Nebraskaland Magazine

April Wildlife Viewing: For most of the year, prairie grouse are inconspicuous, but come mid-March through early May, male birds are ready to perform. By Olivia DaRugna, Watchable Wildlife Biologist The iconic greater prairie-chicken dances in Nebraska may only be second to the sandhill crane migration. Photos and art of the dancing chickens can be found on postcards, in shops and museums throughout the state, and it’s no surprise among those who have witnessed this natural phenomenon unfold before their …

A bull elk tag will be auctioned off by the Nebraska Big Game Society on May 4 in Lincoln. The 12th annual meeting and auction will be at Hillcrest Country Club, 9401 O St. Residents and nonresidents are eligible for the bull elk tag. The high bidder will receive a bull elk tag valid in any elk management unit during a 2023 open bull elk season; legal weapons for that season must be used. Additional items and outdoor experiences will …

No more 2023 Nebraska spring turkey permits are available to nonresidents. The quota of 10,000 permits has sold out. Permits were available for purchase by nonresidents beginning Jan. 9, 2023. The last permit of the quota was purchased March 24. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 2022 made several changes to turkey hunting orders at the August 2022 meeting in response to a declining turkey population across the state. Those changes start with the 2023 spring season and include: …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2023 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 17. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 17 and ends …

Spring turkey youth shotgun season opens April 8 and Hunter Nikolai, Nebraska hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, reminds hunters to always practice the four basic rules of firearm safety. Nebraska’s spring turkey archery season opened March 25, and the spring shotgun season opens April 15. All spring turkey seasons close at sunset on May 31. “Turkey hunting brings excitement and anticipation for many, but never let your emotions get in the way of a safe …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, Luke Meduna, big game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, discusses changes to the turkey hunting regulations. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Turkey Season Air Dates: March 31-April 7 Length: 3:00 Episode 263

I know many of you were able to “zoom” in on one or more of our regional fisheries meetings a couple of weeks ago.  I know that even more of you have already discovered the videos that were posted and watched them.  Still going to mention this however, because I learned a long time ago that just when you think everyone has heard about something, you find out that is far from the truth. So, if you have not had …

Join the fun and participate in the first Nebraska Birding Bowl. This free, statewide birding competition will take place throughout May, which is Nebraska Bird Month. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with partners Audubon Great Plains and the Wild Bird Habitat Store, are launching this event, which is an opportunity to get outside and contribute data toward bird conservation, for birders of all ages and experience levels. Participation – as an individual or team – is easy. Read …

By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist If wild kangaroos are on your bucket list of animals to see, why travel 17 hours on a plane when you could spot one right here in Nebraska? I’m serious. With long tails, pouches and large back feet, watch for these creatures leaping across the road while you’re driving down a two-lane road at night. Though, now might be the time to mention that these Nebraska kangaroos are only about 8 inches long — …

We are in the first portion of spring on the calendar. Green grass shoots are sprouting in my Omaha, NE yard. The days are getting longer. Water temperatures are warming. The time is now to get ready for some early spring fishing action! Emma Wagner-Nichols, your blogger’s daughter, caught this crappie in chilly, sunny weather in a private sandpit lake in Dodge County, NE. Photo courtesy of Emma Wagner-Nichols of Elkhorn, NE Have you put new line on your reels? …