Spring turkey hunting is all about communication.  You make the sounds of a sexy hen and the interested toms gobble back.  Quite simply you are talking to that bird.  Now what you are saying and when you say it is the source of much discussion at turkey camp.  But what you use to make the talk of the turkey can be an important part of the hunt, too. Walk into the turkey call department of any sporting goods store and …

If I had to pick the perfect critter for introducing kids to the incredible pastime of hunting, it would be the wild turkey. They are interesting, challenging and so many of the activities associated with hunting turkeys fit right into a kid’s idea of a good time, like painting your face, hanging out in a fort (blind), saying silly words and making funny noises. I think it’s safe to say, turkeys are just plain fun! Kids love to repeat words …

Pretty sure I am not alone in this arena.  I think its a trait of many hunters, trappers and outdoor enthusiasts in general.  We have a curiosity to know just what is happening when we are not there.  We are driven by a deep desire to know what wildlife travel the same wild areas that we do. Now I can think of just two options that address this inquisitiveness.  The first, simply never leave.  (Ok, it’s not a great option.)  …

Did you know that the state of Nebraska appointed the honeybee (Apis mellifica) to be the official state insect in 1975? Though not native, these little guys do a lot for us Nebraskans. Honeybees produce beeswax, propolis (aka bee glue), bee pollen, royal jelly, and one of my absolute favorite commodities, HONEY! Honey, or liquid gold, as I like to call it, has endless uses. Spread it on your peanut butter toast, drink it with hot tea to soothe your …

Find ways to release the wild and empower your skills as an outdoors-woman this week as Julia Plugge, NGPC’s Outdoor Education Specialist, discusses building skills and breaking down barriers.  Plugge will have an insiders scoop on events and programs for adult women that are looking to expand their outdoor horizons.  From kayaking to trap shooting and fishing to wild edibles the great outdoors is ripe for the plucking by adventurous females. Nebraska Outdoors radio can be heard every Thursday evening …

Whenever the occasion arises, whether camping or in the backyard, I always light the fire pit for an outdoor treat.   The outside weather has never been a factor, anytime of year will do.   My family agrees a meal cooked over the campfire, grill or in the Dutch Oven, is simply irresistible. Skip the restaurant this year, and make your own Valentine’s Day dinner – in your backyard! This February 14, I will be preparing an Italian dinner, consisting of lasagna, …

Give the nation a snap shot of the birds living in your backyard this weekend as part of the 19th annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Dave Titterington from the Wild Bird Habitat Store will tell us how when he visits Nebraska Outdoors this Thursday evening.   We will also find out what our feather friends are up to this time of year and how you can attract them closer. Nebraska Outdoors radio can be heard every Thursday evening starting at …

With days getting longer Nebraska wildlife are getting ready for a very important part of the year right now.  The season of love is upon us all.  Jeff and Hershy invite Wildlife Education Specialist Lindsay Rogers to Nebraska Outdoors radio tonight (2/4) to give us the low down on what is taking place.  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, she may even have an idea or two about what you can do to attract yourself a sweetie, too. Nebraska …

Please consider me the proverbial town-herald, rather than an alarmist. But…The end is near! THE END IS NEAR!! January 31, draws nigh and with it comes the end of my beloved bird season.  And what a season it has been, too.  Last season (2014/15) I was pleasantly surprised with bird numbers.  This season (2015/16) I was shocked.  The birds bounced back. Yes-yes, I heard all the good news prior to heading to field this past fall, but data is just …

If you’re one of the lucky ones you are coming out of the holiday season with some cash cards, gift certificates and maybe even some ol’ fashion greenbacks.  Perhaps you already know exactly what you are going to spend this hard-won bounty on.  If so, stop reading right now – this article is not for you.  However, for the rest of us – surprise, surprise – I’ve got a few quick ideas. There are two methods of correctly spending gift cash.  …