of educational materials, including fifth-grade curriculum and activity book; Platte Basin Timelapse short films and multimedia stories; a public-consumption Guide to Nebraska Wetlands; and an online wetland ESRI StoryMap. …

News release went out late last week: Boat ramp improvements completed at Swan Lake LINCOLN, Neb. – Boat ramp improvements at Swan Lake are complete, providing better angler access to this Holt County lake. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission improved the gravel boat ramp on the north side of the lake by placing articulated concrete mats over crushed rock to form a firm concrete bottom for boat access. While still a relatively shallow slope, the 60-foot-long by 16-foot-wide ramp …

You all know I like to keep my Friday blog posts on the light side.  Although I have not done it recently, from time to time I like to share a hunting or fishing tune. I know this one is not new, but hey, I am old and sometimes it takes me a while to catch up.  I kind of like it!  Tells a story, captures what we love about fishing!  And, I like the banjo! However, let me say …

My friend Steve Moseley recently “road along” with one of our field crews doing some of our annual fall, fisheries sampling.  Steve is a writer for the York News-Times and he wrote a great story about his experience.  For those of you interested in Nebraska fish and fishing, interested in the work done by pointy-headed fish biologists, you will enjoy Steve’s article.  Follow the link, take some time, read it!  Oh yeah, there are some pictures too! Game and Parks …