Nebraskaland Magazine

Tersh Kepler of Omaha, NE, one of the Midwest’s foremost morel mushroom hunting experts, is hoping for two things these early spring days: More what he calls “liquid gold” and warm rays from BOB in the sky. The “liquid gold” would be more measurable precipitation in the form of rain and the warm rays from BOB would be the heat provided by the big orange ball in the sky, the sun. Kepler says the conditions have been very windy and …

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist If you’ve ever seen large, wobbly-looking black birds flying overhead, congratulations! You were witnessing one of Nebraska’s most efficient cleaning companies at work: Not “buzzard,” not “chicken hawk” — but the turkey vulture. Identification When describing the physical appearance of a turkey vulture, you probably wouldn’t call them “beautiful.” These birds are easily recognizable by their large size, black-brown plumage and yellow feet. And you couldn’t forget their naked — some would say creepy-looking …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. The topic of this program is rainbow trout. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Rainbow Trout Air Dates: April 7-14 Length: 3:00 Episode 264

Short notice on this, so I am going to post it ASAP.  I have a news release I want to publicize today: Standing Bear Lake to be chemically renovated Standing Bear Lake in Omaha will be chemically renovated April 11, weather pending, to remove the remaining fish population as part of an ongoing Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project. Public access to the area will be limited the day of application and all entrance roads will be closed during the application process. …

Standing Bear Lake in Omaha will be chemically renovated April 11, weather pending, to remove the remaining fish population as part of an ongoing Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project. Public access to the area will be limited the day of application and all entrance roads will be closed during the application process. In addition to the chemical treatment aimed at eliminating common carp and yellow bass, the Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Project, funded in part by anglers’ fishing permits and accompanying Aquatic …

People planning to launch boats in Nebraska this spring should beware of low-water conditions across the state. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission advises boaters to be patient and cautious when launching and loading a boat. “We are hoping not to have to close ramps,” said Zach Horstman, Game and Parks’ boating access coordinator. “While many of our ramps have been designed or extended to counter these low water conditions, the recent drought conditions still warrant users to be cautious …

Prescribed burns are taking place this spring on some Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas, state parks and state recreation areas where weather conditions allow. Burning allows habitat managers to positively impact more acres. Burns will be conducted this spring, and those not completed will be attempted this summer or fall as weather conditions allow. Burned acres often become more attractive to wildlife species, and for some species, the effect is immediate. The long-term effects on wildlife habitat …

Drone operators should be aware of wildlife laws pertaining to their use in Nebraska, including restrictions on Nebraska Game and Parks’ properties. State law and the federal Airborne Hunting Act prohibit the use of aircraft, including drones – or recreational unmanned aircraft – to harass birds, fish, or any other animal. Drones never should be used to flush, chase or harass any wildlife, including large flocks of migrating birds, such as sandhill and whooping cranes, and Canada or snow geese. …

The calendar says it is April.  Must be spring? Right.  For the first time in my life, there have been folks ice fishing in Nebraska in April!  No, I was not out west where I could still get on the ice, but I know for a fact that there are some who have been! Many are feeling like this: There are parts of the state getting piles of snow, again, and blizzard conditions, as I write this. Eventually the weather …

Spend a fun day outside learning a new skill at the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo on May 13. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area will host the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is a full day of hands-on outdoor activities for all ages and experience levels. Volunteers and experts will provide instruction so participants can try activities new to them and possibly use newly learned skills to become more active in the outdoors. Activities …