Filed under: Boating, Nebraska outdoor events, Rivers, Winter Travel | Tags: Polar Bear Tank Race, stock tank floating, tanking
Later this week, the Olympic Games begin in Canada, but I’ll bet they don’t have this event there – Polar Bear Tank Racing, ha! This is among the most unique of winter outdoor events in the world! And, get this, on Saturday, March 6th, you and your friends can take part in this hilariously fun, unusual outdoor competition on the scenic Middle Loup River near Mullen, Nebraska in the central Sandhills.
Teams of four to six people, with the required boating safety gear, will compete in a rally race aboard a cattle stock tank for approximately four miles. The race, which begins at 10 a.m. MST, is limited to 22 teams and only a few slots are left. Log on to http://sandhillsjourney.com for more information regarding the race, the stipulations and the chili cook-off the night before in nearby Thedford. The Polar Bear Tank Race is a fundraiser for the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, Nebraska Highway 2 between Grand Island and Alliance (One of my favorite stretches of road anywhere!).
Now, if I choose to enter a team in the race and we win, do we receive gold medals with chocolate in them or what? Hmmm … See you out there! Oh and special thanks to Twyla Witt of Thedford, NE for the fantastic photos!
Filed under: Deer, Hunting, Uncategorized | Tags: hunting for shed deer antlers, shed deer antlers
Don’t let the snow discourage you from venturing into your favorite woods to try to hunt for shed deer antlers! It’s early-mid February and this is when I am looking for an excuse to get some fresh air, take a winter hike on our farm, get the jump on the competition (my cousins, etc.) and look for shed deer antlers. It’s been a pretty tough winter so far and judging from our observations and trail camera photos, it appears that more whitetail bucks than normal have dropped their antlers already. There’s bound to be some sheds out there! One just needs to go very slowly and look closely around these areas where antlers can fall off, be jolted off or intentionally knocked off.
I like to start by finding main deer trails in woods and looking off of them where there are lower-hanging tree branches. Primary trails leading to feeding areas should not be overlooked either.
Deer bedding areas are excellent places to find shed antlers in the snow now, especially those on south slopes containing conifer trees.
I would definitely look for shed deer antlers along the edges of unharvested corn fields where trails and/or many deer tracks are present.
Fence crossings for deer such as this one below are great spots to look for shed deer antlers, as are creek crossings.
I hope this information assists you in your own shed deer antler hunts. Keep in mind that sheds can be found on into the time for harvesting morel mushrooms. A few reminders with regard to shed deer antler hunting in Nebraska: Have permission from the landowner, never go alone and take a plastic bucket with you to carry the antlers (for safety in case you fall).
Reasons to hunt for shed deer antlers:
*Shed deer antler hunting, even in the snow, is a wonderful family outdoor and bonding experience. It offers some exercise as well.
*Shed antlers provide a snapshot of some of the bucks that have more than likely survived the hunting seasons in the locale and are frequenting or living on your hunting property.
*Shed deer antlers found can be officially scored by the North American Shed Hunters Club (http://www.shedantlers.org) .
*Shed deer antlers are fun to collect and catalog each year, plus you can make crafty things out of them like picture holders, decorative lamp bases, knife handles, etc.
Happy hunting for your sheds! See you out there!
Filed under: Hunting, Waterfowl | Tags: Light Goose Conservation Action, Ross's Geese, Snow Geese, snow goose hunting video, Snow Goose Jerky Recipe
To get you waterfowlers pumped up for harvesting Light Geese (Snow and Ross’s Geese) in Nebraska this winter and spring during the Conservation Action, I have plucked (no pun intended) this video from the Nebraska Fish and Game Association’s website/online forum, at: http://www.Nefga.org (Thanks Ty S!)
Check it out! Here’s the link to the video:
The action opens tomorrow, on Saturday, February 6. Be sure you look over the special laws/regulations for harvesting light geese during the Conservation Action period at this link:
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/guides/waterfowl/waterfowl.asp
A lot of hunters I know go to this website to track light goose migration movements:
How about a good jerky recipe for your Snow and Ross’s Geese, huh? This is one I like to use:
LIGHT GOOSE JERKY
SNOW OR ROSS’S GOOSE breasts, cut in 1/4-inch strips, kosher salt
Place a layer of strips in to the bottom of a crock or glass container. Sprinkle the layer lightly with kosher salt only. Add another layer of strips, crosswise to the first layer. Sprinkle this layer lightly with kosher salt. Continue until all strips are used. Place in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning quickly wash each strip to remove the kosher salt. Place in dehydrator or smoker. Ensure that no strips touch each other. Dry meat until all strips are bone dry.
