Nebraskaland Magazine

Husband and wife team design and place 60 geocaches at Niobrara State Park. By Renae Blum Thanks to Liz and Gary Doerr of Creighton, guests at Niobrara State Park in northeastern Nebraska have new ways to enjoy their visit. The couple has designed and placed about 60 geocaches at the park, allowing visitors to use their GPS or phone to discover hidden treasures – containers of various shapes and sizes holding a logbook and, sometimes, small trinkets for trade. Geocaching …

We are a month into 2024 already.  Let me summarize the state record fish we had caught in Nebraska last year. One Last Entry Invariably, as soon as I post a state record update a new entry hits my desk.  Last fall was no exception.  My last update was in October and I posted a postscript to that update.  I had received news of a new state record right after that blog was posted.  At that time I teased that …

Animal group names provide clues to their social lives. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist From a “murder of crows” to a “rhumba of rattlesnakes,” the animal kingdom boasts a diversity of collective nouns to describe groups of animals. These imaginative descriptors not only enrich our understanding of Nebraska’s wildlife but also serve as linguistic snapshots that convey the essence of their social lives. Birds Names in the avian world reflect the unique social dynamics and behaviors of different bird …

Quick news item today.  Once again I know this is not going to impact many, but it will a few.  If you are one of those, you will want to know.  Also, this road closure could last for some time: Road to Guide Rock Diversion Dam WMA closed for construction The south access road at Guide Rock Diversion Dam Wildlife Management Area near Guide Rock in Webster County will be closed temporarily to vehicle access due to construction beginning Feb. …

This is the time of year when wild game meat has been accumulated in the freezers of hunters and the cook of the house is grabbing a bird or a meat cut destined for the kitchen. This is also the time of year when those new to cooking wild game are asking questions on how to prepare the game meat they have been given by a friend or relative. This is also the time of year when wild game feeds …

An Acreage Transformed Story and photos by Renae Blum When Sue Kirkpatrick bought her acreage in 2013, which is 3 miles east of Lincoln, she didn’t intend to become a native prairie hobbyist. After 30 years of living in neighborhoods with city ordinances, neighborhood covenants and manicured lawns, Kirkpatrick simply desired the freedom to do what she wanted in a more relaxed environment. But things changed after she signed up for the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program in 2014. The program …

I was accused of being grouchy this week.  Actually, another adjective was used, but I will not repeat it here. Is it any wonder? With some modifications, this meme pretty much nails it: Oh sure, I will transition to open-water fishing.  Gotta fish!  However, I know there is a lot of cold weather, cold water, and tough fishing to come before “spring” is really here.  Under those conditions, I can, and have, caught way more fish through a hole in …

While horns and antlers share some similarities, they are distinct forms of animal headgear. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist How many times have you heard someone say, “Wow, look at the horns on that deer”? Horns and antlers are not interchangeable. While they share some similarities, horns and antlers are distinct forms of animal headgear. Antlers Males in the Cervidae family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose and elk, are the only class of mammals to grow antlers. Exceptions: …

Have only fished the relatively new Flanagan Reservoir in NW Omaha a couple of times.  Have caught a grand total of four northern pike there so far. Two of them were tagged. Previously mentioned some details about the first of those tagged pike, On Ice, On Air.  Let me return to that subject today, tell you about the other tagged Flanagan pike, and explain a little more about the fisheries work going on there. Let me start all the way …

Starting in 1900, Carrie Nation became a household name for her fanatical opposition to alcohol. By David L. Bristow, History Nebraska Imagine that you are in a bar in the early 1900s — a glass of cold beer in your hand, a spittoon within easy spitting distance on the hardwood floor, and a racy painting of some unclothed beauty hanging on the wall. You turn at the sound of a woman’s voice singing hymns, and in walks a mature woman …