Tag Archives: wildlife

The season for gratitude and reflection is upon us. Thanksgiving week is when we remind our families, friends and close associates how much they mean to us and express our sincere appreciation for what positive things we have been given in life. While you are considering what you are thankful for, don’t forget about Nebraska’s outdoor scene. During the nine days of the recent firearm deer hunting season here in Cornhusker State, I selected thirteen key elements to be very  …

By Brian Peterson and Greg Wagner. Brian Peterson is a wildlife biologist at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and coordinates the M.S Biology Online Program. His research focus is white-tailed deer antler metrics.  He is also an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast. In the outdoor space, there is a lot of information about deer shed or cast antlers. Knowing the science of them instead of the myths or misconceptions about them can increase your knowledge which may boost your …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept submissions for the 2022 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest through Jan. 1, 2023. With miles of winding rivers, wide-open vistas and wildlife from border to border, Nebraska is a photographer’s paradise. Each year, Nebraskaland Magazine celebrates the state’s beauty and recognizes the outstanding work of photographers across Nebraska during this annual photo contest. Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit photos in four categories: Wildlife — wild mammals, birds, …

Prescribed burns are planned this spring on many Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas, state parks and state recreation areas where weather allows. Historically, wildlife habitats were shaped by wildfires that occurred throughout the year. Burns can help set back undesirable plants that invade native woodlands and prairies, as well as other grass and wooded areas. Prescribed burning, if used with grazing, can set back smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, increase diversity in grasslands and improve habitat for …

I am one of you. I am among the thousands of you who hunt deer and turkey with archery equipment. I want you to join me once again in voluntarily participating Nebraska’s  Bowhunter Survey. Bowhunter survey? Hmmm … Another survey? Yes! So why should you, an archery deer hunter, consider maintaining a diary and counting free-ranging, wild deer and turkeys for us at Game and Parks? The answer: Because, like me, I know you passionately care about wildlife. Think about …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a webinar “Dude, Let’s Talk Animal Love” will explore the strange ways animals attract mates and how those animals may be celebrating the holiday this year. The free webinar, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 10. The virtual event is for adult audiences. Pre-registration is required through the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.org. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation …

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, in conjunction with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, is hosting a series of live virtual bird banding programs on Tuesdays through Oct. 6. The interactive program is perfect for all ages and will last from 9-10 a.m. CST (8-9 a.m. MST). Registration is required at bit.ly/VirtualBirdBanding. Program participants can expect to see live birds and learn from educators about the species captured, as well as about the process of bird banding. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed burns are planned in the upcoming months on some Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas if weather conditions allow. Burns during the summer and fall can help set back undesirable plants that invade native prairies and other grasslands. Eastern redcedar trees and undesirable deciduous shrubs have higher mortality during summer burns because of higher air temperatures and because they’ve expended much of their energy flowering and producing fruit. Green vegetation in summer and early …

The stuff one witnesses in the great outdoors never ceases to amaze. As of late, enter the story of the “rope buck.” During Nebraska’s 2019 muzzleloader deer hunting season in December, the neighboring landowner who lives to the south of our farm was in his stand watching for white-tailed deer. A buck emerged at a distance, he closely examined it with binoculars. It was a nice-sized white-tailed buck, but something was very odd about its antlers. As the buck moved …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s wildlife seems to have fared well overall in the wake of March’s blizzard and catastrophic flooding. While some individual animals likely died, some new habitat to benefit wildlife has been created. The full impact of the blizzard and flood, in many cases, won’t be known for some time. Upland Game – There likely were not many upland gamebird deaths because of the flooding, which occurred prior to the nesting season, as these birds are mobile and …