PARTING SHOTS: Apple chips add delightful flavour to the meat.
Source: John Corney, Cape May County, New Jersey. In: Snow Goose Cookbook by Arctic Goose Joint Venture.
In case you’re wondering , the reason for the Conservation Action: An overabundance of light goose populations that are damaging/threatening Arctic habitats.
Good hunting, be safe! See you out there!
Filed under: Nebraska outdoor events, Uncategorized | Tags: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, outdoor events for women, State Parks, winter activities
Nebraska Conservation Officer Dina Barta of Lincoln shares this note and the photos below from a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) event held recently at Platte River State Park near Louisville. Dina writes:
“BOW did a snowshoe event at Platte River State Park this weekend. We had instruction by Mike Johnson of http://www.worldwidetrekking.net during the afternoon and then we went out by full moon (as seen in the last pic). We discussed outdoor gear and had a delicious meal. We laughed a lot, had great conversation around the fire, and we stayed overnight in the cabins and then had another snowshoe hike the next morning! Tons of fun!”
Fore more information about Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events, log on to http://www.NebraskaBOW.com
Thanks a bunch Dina! See you out there everybody!
Filed under: Fish, Fishing, Uncategorized | Tags: blackened fish, cooking wild fish, fish recipes, freshwater drum
The Wagner family is looking forward to enjoying our Super Bowl party on Sunday in a huge way by serving up some blackened freshwater drum to our guests! Sound good? Oh yeah.
Hey, we caught a bunch of drum this past summer in the lower Elkhorn River near Waterloo (where they are abundant), filleted them and then froze them in water.
We’re New Orleans Saints fans, so what better food to provide to our guests at the party, than Cajun blackened drum fillets, eh?
Well, I thought I’d share the recipe with you that we tried last night on a trial run. Wow, was it good, I’m tellin’ ya’! Try it this spring or summer with the freshwater drum that you catch in Nebraska waters. Here it is:
BLACKENED DRUM
Freshwater Drum Fillets, 3/4 to 1-inch thick
Ingredients/Amounts:
1 tablespoon Paprika, 2 tablespoons Salt, 1 teaspoon Onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon White pepper, 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon Thyme, 1/2 teaspoon Oregano, 1 tablespoon Parsley
Directions:
Mix above dry ingredients in a bowl. Dip the drum fillets in melted sweet cream butter and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture, then drop into very hot cast iron skillet. Cooking time is only 3 – 4 minutes per side; thinner fillets require less time. A tablespoon of butter may be added to the skillet just before the seasoned fish to prevent sticking.
Source: Louisiana Conservationist.
See you out there, cheering on the Saints and putting freshwater drum on your stringers this spring and summer!
Filed under: Fish, Fishing | Tags: Carter Lake, fishing regulations, Omaha fishing, Omaha lakes
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources which jointly manage boundary waters, have relaxed fishing regulations at Carter Lake. This will allow anglers to more freely harvest fish before a planned renovation of the fishery in September 2010.
Anglers with a valid fishing license are now allowed to harvest fish of all species by hook and line only, rescinding the two pole restriction but maintaining the two hooks per line regulation and that all poles must remain attended. Furthermore, all size and bag limit restrictions have been temporarily lifted. Anglers are reminded that all harvested fish may not be sold, and that it is still illegal to transport live fish away from the lake. Liberalized fishing regulations for Carter Lake will remain in effect until the date of the planned renovation on or about September 30, 2010.
An economic study of Iowa’s lakes revealed that Carter Lake showed the greatest potential for return of investment incurred. And the fishery renovation is one part of an estimated six million dollar restoration project to improve the lake’s water quality. A community based watershed management plan has been developed and a public meeting was held to explain various aspects of the project. You can follow the project at www.carterlakewaterquality.com Implementation of other water quality improvement practices in the watershed and in the lake are currently underway.
The presence of common carp and bullheads has lead to dramatic reductions in both the numbers and the quality of all sport fish populations and are known to also negatively impact water quality when numerous. Bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish will be restocked following the renovation. Crappies and redear sunfish will be stocked when sufficient bass numbers are established. Fisheries biologists remind anglers that it is very important to never transport and release any fish species into water systems as they may unknowingly damage developing fish populations.
Common Carp
Black Bullhead
For more information contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Fisheries Office at 402-471-7651. Thank you for your consideration! Good fishing!
Filed under: Nebraska outdoor events, wildlife | Tags: Ground Hog Celebration in Unadilla, ground hogs, woodchucks
The Groundhog or Woodchuck (Marmota monax).
