Nebraskaland Magazine

Have been doing a number of projects on Interstate lakes to improve shoreline access.  Here is the latest: Tree removal begins Feb. 6 at Hershey WMA A tree-removal project at Hershey Wildlife Management Area, which will boost angler bank access and improve access for controlling invasive and noxious weeds, will begin Feb. 6. This project in Lincoln County will open the lake’s shoreline by mulching eastern redcedars, Russian olives, honey locust, and Siberian elm trees. The Nebraska Game and Parks …

One of my (Greg Wagner’s) preferred hunting knives to use which was custom made by knife maker John Mulcair of Weston, NE.  You’ll notice that John formed the handle of this knife with a couple materials from one of my memorable, successful Nebraska spring wild turkey hunts. Photo by Katie Stacey/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. There is no other piece of equipment or utensil needed to perform as many tasks, in as many ways, under as many conditions, as the …

If you love Nebraska’s natural and recreational resources, the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation is a perfect way to show your appreciation By Jeff Kurrus Core values. The Nebraska Game and Parks has many. Access. Opportunity. Stewardship. Providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, camping and outdoor education and recreation. They have an economic value of $3.8 billion in our state. These activities are the backbone of introducing Nebraskans, and visitors alike, to the outdoors and keeping them outdoors, and …

If you spend any time on the interwebs, you know there are certain questions and discussions that come up all the time.  Some mentioned so often that they become annoying: Sure, I realize folks are always looking for the hottest bite.  I also know that to experience that, you need to spend time on the water, not on the internet. By the time you hear about a hot bite. . . . You are too late. I do however spend …

A recent spurt of warm temperatures may decrease ice stability across Nebraska water bodies. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission warns anybody venturing onto the ice to be cautious and use the following safety tips: Never go out alone. Have a buddy. A minimum of 3 inches of clear, blue lake ice will support a single person. Use an ice chisel or spud bar to strike the ice and evaluate conditions as you venture out. Have a long throw rope …

Last Friday I blogged about it being time to walk on water.  I have been trying to practice that as much as possible.  Who knows how long our ice season is going to last? So far I have been able to practice a little heavy lifting too.  Oh sure, I have caught the customary complement of panfish, bluegills and crappies, even a redear, but have also showed a number of predator fish the top side of the ice. None of …

Winter offers favorable conditions for viewing stars. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist As winter envelopes Nebraska, it is a welcome escape to dream of the color orange. A brightly streaked sunset. Sunburst lichen on full display. Bright American bittersweet pods. Campfires burning into the night. The color orange is a beacon of warmth and light — a promise of warm days ahead. But instead of focusing on the future, let’s appreciate the present. Three years ago, at a cold …

I hesitate to post this on my blog because I do not have any new information.  On the other hand, I continue to hear lots of questions and a lot of misinformation about our sandhill lakes. . . . Yes, the winter of 2022-2023 was a hard one and we saw widespread winterkill on sandhill lakes.  We saw winterkill on lakes that have not had an event like that in a long, long time.  So, yes, there are some lakes …

You’re not into ice fishing, are you? I though so. I bet you wish there were some open-water fishing options? Guess what? You’re in luck, there are! Open-water fishing options exist in Nebraska during this – the coldest part of the year. These involve trout, coolwater streams and even an opportunity to work on completing your Trout Slam challenge. So, check conditions, pack the snacks and drinks, grab the neoprene waders and gloves, rig the rod and put gas in …

Been a while since I posted any fishing commercials for my Friday blog post.  Got one today: Do not care if it is a Scheel’s commercial or not.  “It’s time to walk on water”! YES! Hope you get to do some walking this weekend!  And maybe even a little heavy lifting!