Nebraskaland Magazine

Going to return to the subject of hybrid fish again today.  I already have blogged about several hybrids of the sunfish family, Lepomid sunfishes, and crappies.  Going to move on to another family of fish, the perch family, and a common hybrid. There is no doubt that walleye are one of the most popular sportfish in this part of the country.  Surveys of Nebraska anglers have consistently shown that walleyes are the fish they most prefer.  Walleyes are a fine …

The holiday season is upon us and the arrival of 2024 is just around the bend. The holiday period with the new year beckoning gives us a segue to pause and reset, recharge and re-focus our energies. In all sincerity, this season coupled with the new year allows us to curb our bad habits, improve ourselves, change our outlook on life to a positive one and see how we can make a difference. As avid outdoors-persons, this time of year …

Story and photos by Jeff Kurrus It’s easy to become entranced with these gigantic birds, their honks seemingly daring you to take the plunge into the deep water that is Canada goose hunting. But before you do, I’m going to encourage you not to. Find something, anything else, to do with your time. You’ll thank me for it. Just What I Needed First, you don’t have enough decoys. Well, maybe you do. But you probably don’t. In the beginning of …

‘Tis the season.  Over the coming days I will be outta the office a lot more than I am in.  Oh, I will turn on the computer long enough to post a blog or two.  Otherwise, I will try to spend as much time on the water or in the field as possible, probably with family. Right now it is time to leave the customary holiday greetings. Got a Christmas card to share with you: Did not say it was …

Trumpeter swans are one of North America’s greatest conservation success stories. By Olivia DaRugna, Wildlife Diversity Biologist Trumpeter swans are among the largest and heaviest of native waterfowl in North America, weighing about 25 pounds and standing close to 4 feet. Their large size makes getting airborne quite the achievement. Similar to an airplane, swans need a large, open space where they can gain enough speed, running to take flight using their long wings and shallow, rapid wingbeats to slowly …

The survival instincts of animals kick into high gear in the winter. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist As winter blankets the landscape with frost and snow, the survival instincts of wildlife kick into high gear. In this season of scarcity, the availability of quality habitats becomes crucial for the well-being and sustenance of various species. From birds and mammals to insects and aquatic life, each organism seeks refuge in habitats that provide warmth, food and protection from the elements. …

Have not given an update on Trout Slam recipients since this spring.  Admittedly, a big reason I have not done that is because there were very few entries most of this year.  Then we stocked cutthroat trout again this fall, and the entries started pouring in! Entries have slowed down again now, so let me summarize what we have had come in. . . . Trout Slam certificates and pins will be in the mail for 28 Trout Slams that …

The bighorn sheep pre-rut provides an incredible show on Nebraska’s wildlife scene. By Justin Haag Nebraska’s Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and their amazing climbing capabilities are enjoyable to watch throughout the year, but there’s arguably no greater show than when they put their heavy headwear to use during fall. It’s the headwear, after all, that gives the species its name. With a spread that can reach almost 3 feet wide, the horns on a mature ram can weigh …

I know the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery bicentennial celebration was several years ago now.  Makes no difference, my family and I still enjoy dropping in on the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center.  That beautiful facility overlooks the Missouri River just outside Nebraska City. We spent an afternoon there again recently with family that was in town.  We did not frequent the hiking trails nor any of the outdoor exhibits this trip.  There was plenty to see and learn …

I treasure my time spent alone in nature or in a rural setting, especially this time of year in Nebraska. If I don’t get some alone time in the great outdoors, I end up getting a little restless, grumpy and cabin fever-like (just ask my wife, Polly). Alone time is essential with the hustle and bustle of the season and all that is happening in this world. Sure, it is safer and more fun to share your outdoor adventures with …