Tomorrow, February 2, 2010 is Groundhog Day (I know you’re thrilled, aren’t you?) . In any event, I thought that this would be a great opportunity to tell you a bit more about the Groundhog, or more properly named the Woodchuck, that is native to the eastern third of Nebraska and is plentiful in number.
Did you know the Groundhog Capitol of Nebraska is Unadilla? This small community, located on Highway 2 between Nebraska City and Lincoln, hosts a fun Groundhog Celebration on the first Saturday in February. Last year, I was the Grand Marshall of the Groundhog Celebration Parade in town! See the photo below.
Head Ground Hog Bob Brandt, his grandson and Parade Grand Marshall me - Greg Wagner of Game and Parks on 2-7-2009.
Find out more about this year’s Groundhog Celebration in Unadilla happening Saturday, February 6 by clicking here:
http://www.unadillanebraska.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=192&Itemid=126
Interestingly, the emergence of the Groundhog (or Woodchuck) from its hibernation burrow in early spring is the basis of the ‘Groundhog Day’ observance on February 2. The actual day of emergence varies with conditions and latitude; in the northern parts of the animal’s range (which includes Nebraska), it usually emerges in March. The mating seasons starts as soon as the critter emerges from hibernation.
An excellent source of biological information on the Groundhog/Woodchuck, and the sounds it makes, is here on the National Geographic website:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/groundhog.html
See you out there, watching and listening for Groundhogs!
Filed under: Birds, Uncategorized | Tags: Birds, Great Backyard Bird Count, Songbirds
A White-breasted Nuthatch in the Wagner backyard in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood in central Omaha.
Get ready to count birds! The Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada, takes place from February 12-15. The count matters! The information provided by amateur birders is very important and shows trends. It gives scientists indicators that certain bird species may be increasing or decreasing from year to year. The Great Backyard Bird Count is done in February to offer a snapshot on how birds are surviving the winter and where they are located just before spring migrations begin in March. For information on participating in the count, click on this link:
Here’s a link to a great website for wild bird identification:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1189
Join in the fun of this worthwhile outdoor endeavor and involve your kids or grandkids! The count will educate them on the natural world right outside their window!
See you out there, counting birds!
Filed under: Hunting, Landowners, Outdoor tips, Turkey | Tags: getting permission to hunt, spring wild turkey hunting
“GIL-OBBLE-obble-obble-obble!” I know what you’re thinking: It’s too early to talk about spring wild turkey hunting isn’t it? Actually, no it’s not! In fact, now is an ideal time to take a drive in the countryside, look for turkeys, visit with landowners and secure permission to hunt those longbeards this spring.
Here are some things that have worked for me when I’ve attempted to gain permission in winter to spring turkey hunt on private land:
- Dress in clean normal clothing, look presentable. Take youth along to be part of the experience!
- Carry homemade index cards with your personal information on them to hand to the landowner as well as proof that you’ve successfully completed a hunter education course.
- Offer a roll of venison summer sausage or a package of vension jerky to the landowner as gesture of kindness for taking the time to chat.
- When talking with the landowner, always be polite, be honest and most of all BE YOURSELF (don’t sugar coat things because Nebraska farmers and ranchers can smell “bull” from a mile away!)
- Try to not show up during mealtimes or church time.
- Try to show up after bad weather to see the landowner needs help with anything on his or her place.
- Volunteer to help a farmer or rancher fix fence, separate cattle, make repairs to buildings, split firewood, etc.
- Whether it is archery, youth or shotgun, be prepared to make a couple follow up contacts before your specific spring turkey season opens.
Chances are, you’ll be the first guy or gal knocking on doors asking for permission to spring turkey hunt in an area. Remember, if you knock on enough doors, someone will eventually allow you to set up for gobblers in the spring on his or her farm or ranch. Stay with it!
See you out there!
Filed under: Deer, Grouse, Hunting, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, Uncategorized | Tags: Fall hunting season openers, Nebraska fall hunting seasons
Applying for that precious vacation time there at work and need the opening dates to some popular fall hunting seasons that are day-specific and have been established already? Here they are for ya’:
*Grouse – Sept. 18 *Youth Pheasant, Quail & Partridge Two-Day Season – Oct. 23 & 24
*Pheasant, Quail & Partridge – Oct. 30
*Firearm Deer – Nov. 13
Additionally, here’s a complete rundown of what’s been set so far regarding 2010 nonmigratory game hunting season opening dates as well as permit application/purchase periods (note that there may be a delay in the issuance of statewide deer hunting permits):
Now, go and apply for that precious vacation time there at your workplace and remember to take a kid hunting!
My young son Noah shows off his first rooster pheasant!
See you out there!
