Nebraska is for the birds

The Cornhusker State is a well-known destination for upland bird, waterfowl and deer hunters. Lately, the buzz seems to be all about turkeys. Thanks to the work of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, NWTF volunteers and private landowners, the habitat for the wild turkey is optimal. Throw in a few years of great hatches and turkey populations are exploding across the state.

“There are many places in Nebraska that have seen significant increases of their local populations,” NWTF Biologist Brandon Houck explained. “There’s a lot of emphasis on upland bird habitat in Nebraska, which works very well for wild turkeys.”

Fortunately for hunters, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is eager to promote this newfound game resource for resident and non-resident hunters with generous bag limits and lengthy spring and fall seasons.

“Many Nebraskans have not grown up with the turkey hunting tradition, so it’s is still a novelty for many outdoorsmen and women.” Kirk Nelson, director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, stated. “The turkey population is at an all-time high. There is willingness for most landowners to allow turkey hunting. In fact, I can say that a resident/non-resident would seldom be turned down, if the they are willing to knock on doors, look them straight in the eye and ask.”

Despite the fact that upland and big game numbers were healthy, Nebraska had recognized that one problem for many outdoor enthusiasts, especially among urban and non-resident hunters was a lack of public access to quality recreation lands. The hunting community was rapidly changing. Hunting spots became more remote and access more limited. Absentee landowners made it difficult for hunters to ask permission to hunt, and landowner liability issues closed property for many hunters.

“In 2010, we started a two-year pilot program called Open Fields and Waters,” Nelson explained. “One of the goals is to stimulate interest in new and casual hunters and anglers, especially those in urban areas, creating more opportunities for quality outdoor experiences. At the same time, make it easy for landowners to open their properties to hunters.”

The NGPC worked with private landowners in the eastern portion of Nebraska, the Platte River Valley areas and especially near urban centers like Lincoln and Omaha to open quality public fishing and hunting land. Landowners are paid annually based on the quality of habitat and location. Quality areas near cities are paid higher than those further away. Landowners also are covered through the state’s recreational liability act to encourage enrollment and ease insurance issues. Currently there are more than 37,000 acres enrolled in the program, and the goal is set for 100,000 acres in the next two years.

“We wanted to make it accessible to the public and provide hunting and fishing opportunities close to where they live,” Nelson added. “This program is funded by hunters and anglers, through licenses and permits. If we create more hunters and anglers, we all stand to benefit as this will create more funds resulting in more opportunities for outdoorsmen and women.”

For more information on Nebraska's Open Fields and Waters program, go to outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/openaccess. They also provide an atlas showing where properties open to the public are located. To keep up with the latest in NWTF news in Nebraska, visit NWTF Biologist Brandon Houck’s blog.

Nebraska Gems

Southeast Nebraska is loaded with wild turkeys and upland game. On a recent trip to Beatrice in Gage County Neb., there were many turkeys, deer and pheasant among the agricultural fields that dominate that part of the state. Beatrice is home of the NWTF Turkey Always Chapter and the Nebraska Governor’s Pheasant Hunt. Dozens of Open Woods and Waters access sites are within a hour's drive of Beatrice, plus thousands of acres of private fields beckoning turkey hunters to knock on the owner’s door and ask nicely.

The Big Blue Ranch and Lodge is located a few minutes from Beatrice in the town of Burchard. This beautiful 2,000-acre ranch offers diverse opportunities for viewing and hunting abundant game that roam the ranch. Ranch workers see white-tailed deer and Merriam’s turkeys nearly every day. There are plenty of longbeards strutting around, and they can be easily heard from the lodge. Big Blue Ranch and Lodge offers a limited number of hunts for white-tailed deer and turkey each year.

Visit www.bigblueranch.com for more information on a great Nebraska hunting destination.