Flora & Fauna

Nebraska’s spring wild turkey hunting is tough to beat. It really is. Trust me, I know from many years of firsthand experience hunting throughout the state! And, I continue to hunt wild turkeys in the springtime from the Missouri River bottom woodlands of Washington County all the way to Platte River bottom woodlands of Dawson County. We Nebraskans as well as our nonresident visitors have plenty of reasons,15 at least, to enjoy the state and take to the woods to call in a bearded bird this year. An adult …

As the saying goes “Roosted ain’t Roasted” but following this plan should tilt the opening days odds in your favor.  You’ve got the gobblers located and even know the spot you want to start your season from.  Let’s make sure things go smoothly from here. Pop the Blind Early If you will be working out of a ground blind for an early morning hunt get it set out and ready the day before. Ideally in the early afternoon.  This avoids …

We’ve come along way in bow hunting for spring gobblers.  Used to be you would hit the woods using the same methods as the shotgun hunters. Hoping you had enough camouflage or distraction that the gobbler would let you get to full at the moment of truth.  Your broadhead was simply whatever you used on deer last fall. Trouble is that deer and turkeys are quite different.  A broadhead that works well for securing venison steaks isn’t necessarily much good …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The public is encouraged to attend one of four upcoming informational meetings about mountain lions in Nebraska. The meetings are hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The meetings will include an overview of what the Commission knows about mountain lions in the state. Topics will include an update on research and details of the new mountain lion management plan. Staff then will receive feedback and answer questions. All meetings will be from 7 p.m. to …

An Interview with Jeff Kurrus, author of Can You Dance Like John? Article by Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley What was the inspiration behind the “crane books?” How did these stories develop? The first time I saw the sandhill cranes, there were a couple of things that stuck out. One was that there are 500,000 to 1 million of them on the Platte River each spring. Two, they all look alike. After doing a bit of research and finding out that they mate …

When I received the call from my co-worker, Justin Haag, about coming to the Panhandle to take photos of the bighorn sheep capture, I was more than ecstatic. I had always wanted to see how this process takes place and get close to the sheep. Along with that, who doesn’t want to travel to one of the most beautiful areas of Nebraska, the wildcat Hills and Pine Ridge. Not knowing what to expect, I went out to watch the crew …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Now is the time to start planning a Platte River trip to experience the annual sandhill crane migration. Large numbers of sandhill cranes and waterfowl have begun arriving in the state over the past few days with the recent mild weather. March marks the peak of the sandhill crane and waterfowl migration through Nebraska. Approximately 500,000 sandhill cranes stop to forage in the fertile lands along the Platte River and increase their weight for their continued northward …

The countdown to the start of Nebraska’s spring turkey season is on.  And what you do right now could ensure one of your most memorable springs, yet.  These simple prep items can help get that ol’longbeard strolling your way right off the roost on opening morning.  And they won’t take too much of your time. Road-Scouting You got to be where the gobblers are.  Quickest way to find them is using your ears early in the morning as they sound …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy the wonders of the spring bird migration from scenic Ponca State Park (SP) during Marsh Madness on March 3, 10 and 17. The park’s location adjacent to the Missouri River presents a significant flyway that serves as the feeding, breeding and staging ground for migratory birds. Ponca SP is listed as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, with nearly 300 bird species sighted and more than 70 of those breeding in the area. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn all aspects of spring turkey hunting at free workshops hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission across the state. The workshops are designed for individuals with limited experience who want to expand their knowledge of turkey hunting. Topics will include strategies, equipment, turkey biology and ways to increase a hunter’s confidence and success. With lots of birds, a long season and plentiful and affordable permits – including $8 permits for youth – Nebraska offers the …