Conservation

The Scaleshell Mussel If you spend time along Nebraska’s lakes and rivers, you are likely to come across the occasional large “clam” shell. These are examples of our state’s native freshwater mussels. It can be quite interesting to observe the unique shapes, sizes and colors of the 29 species found in our state, although a few of those are considered relicts, meaning only their shells, and not the living mollusk that would normally reside within, are detected. They have descriptive …

C-R-P, grassland conservation and early successional habitat. When those letters and words are brought up in a conversation, chances are the ring-necked pheasant will be mentioned in a sentence or two. Yes, CRP, grassland conservation and early successional habitat and pheasants all go together, but they also go with a lot of other wildlife. You see, our family farm is enrolled in the Unites States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Conservation Reserve Program or what is referred to as the CRP. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn the basics of safe, effective burning when Pheasants Forever and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission host prescribed burn training workshops across the state early in 2019. These workshops will provide guidance and instruction for completing safe and effective prescribed fires. Landowners, resource professionals, volunteer fire departments and other interested persons are invited to attend. No prior burn experience is required. Most workshops are scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Basic workshops will be held Jan. 17 …

We are coming to the end of 2018.  If you have been following my blog for awhile you might know that I celebrate the “New Year” when I walk on the ice for the first time.  My New Year starts when I drill a hole and catch a fish.  No, “New Year” may or may not correspond with the calendar, and it usually does not. I have not celebrated “New Year” at this time, and I ain’t happy about it!  …

My biggest pet peeve about ice fishing is not having safe ice! That is where I have been so far this winter.  I still have faith that we will spend at least some time fishing through holes this winter, and when we do, I am betting you can relate to one or more of these, Top 30 Ice Fishing Pet Peeves. Some of those are so true, some not so much, some funny, some not at all.  Unfortunately, I definitely …

Heading out the door for the holidays.  I will be “in” and “out” over the next couple of weeks, but mostly “out”.  Hopefully I can get on the ice sometime during that period, but we will see.  If not, I will see what other adventures I can find.  Stay tuned! Happy Holidays!

Stinkin’ weather. Yes, I am getting to the point that I am becoming grumpy.  No, it is not because of how long the winter has become, it is because it hasn’t been cold enough for me to be on the ice yet!!!!   GGGGGrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!! So, I have been entertaining myself with as many ice-fishing videos as I can find.  This one is from a couple years ago, but it is very entertaining and there is a thing or two you might …

My lighthearted blog post last Friday was about catching largemouth bass through the ice.  Some of  us “northern” boys really know how that is done, and in fact the bite for largemouth bass through the ice can at times be very good and is a lot of fun. I know our ice conditions in some parts of Nebraska are very much “iffy” right now, and let’s just say if you are getting on the ice, you better be very careful …

It’s Friday, time to lighten up.  I found this video, one of Fat Cat Newton’s, it was shot at the beginning of last year’s ice season, but the tips here will help going into this season. Yes, there was more to that video, if you want to see the rest of it, and more like it, if you want to waste some time this weekend, Fat Cat Newton. I watched that video and immediately thought of an interview I did …

The ice fishing season is just getting started in Nebraska; in fact some waters are NOT safe yet, but without a doubt anglers are hitting the ice where they can throughout the state.  I love to ice fish as much or more as the next guy and there are lots of reasons for that.  I absolutely understand that some fried fish are definitely part of the ice-fishing experience, and may it always be so!  Fresh fish caught from local waters …